Week 17 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
Baby is
about the size of a turnip
5.1 inches · 5.9 oz
Baby this week
- •Bones are beginning to harden and become denser
- •Ears are now in their final position on the sides of the head
- •Sweat glands are forming on palms and soles of feet
- •Baby may start making involuntary movements and twitches
You this week
- •Quickening (those first butterfly flutters) may begin for some
- •Round ligament pain as your uterus expands
- •Occasional dizzy spells from blood pressure changes
- •Increased appetite as your body needs more calories
- •Possible nasal congestion from pregnancy hormones
This week's tips
- •Pay attention to baby's movement patterns so you can track them going forward
- •Stay hydrated—thirst increases as blood volume expands
- •Wear supportive, flat shoes to ease any balance changes
- •Eat small, frequent meals to manage hunger and prevent heartburn
- •Schedule your anatomy ultrasound if you haven't already
Looking ahead
Week 18 brings your anatomy scan, where you'll get a detailed look at baby's development and organs. This is often when parents find out baby's sex, if they choose to know.
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