Ooh, now your baby is beefing up! You’re already at week 17 of pregnancy, 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.
- Your baby will know you on a very personal level because he can already hear sounds inside your body, including the noises made by your heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.
- 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.
- Baby’s sweat glands have begun to form, and by next week, the layers of his skin will be fully formed.
- Scans will become more exciting as your doctor will be listening to your munchkin’s heartbeat.
Pregnancy Symptoms
- Morning sickness may have come and gone, but you may still feel a little lightheaded and dizzy due to normal pregnancy-related cardiovascular changes (a higher heart rate, bigger blood vessels to accommodate an increased blood volume, and temporary changes in circulation).
- As your baby grows, chances are that so will you! Get ready for those extra kilos. Learn how much weight should you gain here.
- This is also the time when those much-dreaded stretch marks make an appearance. Mild itching is also a common pregnancy problem. So just keep moisturising and drink enough water to keep your skin moist.
- The increased blood flow in your body is accompanied by an increased discharge of bodily fluids such as vaginal discharge, sweat, and mucus.
- Have strange and vivid dreams lately? Just relax. It’s not a premonition but more likely a product of fluctuating hormones plus the intense emotions and stress you feel as your pregnancy progresses.
ALSO READ:
7 Ways To Prevent Muscle Cramps During Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
Excessive Sweating and Heat Rash During Pregnancy
Skincare Routine During Pregnancy: Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist For Week 17 of Pregnancy
- Time to check in with your doctor to see if all your prenatal vitamins supplements are adequately meeting your nutrient 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.
- You and your husband should decide on whether you want to know your baby’s gender.
- Support your baby’s bone development (and your own) by eating foods that are rich in calcium.
- If you’re not careful, the pregnancy pounds may pile on really quick, so be mindful of your diet. If you want, you can consult a nutritionist to help you plan your meals. You can also try to get more exercise.
Your next week: 18 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 16 weeks pregnant
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
