As you progress through pregnancy, each week brings new changes and developments. The 17th week marks the beginning of the fifth month, a phase where you and your baby experience significant growth. This period is crucial as it sets the foundation for the rapid development that will occur in the coming months.

Baby’s Development: Growing and Thriving

At 17 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a pomegranate, weighing around 150 grams and measuring about 12 to 13 cm in length. While the baby is not fully formed yet, the development of vital organs and systems is well underway.

The skeleton is beginning to harden, and the unique fingerprint patterns are forming. Your baby is also becoming more active, performing flips and kicks, although you might not feel all these movements just yet.

Changes in Your Body: What to Expect

As your baby grows, so does your body. Your baby bump will become more pronounced, symbolizing the beautiful life developing inside you. You may notice a steady weight gain, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 kg per week. This is normal and necessary to support your baby’s growth.

You might experience some common symptoms around this time, including:

• Back Pain and Discomfort: As your uterus expands, it can cause strain on your back.
• Stretch Marks: As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing bump, you may notice these marks appearing.
• Nasal Congestion: Hormonal changes can lead to swollen nasal passages, causing a stuffy nose.

Around this time, many mothers begin to experience “quickening,” the first sensations of your baby’s movements. These might feel like gentle flutters or bubbles in your abdomen. This is a reassuring sign that your baby is active and developing well.

Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial during this stage. Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s heart rate and growth through ultrasounds and other assessments. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your  pregnancy doctor.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential as your pregnancy progresses. Here are some tips to help you navigate this week:

• Stay Active: Engage in gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga to maintain your fitness and reduce stress.
• Balanced Diet: Focus on a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins to support your baby’s growth.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps alleviate common pregnancy symptoms such as constipation and supports overall health.

The changes happening in your body can also affect your emotional state. It’s normal to experience mood swings or emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time with loved ones can help maintain your mental well-being.

The 17th week of pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time. Embrace each change and development, knowing that you are nurturing a new life. As you continue on this journey, staying informed and proactive about your health will empower you to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy.

As you navigate this exciting journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. For personalized guidance and expert care, reach out to Dr. Supriya Puranik, a leading pregnancy specialist in Pune. Embrace your pregnancy with confidence and support!

Related Read : Pregnancy at 18th week

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children.