17 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy Week 17  & Stage of Fetal Development

This is the beginning of pregnancy week 17. You will be a complete 17 weeks pregnant at the end of this week (see pregnancy chart).

Give your husband a hug! Let him join you in the experience. By now, he should be able to feel your every growing belly in a gentle, new life affirming hug. 

Your body is going through so many changes to accommodate and nurture your baby from within, as well as preparing your body for you to nurture your baby once she is in your arms. 

What happens at 17 weeks pregnant

Your hormone levels are continuing to increase. This, of course, affects your baby’s growth, but also affects your organs and organ systems. 

You are producing more blood, especially blood plasma. You’re taking in 40 percent more air and may be breathing a little faster. The hormone progesterone is the culprit. This actually may cause bouts with shortness of breath. No worries, though ladies. This is perfectly normal and is what your body is supposed to be doing. 

With more blood volume your breasts are affected by getting bigger. This expansion is also cause from your milk-producing glands increasing in size. This, in turn, may cause veins to appear.

A slow-moving digestive system, because of your ever increasing hormones, still may cause you some heartburn and constipation. 

If you are still urinating frequently, be on the look-out for a urinary tract infection. You should not have any burning or pain while peeing. 

Abdominal ligaments and the joints of the pelvis are evolving. You are starting to have more elasticity in your ligaments and the joints are starting to become softer and loosen up. 

What can you do at 17 weeks pregnant

Heartburn in pregnancy is due to your growing uterus pushing on the stomach causing acid to enter into the esophagus. However there is another cause—progesterone. This hormone has a relaxing effect on the stomach valve causing it to open, especially when the stomach is full, forcing acid up.

For relief, you can try eating slower, more often and with smaller meals. This will allow for efficient digestion of food. You can also try light exercise after meals like a short walk. 

Also, constipation may be plaguing you in the 17th week of pregnancy. Eating a diet high in fiber and drinking plenty of water throughout your entire pregnancy will help significantly relieve this symptom and its severity.

Remember: No douching during pregnancy. A rare but serious complication can arise from douching. Air can enter the bloodstream, in which a life threatening air embolus can result. 

Fetal Development at 17 weeks pregnant
Fetal age: 15 weeks

Your baby’s length measured from crown-to-rump is 4½  to 5 inches and weighs about 3 ½ ounces.

Your baby is starting to fatten up. A warm layer of brown fat is starting to appear underneath the her skin. This layer is essential for her heat production and metabolism. 

Hair is continuing to grow on your little one's scalp and she may now have eyebrows. 

At 17 weeks, movements inside you could now be caused from your baby having the hiccups. She is swallowing amniotic fluid and essentially tasting and experiencing your world. 

You are now 17 weeks pregnant. Only 23 weeks to go!!

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