Seventeen weeks pregnant
At 17 weeks pregnant (early month 4), your baby is roughly the size of a pomegranate or pear, weighing about 150-170g and measuring 12-17cm. The baby is developing unique fingerprints, growing eyebrows and eyelashes, and starting to accumulate fat. You may feel "flutters" (quickening), and likely have more energy, along with potential round ligament pain, increased appetite, and increased libido.
Baby Development at 17 Weeks
Physical Features: The baby is looking more human, with features becoming more defined. The head and body are coming into proportion, and the baby is starting to get plumper as fat accumulates, which helps with body heat generation.
Movement & Senses: Joints are fully mobile, and the baby can open/close their mouth and move their eyes, even though eyelids remain sealed. The baby is developing a stronger grip.
Systems Developing: The skeleton is hardening from cartilage to bone. The baby is practicing breathing by moving their chest. The umbilical cord is thickening.
Unique Characteristics: The baby has now developed unique, individual fingerprints.
Common Symptoms at 17 Weeks
Growing Belly & Body Changes: The uterus is moving up and out of the pelvis, causing a visible "bump".
Increased Energy & Libido: Many experience a "pregnancy glow," higher energy levels, and a higher sex drive.
Physical Aches: Round ligament pain (sharp pains on the side of the abdomen) is common as the uterus grows. You might also experience backaches or sciatic nerve pain.
Skin/Hair Changes: Increased blood flow and hormones can cause skin changes, and you may notice faster-growing nails or hair.
Other Symptoms: Increased appetite, nasal congestion (due to increased blood volume), and occasional, mild indigestion or heartburn.
Healthy Pregnancy Tips & Actions
Movement Monitoring: If this is not your first baby, you might recognize subtle movements (flutterings) earlier.
Exercise: Start or continue doing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to help with bladder control.
Nutrition: Ensure you are getting enough choline, found in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and legumes, to support brain development.
Comfort: If experiencing back or nerve pain, try sleeping on your side with pillows for support.
Planning: It is a good time to think about your preferences for birth and discuss them with your midwife or doctor.
Sun Safety: Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult your doctor or midwife if you experience severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, high fever, or severe, persistent headaches.
Disclaimer: This information is based on general pregnancy developments and does not constitute medical advice.
Baby Development at 17 Weeks
Physical Features: The baby is looking more human, with features becoming more defined. The head and body are coming into proportion, and the baby is starting to get plumper as fat accumulates, which helps with body heat generation.
Movement & Senses: Joints are fully mobile, and the baby can open/close their mouth and move their eyes, even though eyelids remain sealed. The baby is developing a stronger grip.
Systems Developing: The skeleton is hardening from cartilage to bone. The baby is practicing breathing by moving their chest. The umbilical cord is thickening.
Unique Characteristics: The baby has now developed unique, individual fingerprints.
Common Symptoms at 17 Weeks
Growing Belly & Body Changes: The uterus is moving up and out of the pelvis, causing a visible "bump".
Increased Energy & Libido: Many experience a "pregnancy glow," higher energy levels, and a higher sex drive.
Physical Aches: Round ligament pain (sharp pains on the side of the abdomen) is common as the uterus grows. You might also experience backaches or sciatic nerve pain.
Skin/Hair Changes: Increased blood flow and hormones can cause skin changes, and you may notice faster-growing nails or hair.
Other Symptoms: Increased appetite, nasal congestion (due to increased blood volume), and occasional, mild indigestion or heartburn.
Healthy Pregnancy Tips & Actions
Movement Monitoring: If this is not your first baby, you might recognize subtle movements (flutterings) earlier.
Exercise: Start or continue doing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to help with bladder control.
Nutrition: Ensure you are getting enough choline, found in meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and legumes, to support brain development.
Comfort: If experiencing back or nerve pain, try sleeping on your side with pillows for support.
Planning: It is a good time to think about your preferences for birth and discuss them with your midwife or doctor.
Sun Safety: Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult your doctor or midwife if you experience severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, high fever, or severe, persistent headaches.
Disclaimer: This information is based on general pregnancy developments and does not constitute medical advice.
26-30, F
