Pregnancy Week 17
Baby’s Growth During the 17th Week of Pregnancy
Now weighing in at about 5 ounces and about 5 inches long, this week your baby’s skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone. The umbilical cord is growing stronger and ticker as your baby is starting to develop some body fat.
Regulated by the brain, the heart is now beating twice as fast as your at about 140 to 150 beats per minute.
Your baby can move all the joints and sweat glands are starting to develop. Meanwhile, your baby is working in practice of sucking and swallowing for the real thing!
Body Changes in the 17th Week of Pregnancy
Now that you’re probably starting to show it’s possible that you’re faced with family, friends, coworkers, and maybe even strangers that want to reach out and touch your belly. If you don’t mind, great. But if you do mind, definitely be kind but firm and speak up about it!
The growth of your tummy is probably throwing you a little off balance too. As your bellow grows, the center of gravity changes so you may begin to feel a little unsteady on your feet. Best to try to avoid situations now that may pose a high risk for falling and wear low-heeled shoes.
In the car, be sure to wear your seat belt placing the shoulder harness snug between your breasts and the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, snug across your hips.
If your eyes are a little dry, grab over-the-counter drops that may help. Contact lenses may also become uncomfortable to wear so try only wearing them for shorter amounts of time or switching to your glasses.
