How Many Months Is 17 Weeks Pregnancy?
If you are 17 weeks pregnant, it means you are four months pregnant. Your belly looks more rounded now. In this post, Momjunction explains how the baby is developing inside the womb in this week, the changes that are likely to happen in your body and the care you need to take. Let’s begin with the size of the fetus.
How Big Is Your Baby?
The baby is about the size of a pomegranate weighing around 120g (5oz) and measuring 12cm (6.8in) in length from crown to rump (1).
Baby Development At Week 17
Your baby’s body is now growing in proportionate to the size of the head. In this week, feeling the wriggles of your baby is a whole new experience. So, how is your baby moving inside you?
Fetal Movement At 17 Weeks Pregnancy
You can feel slight movements of your baby inside the womb. This light feeling of movements is called ‘quickening’. Women who are expecting for the first time may not recognize the movements and mistake them for gas rumblings. Second-time pregnant women can recognize these early movements of the fetus. In addition to the fetal movements, there are several other pregnancy symptoms you might experience during this week.
What Are The Symptoms Of 17th Week Pregnancy?
Here are some of the symptoms you may have during the 17th week: Tip: Protect your skin from the sun rays by applying sunscreens because exposure to the UV rays can worsen the condition. The skin conditions usually disappear post delivery. Sciatic nerve pain: The sporadic pain starts in the lower back and radiates to the legs through the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. The pain is generally centralized in one of the legs and is caused due to the pressure exerted on the nerve by the growing baby. Tip: Sleeping sideways and keeping pillows between the knees and ankles will help relieve the discomfort to some extent. Swimming, yoga, mild exercises, and massage can help relieve the pain to some extent. All the above-mentioned symptoms are a result of the changes happening in the hormones and the uterus. There are other changes happening as well.
Bodily Changes In The 17th Week
Physical changes
Your pregnancy belly is noticeable by now because the baby is growing in size.
The breast size increases with the areola getting darker. As there is more supply of blood to the breasts, the blue and green veins become prominent around the breast area.
As the skin stretches with the growing belly, you may feel a mild itching sensation on your belly, which is normal. But if the itching is severe and felt on the abdomen, palms, and in the soles of feet, then it could indicate obstetric cholestasis (OC), a liver condition occurring during pregnancy. Though there is no cure for this, it abates a few weeks after delivery (5).
Stretch marks begin to appear as your skin gets stretched with the growing belly.
Your hair volume might increase and look healthy due to the hormonal changes, especially the estrogens (6).
The nails might become brittle and soft, and grow quickly during the second trimester, again due to the hormonal changes.
Emotional changes:
You might start getting weird dreams, which could be a result of your anticipation and pregnancy fears.
The thought of coping with pregnancy health issues and responsibilities of parenthood can make you feel stressed out and anxious.
Not just anxiety, you are also filled with excitement in the 17th week, as you are going to hear your baby’s heartbeat through an ultrasound.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself dehydrated.
Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables like apples, avocado, seafood, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables, soybeans.
Avoid jerky and brisk movements.
Switch to flat shoes.
Have regular, small meals for better digestion.
Do not take any over-the-counter medicine without discussing with your doctor.
Take rest.
Engage in light workouts to keep yourself active and healthy.
Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes.
Avoid spicy and fatty food and caffeinated drinks.
Tests Done At 17 Weeks Pregnancy
1. Ultrasound scan
In addition to hearing the heartbeat, you can also know the gender of the baby, its development, and the quantity of amniotic fluid, through an ultrasound scan. In the case of twin pregnancy, an ultrasound scan can check for IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). It is necessary to check if any of the babies are lagging in growth. A level 1 ultrasound scan is done to check for any birth defects. If there are any abnormal findings, the doctor might recommend a level 2 scan.
2. Physical examination
During your prenatal visit in the 17th week, the doctor will check your:
blood pressure and weight
measure the size of your uterus
check for any pregnancy discomforts
3. Blood tests
A blood test is suggested to determine birth defects such as Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and spina bifida (a neural defect) in the baby. Also, the blood glucose level will be evaluated to check for gestational diabetes. Three blood tests are usually done to screen genetic abnormalities (7). However, these tests should only be done on the recommendation of your healthcare provider. i. The serum integrated screen is first done between 10 and 13 weeks and again between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. This helps in identifying the birth defects in the baby. In the case of twin pregnancy, the blood test does not detect Trisomy 18 but detects Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defects. ii. The sequential integrated screen is similar to serum integrated screening, wherein this blood test is analyzed along with the results of nuchal translucency (done between 11 and 14 weeks) to determine birth defects. In the case of twin pregnancy, this test can detect Down syndrome, neural tube defects, Trisomy 18, and abdominal wall defects. iii. The quad marker screen or triple test is done if the pregnant woman has started her prenatal care after the 14th week and did not undergo the sequential or serum screening tests. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks. In twin pregnancies, it helps detect Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and abdominal wall defects but not Trisomy 18. iv. Amniocentesis is another test carried out between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy to detect certain genetic abnormalities. It is done by extracting a small sample of amniotic fluid and is an accurate way of diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities. It is done if (8):
the triple test shows an abnormal result.
you are above 35 years of age.
By the 17th week, your pregnancy condition stabilizes and you are likely to get relief from morning sickness and tiredness. In fact, the second trimester is the most relaxed period in your pregnancy. However, continue to be alert and keep your doctor’s contact number handy.
When To Call The Doctor?
Call your doctor under the below circumstances:
If you notice spotting or vaginal bleeding along with back pain or abdominal cramping
Amniotic fluid leak, which is generally a pale yellow or clear discharge
If there is a change in the intensity of the vaginal discharge with a foul smell
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a day
Severe morning sickness
Unilateral swelling of leg or hand
Severe body itching without any rashes, which could be an indication of obstetric cholestasis
Extreme back pain
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
Having a persistent headache, dizziness, period-like contractions and heart palpitations
Vision changes, which could be due to diabetes or preeclampsia
Constipation with considerable abdominal pain
Nutrition In The 17th week
Here is the list for you: Along with a healthy diet, be physically active by doing some pregnancy exercises or yoga. But before you begin exercising, take your doctor’s opinion, and do it under the supervision of an expert. Pregnancy is an equal responsibility for both the partners. Hence, men also have a role to play.
Tips For Dad-To-Be
By this time, your partner might be going through various physical and mental changes. Here are some tips you can follow to support her:
Be with her for the prenatal visits.
Lend a helping hand in the daily household chores.
Accompany her during walks or light exercises.
Plan a day out and make her feel happy.
Start finding the names for your child.
Discuss your plans for your newborn.
Go shopping for maternity wears.
