What does baby look like at 17 weeks?

At 17 weeks, your baby is the size of a Pear — 5.1 in long, 181 g. Skeleton hardening from cartilage to bone. Fat stores beginning to form under skin

What symptoms are normal at 17 weeks pregnant?

Heartburn increasing — eat smaller meals, avoid lying down for 2 hours after eating. Nasal stuffiness and occasional nosebleeds continue

Second Trimester

Week 17: Baby

Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.

Your baby is the size of a

Pear

Length

5.1 in

Weight

181 g

Week

17 / 40

💡 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

Skeleton hardening from cartilage to bone
Fat stores beginning to form under skin
Sweat glands developing
Umbilical cord getting stronger and thicker

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

Baby bump now clearly visible
Heartburn may begin as uterus pushes on stomach
Round ligament pain from stretching uterus
Stuffy nose continues

💙 Mental health this week

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

🥗 Nutrition focus

Calcium and phosphorus for bone development — dairy, leafy greens, nuts
Vitamin K (90mcg/day) essential for bone formation — kale, spinach, broccoli
Avoid excessive licorice root — associated with preterm birth in high doses

📅 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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