Your baby is getting bigger with each week that passes. At pregnancy week 17, your baby measures around 5.1 inches from crown to rump, and he or she weighs up to 5 ounces. You could compare your baby's overall size to that of a grapefruit. If you were to hold your baby, he or she would fit snuggly in the palm of your hand.
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is quite actively in the womb. He or she is constantly moving around – stretching, curling his arms and legs, flipping and flopping as he or she shifts positions. Although first-time mothers may not get to feel their baby's movements for a few more weeks, second-time pregnant women may already be aware of their baby's activities in the womb.
The cartilage making up the skeleton in your baby's body is starting to transform into bone at week 17 of pregnancy. Your baby should start putting on some layers of fat in the weeks to come, though at this point in time, your baby is primarily made up of water.
An exciting development at 17 weeks of gestation is that your baby's heartbeat might be strong enough for a Doppler ultrasound to pick up. The fetal heart rate is twice as fast as an adult's.
This week, your little bundle of joy can open and close his or her mouth. He or she can also yawn when he or she is sleepy.
Now, your bun in the oven is practicing his or her first breathing movements. When your future child takes a "breath," the diaphragm contracts, the chest wall moves upward, and fluid gets pushed out of the developing lungs. Right now, your baby is practicing these breathing exercises occasionally, but as your pregnancy week by week continues, your little one will start practicing more regularly.
Did you know that your baby can hear in the womb by 17 weeks pregnant? Your baby's ears have developed to the point that he or she can hear sounds from outside the womb. For this reason, don't be surprised if loud noises (like the sound of a vacuum cleaner) make your baby jump or kick you. To get your baby better acquainted with your voice, make sure that you talk to him or her on a regular basis.
There are many natural health practitioners that believe in the power of touch. Though your little one is still very small, your touch may do much to help him feel safe and warm inside the womb. If you haven't started already, you might consider rubbing your 'pooch' in calming circular motions. This will not only help comfort your little one, but will help initiate the bonding process with you and your baby throughout your pregnancy and after.
Other women find comfort playing music to their unborn children. There is evidence suggesting that your baby responds to music even while in the womb. Thus, there is no harm in playing some calm and engaging music to your unborn baby. Related information found at 24 weeks pregnant.
By 17 weeks pregnant, you are probably steadily gaining weight. Your uterus is changing and looking more egg-shaped, compared to the round ball it was previously. As your second trimester progresses, the uterus will gradually grow to fill out your pelvis and abdomen. When this happens, your internal organs (such as intestines) will get pushed to upward, and you'll experience gastrointestinal problems as a result.
Helpful Tip: Your baby is aware of your touch at 17 weeks pregnant, so you can give him or her some comfort by rubbing your belly often. Your bay might even respond to your soothing touch by fluttering a little bit.
Your uterus is now 1.5 to 2 inches below your belly button, so you should be showing a little in your lower abdomen. (If you're having twins, or if you've been pregnant before, you'll look more pregnant.) Since your belly isn't that big yet, you can still probably hide your pregnancy for a couple extra weeks (if you want). To keep strangers from learning you're pregnant, try wearing baggier clothes.
Women who have been pregnant before may begin to feel their baby's tiny movements, but fetal movements are still fairly erratic and won't get regular for a couple more weeks. At 17 weeks pregnant, most first-time pregnant women will not have felt their baby's movements. They will have to wait until next week. (Most first-time mothers don't feel fetal movements until 18 to 22 weeks pregnant.)
At 17 weeks pregnant, you should be feeling pretty good. Your fatigue has temporarily disappeared, and you have more energy. Your pregnancy symptoms aren't too troublesome, so enjoy this time while you can. The second trimester is a perfect time to go on a "babymoon" or just a fun vacation before baby arrives.
During pregnancy 17 weeks, one change to expect is your shifting center of gravity. As your uterus expands in pregnancy, your center of gravity shifts upward so you are going to start feeling more unbalanced on your feet. To minimize your risk of any falls or stumbles, make sure that you pay attention of where you walk. You may also want to trade your high heels for something more sensible. Most doctors recommend that you wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support.
Heartburn and indigestion are normal pregnancy symptoms to expect at 17 weeks pregnant and in the second trimester. You can blame hormonal and physical changes for this symptom. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone relaxes the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus, and this allows stomach acid to accidentally seep back up into the esophagus and causing reflux (heartburn). In the second trimester, you're more likely to experience heartburn and indigestion, because your heavy uterus pushes against your abdominal cavity, making it more likely for you to experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
Swelling (edema) in your ankles and feet are also a common symptom at 17 weeks pregnant. Mild swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs aren't anything to worry about, although you probably don't like the appearance of swollen extremities. Edema occurs due to the water and fluid retention that occurs in pregnancy. Poor circulation contributes to this pregnancy symptom. To minimize swelling by drinking plenty of water (which actually helps your body retain less fluid), exercising regularly, and keeping your legs elevated whenever you can.
Braxton Hicks contractions might occur randomly at 17 weeks pregnant. These false contractions occur sporadically, and they often painless. Try not to worry about having Braxton Hicks contractions at 17 weeks pregnant; they are normal, and they're preparing your body for labor and delivery in 20 to 23 weeks.
If your contractions are accompanied with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramps, low back pain, or pelvic pressure, contact your doctor. This may be a sign of preterm labor and delivery.
Vaginal Discharge
You may be having more vaginal discharge at 17 weeks pregnant. Many women have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The increased vaginal discharge is referred to as leucorrhoea, it is odorless and a milky or clear color. Part of the reason you produce more is your body's increased estrogen production and more blood flow to the genital area.
You will actually notice even more vaginal discharge during the latter half of your pregnancy. Sometimes it is difficult to discern whether you are leaking discharge or amniotic fluid. Typically amniotic fluid will be more clear and abundant. If you are not certain if your discharge is normal, or if it is bloody, you should contact your healthcare provider right away, as this might be a sign of pre-term labor.
The best thing to do in order to address excessive vaginal discharge at 17 weeks pregnant is to wear panty liners to absorb it. Tampons aren't safe to use. Avoid douching as well, as this can introduce air into the vagina, which may seriously complicate your pregnancy. Douching can also increase your risk of contracting vaginal infections or vaginitis.
If you are having discharge that is accompanied by itching or burning, you might have a yeast infection. Foul smelling discharge may also be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection or other vaginal disorder. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you think you may be suffering from any of these conditions so you can acquire the appropriate treatment.
Your weight gain at 17 weeks pregnant is probably seven to ten pounds. If you're a normal sized woman, you only have fifteen to twenty pounds to go before you reach the recommended weight gain for your size. (It's recommended that the average-sized woman gains between 25 to 35 pounds by the time she delivers.)
With each passing week in the second trimester, you're going to gain at least one pound, possibly two. Just continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet and to live a healthy lifestyle. Moderate exercise (such as a brisk walk or a swim) can help you gain the recommended amount of weight. Exercise is also beneficial, since it prepares your body for labor and delivery.
If you work in a stressful environment, it is important to reduce your stress level at 17 weeks pregnant and throughout your pregnancy week by week. Stress can have a devastating impact on pregnancy and childbirth. There are actually some studies that suggest that stress can contribute to complications during pregnancy, including preterm labor.
Some studies have also indicated that high levels of stress, particularly between pregnancy weeks 18 and 20, can result in higher levels of a hormone called CRG or corticotropin-releasing hormone, which has been linked to preterm labor. This hormone may promote your body to release prostaglandins, which may result in contractions. Thus, it is critical you do everything possible to limit your stress whenever possible.
Some stress simply can't be avoided. However, there are many things you can do to cope with the ordinary stress that occurs in life. The most important things for you to do include taking care of yourself, resting as much as possible and taking the time to exercise when you can.
Remember that stress can also cause you to behave erratically, particularly during pregnancy. If you find yourself overly worried, talk to your healthcare provider. They might recommend some classes to help you cope with your situation. Prenatal yoga and meditation are two wonderful alternatives for dealing with stress during pregnancy. Be sure you also communicate your needs to your partner who can help you relax and address unnecessary stress during pregnancy.
Some women will have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for the first time during their pregnancy. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterized by swelling, inflammation, pain and numbness in the fingers or wrist. Pain and numbness in the fingers associated with this syndrome are actually common during pregnancy, in part due to the swelling and fluid tension that occurs. Most women will start to notice symptoms during the second trimester, when fluid retention becomes more severe.
The good news is that symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually abate a few short weeks after delivery. Many women experience pain and discomfort during the evening hours. Others notice it when working at a computer. Some things you can do to relieve the symptoms include:
Use an ergonomic keyboard.
Use a wrist guard to stabilize your wrists.
Take frequent breaks in order to stretch your hands.
Consider some Tylenol if your physician recommends it.
If the pain and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome become severe to the point where they disrupt your sleep or work, your healthcare provider may take an extra step and require you to wear a splint or hand brace when working. This often alleviates many of these symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Physical therapy might also help during pregnancy.
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There are many natural health practitioners that believe in the power of touch. Though your little one is still very small, your touch may do much to help him feel safe and warm inside the womb. If you haven't started already, you might consider rubbing your 'pooch' in calming circular motions. This will not only help comfort your little one, but will help initiate the bonding process with you and your baby throughout your pregnancy and after. 
By 17 weeks pregnant, you are probably steadily gaining weight. Your uterus is changing and looking more egg-shaped, compared to the round ball it was previously. As your second trimester progresses, the uterus will gradually grow to fill out your pelvis and abdomen. When this happens, your internal organs (such as intestines) will get pushed to upward, and you'll experience gastrointestinal problems as a result. 
At 17 weeks pregnant, you should be feeling pretty good. Your fatigue has temporarily disappeared, and you have more energy. Your pregnancy symptoms aren't too troublesome, so enjoy this time while you can. The second trimester is a perfect time to go on a "babymoon" or just a fun vacation before baby arrives.
Your weight gain at 17 weeks pregnant is probably seven to ten pounds. If you're a normal sized woman, you only have fifteen to twenty pounds to go before you reach the recommended weight gain for your size. (It's recommended that the average-sized woman gains between 25 to 35 pounds by the time she delivers.) 
If you work in a stressful environment, it is important to reduce your stress level at 17 weeks pregnant and throughout your pregnancy week by week. Stress can have a devastating impact on pregnancy and childbirth. There are actually some studies that suggest that stress can contribute to complications during pregnancy, including preterm labor. 
Some women will have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for the first time during their pregnancy. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterized by swelling, inflammation, pain and numbness in the fingers or wrist. Pain and numbness in the fingers associated with this syndrome are actually common during pregnancy, in part due to the swelling and fluid tension that occurs. Most women will start to notice symptoms during the second trimester, when fluid retention becomes more severe. 