Week 17 of Pregnancy
Second trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a turnip
5.1 inches · 5.9 oz
Baby this week
- •Ears are now in their final position on the sides of the head
- •Baby can hear sounds from outside the womb, including your voice
- •Bones are hardening and becoming more rigid
- •Fingerprints and footprints are forming
- •Baby is moving more purposefully, though you may not feel it yet
You this week
- •Round ligament pain (sharp twinges in lower abdomen as ligaments stretch)
- •Continued back pain as posture shifts
- •Occasional leg cramps, especially at night
- •Increased appetite as baby grows
- •Shortness of breath during exertion
- •Possible nasal congestion from increased blood flow
This week's tips
- •Talk and sing to your baby—they can hear you now and will recognize your voice after birth
- •Invest in a supportive maternity pillow to ease back and leg discomfort during sleep
- •Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to manage increased appetite and energy needs
- •Practice good posture and gentle stretches to minimize back pain
- •If you haven't already, schedule your mid-pregnancy ultrasound (typically between weeks 18-22)
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
By week 18, you'll likely have your anatomy scan ultrasound, which is a major milestone where you can see baby in detail and find out the sex if you choose. Many women report feeling baby's movements—often described as butterflies or flutters—sometime in the next few weeks.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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