17 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

• 17 weeks pregnant is which trimester? Second trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? 23 weeks
• How many months is 17 weeks pregnant? You’re in your month four.

With week 16 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 17. Enjoy it, as week 18 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

What Happens During the 17th Week of Pregnancy?

• You're both plumping up: Your baby is now developing that cute baby fat to keep warm and provide energy once they’re out in the world.
• Baby brain: You may be experiencing brain fog or forgetfulness, known as pregnancy brain. At the same time, your little one’s brain is becoming active, working to regulate the steady pumping of your baby's heart, which is beating at a pace of 140 to 150 beats per minute.
• Getting a taste for it: Baby’s learning to suckle and swallow in preparation for that eventual first feeding.
• Making a mark: This week, tiny fingerprints are forming on your baby’s little fingers.

What Should I Be Feeling at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

You won’t be feeling sick, but now that you’re showing, you may be the target of probably unwarranted belly touching or rubbing. Don’t be afraid to ask people to keep their distance if it makes you uncomfortable

Fetal Movement at 17 Weeks

Week 17 is when some moms start to feel “quickening,” which is your baby’s very first movements. Feeling those tiny kicks is one of the most special parts of pregnancy—and such a welcome joy, especially after some of those uncomfortable first trimester symptoms.

What Does Baby Movement Feel Like at 17 Weeks?

Quickening might feel like a slight twitch, so don’t worry if you can’t feel it just yet. It can happen any time between now and week 22. Be on the lookout for a fluttering sensation, sometimes mistaken for gas or your stomach growling.

How to Get Your Baby to Move at 17 Weeks

While 17 weeks can still be early to feel fetal movement, there are a few ways you may be able to encourage your precious one to wriggle in the womb. Eating a snack, talking or singing to your baby, gently massaging your belly, and lying down on your back have been shown to stimulate movement in utero—just be sure to consult with your doctor first.

What Is the Position of My Baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

Your growing baby is nestled in the amniotic fluid in your uterus. You start to feel increased back pressure as your uterus expands.

What Does a 17-Week Fetus Look Like?

At 17 weeks, your sweet pea is growing stronger and looking more “baby-like” every day. They are now as big as the palm of your hand—about five inches long. Their eyelashes and eyebrows are starting to come in, but their eyes are still shut. Your baby’s body size is becoming more in proportion to the head. You’ll get to see these magnificent developments during your next ultrasound. 

17 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Girl or Boy?

Can pregnancy symptoms predict the sex of your baby? Many of us have heard that if you’re carrying high or have a severe bout of morning sickness, you’re having a girl. Carrying the majority of weight in front and craving salty snacks? Some believe that means a baby boy will be making an arrival. 

Trying to figure out the gender of your baby is fun, but gender-specific pregnancy symptoms are mostly myths. There is no scientific proof to them. The most reliable way to determine the sex of your little one prior to birth is during an ultrasound, usually performed by week 20, or through amniocentesis conducted around week 16. Of course, you could also wait until your baby is born and let nature reveal the wonderful surprise.

How Big Is Your Baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

Week 17 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 17 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

8 Common Week 17 Pregnancy Symptoms

1. Even though you may not normally snore while you sleep, you may start, thanks to pregnancy congestion.
2. Sciatica or back pain at 17 weeks is fairly common. You’re growing rapidly, and the extra weight and stretched muscles can take their toll. Try yoga or Pilates to gently work the area (and, of course, check with your doctor first), apply a heat pack, or consider investing in a support cushion for your chair.
3. You may get stretch marks as your tummy grows. These are a natural part of the pregnancy process, but if you want to keep them at bay, there are plenty of preventative stretch mark creams available—you can even make your own!
4. If you feel sharp pains or dull aches in your lower abdomen, it could be from the round ligaments stretching around the uterus.
5. There’s still the chance you’ll experience headaches and dizzy spells, so take it easy!
6. Thanks to a more settled stomach and your baby’s growing needs, you may have a hearty appetite.
7. Hormones may cause skin changes such as brownish blotches on your face, also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” This symptom isn’t a cause for concern and will typically fade away after delivery.
8. Your breasts may continue to grow as they prepare for nursing.

3 Expert Tips for a Healthy And Safe Pregnancy

Being 17 weeks pregnant is an important time for you and your baby. Here’s some more expert-recommended advice on how to adjust to this new stage and keep you and your baby safe.

1. Work it out: It’s time to change your exercise regimen. While exercise is generally good for you and your baby, avoid contact sports—or any activities that increase your risk of falling or hurting yourself—after the first trimester. That still leaves lots of great pregnancy workout options.
2. Weighing the options: Even though you’re eating for two, you’ll want to try to manage your weight during your pregnancy. Obesity can increase the risk for pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Know your target weight and learn more about a healthy pregnancy weight gain
3. Get those pearly whites checked: Your pregnancy hormones can play havoc with your ligaments and even your mouth. During your regular checkup, ask your dentist to look for signs of loosening teeth and periodontitis.

Week 17 Checklist: How To Plan Your Pregnancy

Knowing what to do week-by-week can help you feel prepared and alleviate stress. Add these new items to your to-do list this week. You’ve got this, mama!

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

 With week 16 in the rearview mirror and week 17 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 18!