How Big is Your Baby?

Your baby is continuously beefing up. In your 17th week of pregnancy, the baby is about 5.1 inches long and it weighs about 5.9 ounces.

Baby’s growth and development

The baby's rubbery cartilage is turning to bone now. It's even growing some meat on the bones thereby accommodating some fat. The baby;s umbilical cord is also growing and thicker.

Mother’s Development

Changes You Experience

As a pregnant mother you will gain a few more kilos. Average weight gain is around 2 to 4 kilograms.

This is the time in your pregnancy when your growing belly will start to push the other organs in order to make space for your baby. Your belly grows to accommodate your baby. As the baby is growing at a fast pace now, your body requires an increased amount of nutrients for you and the baby. 

This results in an increased appetite and you must carefully plan your diet to intake maximum nutrients and avoid unnecessary weight gain. Due to increased food consumption and pregnancy hormones, mothers may complain of indigestion and heartburn. The expanding uterus which pressurizes the rectum, results in flatulence. To avoid this, one must eat slowly. 

Problems You Face

Some complications of 17th week pregnancy are heartburn, flatulence, occasional headaches, occasional faintness, sciatic nerve pain and vaginal discharge.

Diet

The baby needs adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D for the growth of bones and teeth. For this purpose, eggs, milk and fish must be included in the mother’s diet. Apricots, rajma, soya bean, cottage cheese, tofu and green vegetables must be taken in proper amount.

An Important Tip

Snoring is another problem that you might face in your 17th week of pregnancy. The reason is basically the excessive release of the pregnancy hormones. You can overcome it; the simplest solution is taking two or three pillows and sleeping with your head slightly elevated.