In the week 17, your baby is
the size of a Avocado
Your baby is growing rapidly, and you may start noticing visible changes in your body. Learn about key developments, baby growth, and helpful pregnancy tips.
You're now 17 weeks pregnant, and the second trimester is in full swing. By this point, you might be feeling more confident and comfortable with your pregnancy. With noticeable physical changes and the excitement of feeling your baby move, this week brings new developments both for you and your little one.
Let’s dive into what's happening to your body and your baby during Week 17.
Week 17 brings renewed energy and unique changes! Learn about managing round ligament pain, nasal congestion, appetite shifts, and other pregnancy symptoms.
Round Ligament Pain
You may still experience round ligament pain as your uterus expands. The discomfort can be sharp or dull and is often felt in the lower abdomen or sides. Light stretching and resting in a comfortable position can help ease the pain.
Nasal Congestion
Hormonal changes cause nasal congestion, which can make your nose feel stuffy or runny. Staying hydrated, using a saline spray, and keeping your environment humid can help relieve the symptoms.
Visible Veins
With increased blood flow, veins may become more visible, especially on your legs, abdomen, and breasts. This is entirely normal and will ease as your body adjusts to changes in pregnancy.
Appetite Changes
Many women feel hungrier at this stage of pregnancy. As your body adjusts, you may start craving specific foods. Focus on balanced meals, healthy weight gain and nutritious options that nourish you and your baby.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Swollen, bleeding gums during pregnancy are common in the second trimester due to hormonal changes causing pregnancy gingivitis. Rarely, a gum swelling called a pregnancy granuloma may develop and resolve after birth. You can consult your dentist for personalised tips and guidance.
At week 17, your baby is growing rapidly, with developing organs, defined features, and increasing movements like kicks and turns. A milestone week indeed
Organ Development
By 17 weeks, your baby's heart is pumping blood efficiently, while the liver filters waste and tiny kidneys produce urine. Their brain continues to develop, forming stronger connections for motor skills. Your baby can now open and close their mouth, and their milk teeth begin forming within the jaw. Remarkably, they already have unique fingerprints and a firm hand grip.
Physical Features
Your baby’s features are becoming more defined. Ears are in their final position, eyes are moving, hair is growing, and eyebrows have formed. The head is now more proportional compared to the body.
Weight of the Foetus
At 17 weeks, your baby measures around 12-13 cm long and weighs about 150 grams. This is a time of rapid growth as your baby prepares for the weeks ahead.
Movement of the Baby
Your baby is becoming increasingly active. They practise more complex movements, such as stretching, kicking, and turning. Some women may feel these movements, known as “quickening”, for the first time this week.
At 17 weeks, your baby listens to your heartbeat and voice. Keep sharing love and positivity—it nurtures the little life within.
Week 17 brings noticeable changes to your body. Your breasts prepare for breastfeeding, your hair and nails may grow faster, & your uterus expands as your baby continues to grow.
Breasts
Your breasts continue to prepare for breastfeeding. They may feel fuller and more sensitive, and the areolas may darken further. You might notice tiny bumps around the areola called Montgomery glands, which help to keep the skin moisturised.
Hair, Skin, and Nails
You may find that your hair is growing thicker and shinier as pregnancy hormones slow down hair loss. Your nails may also grow faster and become more brittle. You might notice skin changes like a darker line running down your belly (linea nigra) or patches of darker skin on your face (melasma).
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
As your pregnancy progresses, your body adjusts to the increased oxygen and circulation demand. You may experience mild shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. Your heart rate is also slightly faster to keep up with the increased blood volume.
Vaginal Discharge
It’s normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, and week 17 is no exception. The discharge should be thin, milky, and odourless. It helps protect against infections.
Uterus Size and Position
By now, your uterus has grown enough to be about the size of an orange. The uterus is shifting further up, giving you more space and reducing pressure on your bladder. However, you may experience lower back pain or discomfort as your uterus expands.
Dental hygiene
Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.
Preterm signs
If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials
Doctor check-in
If your contractions are 10 minutes apart, intensify, or cause pain, call your doctor
Labour signs
Track the interval between each contraction in an hour to understand labour progression.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Week 17 sees ongoing monitoring of both your health & your baby’s development. Your antenatal visits will continue, and you may have a few important tests or scans scheduled.
Routine Check-Up
At 17 weeks, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure, monitor weight gain, listen to the baby’s heartbeat, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Ultrasound Scan
If your monthly prenatal visit is due, schedule it this week. While routine ultrasounds are not typically performed at 17 weeks, your doctor may recommend one to assess your baby’s growth, development, amniotic fluid levels, and blood flow patterns.
Additionally, a fetal echocardiogram, which provides a detailed evaluation of the baby’s heart, may be performed if medically indicated or if there are suspected heart-related concerns.
Quadruple Test
Based on your pregnancy's risk factors, your doctor may offer the quadruple test. This blood test measures four proteins—AFP, hCG, estriol, and inhibin-A—to assess the likelihood of conditions such as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, or abdominal wall abnormalities. It is not a routine test and is only performed if medically indicated.
Urine Test
Routine urine tests may be performed to check for protein, sugar, or signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These tests help monitor how your body is adapting to changes in pregnancy.
Amniocentesis
This prenatal test is usually done between 15 - 18 weeks to check for chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects. It may be recommended if earlier tests show abnormal results or if there’s a family history of neural tube defects. This test carries a slight risk of miscarriage and hence is only done if medically necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Expect to feel more energetic, but you may still experience round ligament pain, nasal congestion, and changes in your hair, skin, and nails. Your appetite may increase as well.
Yes, some women begin to feel the first gentle movements, often described as flutters or bubbles. These movements are called “quickening” and are usually felt by most women between Weeks 16 and 20.
Your baby is about the size of a radish, measuring 12-13 cm long and weighing around 140 grams.
Yes, increased vaginal discharge is normal and helps prevent infections. It should be thin, milky, and odourless. If you notice an unusual colour, smell, or itching, contact your doctor.
Most women start to show a small bump by week 17, but the size and visibility of your bump can vary depending on factors like body type and whether this is your first pregnancy.
Yes, headaches can still occur due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If headaches are severe, consult your doctor.
Routine check-ups may include a blood pressure check, weight measurement, and listening to your baby’s heartbeat. You may also have optional blood tests like the quadruple test to screen for chromosomal conditions.
Yes, regular, moderate exercise is encouraged. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent ways to stay healthy and prepare for the physical demands of labour.
