17 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms, Belly, Baby Development, Foods to Eat and Tips
17th Week Pregnancy Highlights
Baby’s Thin Skin
Your baby still has very thin skin that can make blood vessels easily visible. The baby fat will soon start developing to plump up your baby.
Sleep On The Sides!
It is advisable to avoid sleeping on your back since the growing uterus tends to compress the major blood vessels that supply blood to your baby. Sleep on your sides instead.
Pregnancy Milestone
At week 17, you’re in the last leg of the fourth month
weight (g)
140 g
Length (cm)
13 cm
Approximate size
Pear
How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby has become unique with the formation of fingerprints in his/her tiny fingers. Adipose tissue that contributes to body fat starts developing this week, which will regulate the baby’s temperature. Now your baby can yawn, stretch, make facial expressions and listen to loud noises which may even startle your little sweet pea.
Baby’s Length: 13 cm
Baby’s Weight: 140 g
Mother’s Changing Body:
What to Expect
Sailing through the fifth month can be quite smooth as the week 17 symptoms are less upsetting.
This week, your pregnant belly grows and pushes the intestine and other internal organs up and outwards to provide space for the uterus and the baby.
You may feel a bit more energetic in the second trimester and experience an increased appetite.
17th Week Pregnancy Symptoms
Increased Body Heat
You may feel hot even if the room temperature is normal due to the extra blood supply in the body.
Increased Appetite
At this stage, you may experience increased appetite which is a healthy sign that your baby needs nutrition.
Sound Sleep
Some women may develop snoring, partly due to the growing belly and partly due to change in sleep position.
Unsteadiness
As the growing belly shifts your center of gravity, it could leave you feeling dizzy and lightheaded. So take extra care during fitness sessions. Wear flat footwear as heels can make you fall during your bouts of unsteadiness.
Pregnancy Tips for Week 17
- You can use nasal strips or elevated pillows to avoid snoring and if they don’t help, just let it go; after all it is a pregnancy symptom. If your husband feels uncomfortable, give him a couple of ear buds.
- Eat more vegetables and fruits along with high fiber grains, nuts and milk. This will satisfy your increased appetite and keep a check on your weight gain.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating as it will aggravate your heartburn and gas.
