Your baby at 17 weeks
Your baby is the size of a pear during 17th week of pregnancy.
Growth spurt
This week, your little one is really starting to put on weight. The fat, also called adipose tissue, helps to keep your baby warm and is important for metabolism since it's a great source of energy. Your baby might measure up to 17.3 cm (6.8 inches) and weighs nearly 142 g (5 oz) when you are 17 weeks pregnant.
Good reactions
Your little one has been working on two basic reflexes for a few weeks: sucking and swallowing. By the time baby is born, he or she will have nearly all the same reflexes that you do.
Girl or boy?
If you're going to have a girl, a special set of tissues is developing into the uterus and vagina. If a boy is in your future, these same tissues have started along a different path: the penis has formed and the prostate is beginning to take shape. The newly formed testosterone-secreting cells are key in these developments.
Your pregnancy at 17 weeks
Wardrobe S.O.S
Gone are the shapeless shifts and clunky footwear: mums-to-be can stock up on fashionable, high-quality maternity clothes. Wearing them may be your first public announcement that you're pregnant, so enjoy the attention!
A word about amnio
If you’re required to undergo amniocentesis, you'll probably have it soon: most doctors perform the test before the 18th week of pregnancy. “Amnio” is the single most accurate method of identifying many birth defects, but it's not a test that every expectant mum should have. It is usually offered to pregnant women over the age of 35, as they are at a higher risk for having a baby with a genetic disorder like Down's syndrome. It may also be a logical next step if your AFP test was positive. Speak to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons.
A pain in the...
Hemorrhoids are essentially veins in the rectum that have become over-dilated due to increased blood volume and flow in the pelvic area. If you're prone to varicose veins or if you had hemorrhoids during a previous pregnancy, you're likely to get them again. The best prevention strategy? A high-fibre diet, plenty of water and regular exercise.
Twin development at week 17
Your doctor will track the growth of your twins throughout your pregnancy. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which one or more babies measure behind for their gestational age. Twins are at a higher risk for developing IUGR, but it’s also linked to chromosomal abnormalities, problems with the placenta, and other maternal issues.
If your doctor thinks your twins may have IUGR, they may monitor you closely using ultrasound. Treatment includes bed rest and even early delivery in some cases.
17 weeks pregnant symptoms
- heartburn
- indigestion
- nausea
- gas and constipation
- skin pigmentation
- sciatic nerve pain
Quick tip for moms
- Stick to flats or low-heeled shoes.
- Start thinking about baby names.
- Schedule a prenatal massage.
17 Weeks Pregnant: Watch Your Baby's Development
Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during 18th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.
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