Pregnancy Week 17
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Inside Pregnancy Week 17
Baby’s hearing has become so sensitive that loud noises might startle him or her. The eyes face forward, can discern light, but are still tightly closed. Cartilage continues to harden into bone, but will remain soft enough to manage the birth process with necessary flexibility. Fat tissue is forming, giving the baby a normal appearance, but it also helps with maintaining the metabolism, and regulating temperature. Additionally, fat pads are forming on the fingertips and toes and in a few weeks, the swirls that differentiate us by our fingerprints, will appear in a few more weeks.
Pregnancy Symptoms You May Feel During Week 17
The enlarging uterus is becoming more round and as it grows will move other organs out of the way. It’s sometimes possible for you to palpate your own abdomen and feel how the uterus is growing. This is easier to do when standing. There will be a steady increase in your vaginal secretions, especially the discharge referred to as “leukorrhea.” Panty liners will probably make you feel more comfortable. You might also notice a steep increase in your appetite this week. Don’t attempt to eat for two, however strong the temptation.
Visit With the Obstetrician
A common pregnancy complaint is sciatica. This occurs when the sciatic nerve, a long nerve running from the lower back to the feet, becomes inflamed and causes pain, tingling or weakness. While it’s not directly tied to pregnancy, pregnant women often deal with this condition. It’s most likely linked to disc problems, which may become worsened due to the extra pressure of the pregnancy. The common description is like the pins and needles sensation associated with a leg falling asleep. This sensation may occur in the lower back, leg or perhaps the foot. A shooting, or burning pain may also be felt in the lower back, buttocks, or leg. Or it could be experienced as a pain that runs from the lower back to the foot, or a numbness.
Talk to your health provider about appropriate treatment options for sciatica. Sometimes the problem clears up on its own within several weeks. Your doctor might advise applying heat, and making certain posture is correct. Other options include seeing a physical therapist, chiropractor or massage therapist for treatment geared to prenatal patients.
Preparing for Baby
Sleeping options are a huge topic in parenting. Do you put them in the crib every night, same time, and let them cry it out? Are you going to try co-sleeping or the family bed? Will you be a Ferber follower or an attachment parenting devotee? There are almost as many sleep
options out there as there are sleepers, and there could be a good chance that the one you settle on, might not be as attractive to your
spouse or partner. So while you might be getting plenty of easy Z’s right now, it’s still a good time to read up on the subject, think about
your options, talk to other parents, and begin discussing it with your partner. Of course, that’s not to say that you have to stick to whatever plan sounds good now in the abstract, but knowing your options will help in the future.
Pregnancy Lifestyle
By now you have probably developed a nice baby bump, which means one thing. Everyone knows you’re going to be a mommy and the usual boundaries separating you from strangers have shrunk considerably. The most invasive type of contact is the belly rub. Some expectant mothers don’t mind most times, and take it in stride. However, if you are not one of those, practice a clear, firm but polite way to deal with such unwanted attention. Other things you’ll deal with is sometimes personal questions, “You going to breastfeed?” or unsolicited advice. Sometimes it’s easiest and best to just smile, nod, and go on your way. Other times you might need to redirect the questioner. But remember, it’s just that the world seem to love seeing an expectant mom. It is a happy sight!