Pregnancy week 17: Your week by week pregnancy guide

Ooh, now your baby is beefing up! You’re at pregnancy week 17 already. And, you know what that means? Lots of new surprises and a fast-growing baby bump. 

How Big is Your Baby?

Your baby is now the size of a large onion, at about 13cm in height and about 140g in weight. Now is a good time to think if want to know your baby’s gender.

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Your Baby’s Development

In this week by week pregnancy guide, you’ll learn that:

• Your baby’s air passage is now ready to take in oxygen instead of amniotic fluid.
• His/her bones have started hardening—a process called ossification. His/her legs and inner ears will be the first to ossify.
• At this stage, his/her nerves will now be forming myelin—a protective layer of protein and fatty substances that insulate nerves to promote quick and efficient transmission of electrical impulses–which is vital for his/her nervous system to function properly post-birth.
• Also, his/her umbilical cord is becoming stronger and thicker at pregnancy week 17.
• Scans will become more exciting as your doctor will be listening for your munchkin’s heartbeat.

Pregnancy Symptoms

• As your baby grows, chances are that so will you! Get ready for those extra kilos.
• This is also the time when those much-dreaded stretch marks make an appearance.
• The increased blood flow in your body is accompanied by an increased discharge of bodily fluids such as vaginal discharge, sweat, and mucus.

Pregnancy Care

• Time to check in with your doctor to see if all your prenatal vitamins supplements are adequately meeting your nutrient’s needs, as well as your baby’s.
• If you are still wearing high heels, it is probably a good time to ditch them for low-heeled or flat footwear. This is the time that your centre of gravity has shifted courtesy of the extra weight you’re carrying.

Your Checklist

• You and your husband should decide on whether you want to know your baby’s gender.

Your next week: 18 weeks pregnant

Your previous week: 16 weeks pregnant

Do you have questions on this week by week pregnancy guide? What are your current concerns, mums? Leave us a comment below!