• Increased Energy: By week 17, the fatigue from earlier weeks should be largely gone, leaving you feeling more like yourself again. You might also be able to enjoy daily activities with more vigour.
• Round Ligament Pain: You may still experience some round ligament pain as your uterus continues to expand. The discomfort can be sharp or dull, 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 are still causing 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 completely 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 with healthy and nutritional meal options that keep both you and your baby well-nourished.

Baby’s Growth in the Womb

• Organ Development: By 17 weeks, the heart is pumping blood more efficiently, and the liver is working hard to filter waste. Tiny kidneys are also producing urine, and your baby’s brain is becoming more sophisticated, forming better connections for motor skills.
• Physical Features: Your baby’s features are becoming more defined. Ears are in their final position, eyes are moving, hair is growing, and eyebrows may form. Their body is now more proportional.
• Weight of the Foetus: At 17 weeks, your baby measures around 12-13 cm long and weighs about 140 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 are practising more complex movements, such as stretching, kicking, and turning. Some women may feel these movements, known as “quickening”, for the first time this week. 
   

Physiological Changes During Week 17 of Pregnancy

• 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, although they can sometimes 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 is adjusting to the increased demand for oxygen and blood circulation. 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.
• Placenta Position: The placenta continues to grow and become fully functional. By week 17, it is efficiently providing oxygen and nutrients to your baby and removing waste.

• Routine Check-Up

  During your week 17 visit, your doctor will check your blood pressure, monitor your weight gain, and conduct routine urine tests to check for infections and kidney function

• Ultrasound Scan

  Although a routine ultrasound is not typically scheduled at week 17, some women may have an ultrasound if their doctor deems it necessary. This could be to monitor the baby’s growth, check the position of the placenta, or investigate any concerns.

• Checking for Anaemia

  You may have a blood test to check your iron levels. Anaemia is common during pregnancy, so ensuring your iron levels are adequate is important for your health and your baby’s development.

• Planning the 20-Week Anomaly Scan