Week 17: Baby

💡 Expert tip

Heartburn often increases from here — smaller meals, avoiding lying down after eating, and elevating the head of your bed all help.

🌱 Baby's development this week

Science fact

The skeleton transforms from cartilage to bone (ossification) throughout pregnancy. The fontanelles — soft spots on the skull — remain open until 18 months after birth to allow brain growth.

🤰 Your symptoms this week

Heartburn increasing
eat smaller meals, avoid lying down for 2 hours after eating
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, skip spicy/fatty foods. Antacids (Tums) are safe.
Nasal stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds continue
Stretch marks may begin on abdomen, breasts, or thighs
moisturize daily

💛 Changes in your body

💙 Mental health this week

Partners often feel disconnected during pregnancy — especially before visible movement. Involving them in appointments and planning helps.

🥗 Nutrition focus

📅 Appointment / test

If Rh negative blood type: anti-D injection is given at 28 and 34 weeks — discuss timing with your midwife now.

✅ This week's checklist

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Research hypnobirthing — evidence shows it reduces epidural requests by 25%
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Moisturize stretch mark areas twice daily (doesn
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