By 17 weeks pregnant, you're well into your second trimester. Before you know it, you'll be a new parent! This is a very exciting time for you, and one that's probably brought lots of questions and maybe a few concerns. We've got all the info you need about being 17 weeks pregnant, so don't waste any time and dive right in!
Key Points
- You may begin to feel your baby move at this stage! If you don't, however, don't be concerned. Some babies won't start moving until later in your pregnancy.
- Your breasts may become especially sore during this stage. Make sure you're wearing appropriate bras to give your breasts enough support.
- Your baby now weighs about four ounces, and is between four and a half and just under five inches long.
Body Changes at 17 Weeks Pregnant
At 17 weeks pregnant, you may begin to feel your baby move. His or her muscles are now being used. Your uterus is about 1½ to 2 inches below your belly button.
Your breasts may be getting noticeably larger with visible veins. Hormones are preparing your breasts for milk production; more blood is flowing to your breasts, and the glands that produce milk are growing.
Make sure you wear bras with enough support throughout your entire pregnancy. As your baby is growing, your appetite may be also. You've probably gained about ten pounds by now and your belly is starting to protrude.
You may start to notice signs of your baby moving. This may feel like a bubbling, fluttering, or rolling sensation. Every pregnancy is different, however, so don't be concerned if you haven't started feeling movement yet. Constipation, headaches, nosebleeds, leg cramps, and swollen hands and feet are other symptoms you may experience at this stage.
Your Baby's Growth and Development at 17 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is now 4.4 to 4.8 inches long and weighs about four ounces.
The placenta is growing to accommodate your baby's needs . It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby's developing body.
Other developments with your baby at 17 weeks include developing reflexes that will enable your baby to swallow, blink and suck. The circulatory and urinary systems are working. Lanugo (a soft, fine hair) covers your baby's shoulders, back, and temples.
Things You Should Do At 17 Weeks Pregnant
At 17 weeks pregnant, there are some things that you want to do, if you haven't done them already. You'll also want to continue doing some of the things you've already been doing, to ensure both you and your baby remain as healthy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, always speak to a qualified medical professional.
Start thinking about where you'd like to give birth. You're almost halfway through your pregnancy, so now is a great time to start thinking about the birth. Would you prefer a hospital, or do you want to try a homebirth? There are pros and cons to each location you can give birth at. Most women choose to give birth at a hospital, but you may have a different preference. Share your decision with your doctor so you can discuss any necessary preparations you'll need to make.
Tell your employer. If you haven't told your employer yet about your pregnancy, you really need to. Informing your employer about your pregnancy will give you certain legal protections, and will ensure that they have ample time to prepare for your maternity leave. It might be tempting to keep your pregnancy from your employer in certain circumstances, but you will have to tell them eventually. Might as well get it over with!
Continue avoiding alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and caffeine. All of these substances pose a risk to your baby. They can cause severe developmental complications and even death. If you are struggling to avoid using these substances during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. They can offer resources to help you deal with these struggles.
Guard your health. Your immune system is compromised right now. For the safety of both you and your baby, you need to be more cautious than normal. Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds. Carry hand sanitizer to use before eating or after leaving a public place. Stay away from areas known to have Zika virus. Make sure you're up-to-date with all vaccinations, and avoid anyone who you suspect may have chickenpox or rubella.
Talk to your doctor about pregnancy vitamins. If you haven't had this chat with your doctor already, then now is a great time to. You may not need any vitamins if your diet and lifestyle is sufficient, but it's best to chat with your doctor about it anyways. Don't start taking any vitamins before consulting your doctor. It's easier than you might think to overdose on vitamins, which can have negative consequences for you and your baby.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Everything you need to know about being 17 weeks pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you talk to a medical professional. We have a lot of other articles on our site covering pregnancy, childbirth, and life with a newborn, so make sure you check those out. Being pregnant can often feel overwhelming, but with the right information you'll be good to go! Don't be afraid to ask questions and express concerns, and always put you and your baby first.
The information in this article should not be taken as professional medical or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor for any medical questions or concerns. Always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for any legal questions or concerns. Moms Who Think is not responsible for any outcomes that may arise as a result of actions taken based on information we provide. It is your responsibility to do your own research and to take the appropriate measures to protect your health. It is also your responsibility to do your own research regarding legal matters.