You’re getting close to the halfway mark with your pregnancy! If you haven’t felt your baby move yet, it should be coming soon, though for some moms, it may be as late as 22 weeks. At 17 weeks pregnant, you may not recognize the movement at first. It can feel like a gas bubble or a funny hiccup moving through your body.

The second trimester is sometimes called the honeymoon period because many of the most unpleasant effects of pregnancy may have dissipated. The new surge of energy, combined with glowing skin and gorgeous hair, can contribute to a joyous time.

Hopefully, by 17 weeks, you’ll be basking in this new stage of pregnancy and taking some time for yourself before the baby arrives.

Your Baby’s Development At 17 Weeks

Your baby is now about 8 inches long and weighs around 6.5 ounces.

He is developing in many tiny ways to get closer to being prepared for birth. Your baby’s skeleton continues to grow more substantial and more solid; he is developing sweat glands, and he’s starting to add a layer of body fat that will help keep him warm.

He has toenails, and his brain is continuing to develop. Though he already has all his organs now, they’re continuing to develop so they’ll be prepared to function at birth. His lungs, in particular, have some work to do before they’re ready to handle air!

The baby’s umbilical cord is growing thicker, and along with the placenta, it’s working to support the baby’s growth and development, delivering blood and nutrients and carrying away waste.

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 17 Weeks Pregnant:

• Baby is now about 8 inches long and weighs around 6.5 ounces.
• The skeleton continues to grow stronger and more solid.
• Sweat glands are developing.
• A layer of body fat is forming to help keep baby warm.
• Toenails are now present.
• Brain and organ development continue, preparing for birth.
• Lungs are still developing and not yet ready for air.
• The umbilical cord is growing thicker, working with the placenta to deliver blood and nutrients while removing waste.

Mother’s Symptoms At 17 Weeks

At 17 weeks pregnant, your body is going through a lot of changes, and there are some signs that you should pay special attention to because they can alert you to potential issues such as pre-eclampsia. Here are the major changes you may be experiencing at this stage of your pregnancy.

Breast Changes

Many women say that changes in their breasts are their first sign of pregnancy, even before a missed period. By 17 weeks, you’re probably noticing some significant changes.

When purchasing your maternity bras, check the fit, as pregnancy can increase both cup and band size, and a supportive, well-fitting bra can save you a lot of discomfort over the next few months. You also may notice visible veins under the skin of your breasts and changes in the size and color of your nipples and areolae. You may even leak some colostrum. All of this is normal — just watch out for cracked and bleeding nipples!

Digestion & Cravings

Pregnancy can bring a host of digestive complications that range from mildly disruptive (increased salivation) to painful (heartburn and indigestion).

You can usually treat heartburn and indigestion safely in pregnancy with typical over-the-counter medications like Tums or Rolaids. Avoid any antacids that contain aspirin, magnesium trisilicate, or sodium bicarbonate.

Constipation is also a common problem in pregnancy, thanks to factors including dehydration and the new pressure on your squeezed-together organs. Iron supplements can also contribute, but iron is very important during pregnancy, so don’t stop your multivitamins without talking to your doctor!

You can try increasing your fiber intake and drinking more water. If needed, stool softeners are generally considered safe, but laxatives, especially with stimulants, can have risks (including causing contractions) so don’t use those without consulting your medical provider.

Cravings can also hit hard during pregnancy. Listen to what your body asks for, and indulge within reason, but focus on getting the nutrients you and your baby need. If you crave nonfood items, speak to your doctor about pica, and whether you need a vitamin supplement or a change in diet.

Nasal/Sinus Symptoms

Some women will have pregnancy rhinitis, a stuffy nose with no other apparent cause, during pregnancy. Saline rinses, saline nasal sprays, and corticosteroid sprays are generally considered safe.

You may even have nosebleeds, thanks to higher blood volume and dry sinuses. This is normal but if a nosebleed isn’t stopping, if the bleeding seems excessive, or if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, seek medical attention.

Sleep Disturbance

Sleep during pregnancy can be difficult. You may have a hard time getting comfortable. It’s generally recommended that you try to sleep on your side, but don’t panic if you wake up and find you’ve moved!

Heartburn and indigestion can also disturb your sleep. In addition to the medications mentioned above, you can try lying down for a few hours after eating and sleeping in a more inclined position to minimize reflux and discomfort.

You may also notice uncomfortable leg symptoms, in which your legs want to jerk and move as soon as you get comfortable. The jury is still out on the safety of some of the available meds for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy. Still, there’s some evidence that getting enough folic acid and iron can reduce your symptoms. Warm baths, leg stretches, and elevating your legs all may help, but if it’s bothering you, mention it to your doctor because there are some medications they may be comfortable with prescribing.

Insomnia will also plague many pregnant women. This isn’t typically treated as a significant concern unless it interferes with your daily life (it is unsafe to drive while sleepy, please don’t take the risk) and well-being. You can try addressing insomnia by cutting out caffeine and screens for a few to several hours before bed, keeping a regular bedtime routine, and relaxing with a warm bath. If it persists, though, speak to your doctor.

Skin & Hair

By now, you’re well into the stage where strangers compliment your “pregnant glow” when you’re out and about. The acne and oily or dry skin of the early weeks are hopefully long past, and your hair may be thick and shining.

You may still have increased sensitivity to different dyes, perfumes, and other products, though, so it’s still a good idea to put off trying new detergents, soaps, and perfumes until after pregnancy.

One new symptom you may notice is stretch marks! You can use lotions or creams on your belly if you like. They may reduce the appearance of stretch marks and the itching or pulling sensations that sometimes accompany skin stretching. It’s best to choose mild formulas to avoid skin reactions. Cocoa butter can be very effective.

Pain & Cramping

Round ligament pain can continue throughout the rest of your pregnancy. It may feel like a sharp pang or cramp in your lower abdomen and radiate into the groin. Though it’s scary, this is a normal and common experience. Round ligament pain can usually be relieved by changing positions, taking a warm bath, using a belly band for extra support, and taking OTC pain relievers can help.

If the pain persists, it may not be round ligament pain, and you should consult your doctor!

Some leg cramping is relatively common in pregnancy. Staying hydrated, stretching, and getting enough rest and iron may help.

Dizziness/Shortness of Breath

You may find that the extra work your lungs are doing (there’s more pressure on them from other organs and a higher blood volume) contributes to incidents where you feel short of breath or even dizzy. If this happens frequently, though, or if it worsens, you should speak to your doctor. Seek medical care immediately if it is accompanied by chest pain or blurred vision or if you faint or pass out.

Swelling & Other Potential Signs Of Pre-Eclampsia

Many of pregnancy’s common symptoms may be expected up to a point but could indicate a serious condition or complication if they are severe or ongoing.

Pre-eclampsia’s early warning signs include:

• Swelling that affects the face, is sudden, or is more prominent on one side of the body
• Headaches that are severe and/or can’t be relieved with pain meds
• Sudden, too-rapid weight gain
• Any vision changes, including blurring or spots
• Nausea and vomiting (at this point in pregnancy, new nausea and vomiting warrants contact with your doctor)
• Shortness of breath

17 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Breast changes, including visible veins, larger areolas, and possible colostrum leakage.
• Heartburn and indigestion, which may persist throughout pregnancy.
• Constipation, potentially worsened by dehydration or iron supplements.
• Cravings, including possible pica (cravings for non-food items).
• Pregnancy rhinitis, causing a stuffy nose without illness.
• Nosebleeds, possibly due to increased blood volume and dry sinuses.
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, difficulty getting comfortable, and heartburn-related discomfort.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), causing an urge to move legs, possibly linked to folic acid or iron deficiency.
• Skin and hair changes, including pregnancy glow, stretch marks, and sensitivity to dyes or perfumes.
• Round ligament pain, a sharp or cramping sensation in the lower abdomen or groin.
• Leg cramps, possibly linked to hydration, iron levels, and stretching.
• Dizziness or shortness of breath, caused by increased blood volume and pressure on the lungs.
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision, which may indicate a serious issue.
• Swelling, particularly sudden or affecting the face or one side, a potential sign of pre-eclampsia.
• Severe headaches that don’t ease with medication, a warning sign for pre-eclampsia.
• Sudden, rapid weight gain, which should be monitored.
• Vision changes, including blurring or spots, another pre-eclampsia symptom.
• New nausea and vomiting, which warrants a call to the doctor.
• Shortness of breath, especially if severe or persistent.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor immediately for any of the pre-eclampsia symptoms mentioned above, for any fainting, and for any pain that is not relieved with a change of position, pain meds, or rest.

Bleeding/Fluid Leakage/Discharge

You should also call your doctor for any bleeding at this point in pregnancy, or for any fluid leakage that seems like it might be amniotic fluid. (This will usually be clear and watery, and may have mucousy content.)

While a whitish milky discharge is normal, a strong foul odor or a greenish or gray color, as well as any itching or swelling accompanying it, is a sign of infection and you should call your doctor.

Dehydration

A 2021 study found that more than half of women show some signs of dehydration during pregnancy, and that this has negative effects on birth outcomes including weight, head circumference, and chest circumference. However, extreme dehydration, which may be identified by symptoms including the inability to keep down fluids, reduced urine output, constipation, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, can cause more urgent complications, and may require IV hydration.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 17 Weeks?

Try to go to sleep on your side. Use extra pillows to support your body if needed, or consider purchasing a pregnancy pillow that offers more support.

If you haven’t talked to your doctor yet about amniocentesis, it’s a good time to have that discussion. If you choose to have this screening, it will be done in the next few weeks. It’s not necessary for every pregnancy but may be recommended for high-risk pregnancies, including pregnancies in women aged 35 or older.

Plan out any pregnancy photoshoots, baby showers, or other events and activities, now! Some venues or photographers may stay booked months in advance, so don’t wait!

Make plans for your maternity leave. Do you have someone lined up to babysit your older kids or feed your pets if needed? Have you told your employer when you expect to need time off? Do you need to do any extra financial planning for that time frame?

If you have older kids, now is also a good time to start preparing them for any changes that will come with a new baby. If you’re weaning an older child or moving him from crib to toddler bed, it’s best to do it well before the baby comes home, to avoid resentment.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 17 Weeks Pregnant:

• Try to sleep on your side, using extra pillows or a pregnancy pillow for support.
• Discuss amniocentesis with your doctor, especially if you are in a high-risk pregnancy.
• Plan pregnancy photoshoots, baby showers, and events early, as venues and photographers may book months in advance.
• Make arrangements for maternity leave, including childcare, pet care, employer notifications, and financial planning.
• Prepare older children for the new baby, especially if weaning or transitioning to a toddler bed.

What To Look Forward To

In the coming weeks, you’ll start feeling your baby move! At first, it may feel like gas bubbles, but before long, you can distinguish between a kick and a punch and even recognize flips!

You should have an ultrasound in the next few weeks (usually between week 18 and week 22) for an anatomy check. This is vital to ensure your baby is developing as he should. Still, for most parents, the exciting part is checking out images of their baby smiling, sucking his thumb, and being adorable. You may even be able to find out your baby’s sex at this scan!

If you want a maternity photoshoot, you can start planning poses and backgrounds! It’s recommended to schedule the actual photoshoot for between 28 and 36 weeks when you’re clearly showing but still energetic and mobile.

Also, mark your calendar for your baby shower, and if you and your spouse are planning a ‘babymoon’ — a last getaway together before the baby comes, it’s a good time to plan that!