Source: bing.comTable of Contents
What’s Happening at 17 Weeks?
Congratulations! You’ve reached 17 weeks of pregnancy, and your little one is growing at a rapid pace. At this point, your baby is the size of a pomegranate and weighs around 5 ounces. The ears are now in their final position, and your baby can hear your voice and other sounds. The eyes are slowly moving towards the front, improving your baby’s sense of depth perception. The placenta is now functioning properly, providing oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
Baby’s Development at 17 Weeks
Your baby is developing unique features every day. The bones are becoming harder, and the muscles are getting stronger, allowing your baby to move more swiftly. The skin is still transparent, but it will start to thicken and become more opaque in the coming weeks. The intestines, liver, and spleen are producing blood cells now, relieving the burden on the bone marrow. Your baby’s growth spurt will continue at a rapid pace, and you’ll start feeling more and more kicks and movements.
Mom’s Physical Changes at 17 Weeks
Your uterus is now the size of a watermelon, and you may start feeling some aches and pains. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds due to the increased blood flow in your body. Your breasts may feel more tender and heavy, and you may notice some leakage of colostrum, the first milk produced by your body. You may also experience some constipation and heartburn due to the shifting of the organs.
Things to Consider at 17 Weeks Pregnant
It’s essential to stay hydrated during pregnancy, as it prevents constipation and dehydration. Drinking enough water can also reduce the risk of preterm labor and urinary tract infections. You should also start considering healthy eating habits and taking prenatal vitamins to ensure the proper growth and development of your baby. Try to reduce stress and indulge in activities that make you happy and relaxed, as stress can have negative effects on your baby’s growth.
Conclusion
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing at a rapid pace, and you may start feeling more kicks and movements. It’s essential to stay hydrated, eat healthily, and reduce stress during this period for the proper growth and development of your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will I start showing?
It varies from woman to woman, but most women start showing between 12 to 16 weeks.
2. Can I still exercise?
It’s essential to stay active during pregnancy, but you should avoid high-intensity workouts and contact sports. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
3. Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?
There is no concrete evidence that hair dye is harmful during pregnancy, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid chemical treatments.
4. When can I find out the gender of my baby?
Most doctors can determine the gender of the baby during the 20-week ultrasound scan.
5. Can stress affect my baby?
Yes, stress can have negative effects on your baby’s growth and development. Try to reduce stress and indulge in activities that make you happy and relaxed.