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Pregnancy Week 17

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Your Baby's Development This Week

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!


Pregnancy Week 17 Comfort Meter

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Comments


Showing 10 out of 86 Comments | Add Comment | See All Comments
Katrina
01/28/2012 6:02 pm
I am 41 and 17 weeks and 1 day.... i have three children a 17 year old son, a 13 year old son and a 5 year old daughter. they keep me so busy i don't know when i am going to find the time for the new baby, lol. i am a full time teacher, a full time student and a full time mom....whew! i have been feeling light flutters for about three weeks but no hard kicks, sometimes i worry because i haven't felt anything strong yet. it's hard to remember when things happened in my other pregnancies. my stomach looks huge some days and tiny others, that confuses me. i have had a rather easy pregnancy so far....... i hope it stays that way.
jenn
01/25/2012 5:56 pm
17 weeks and 4 days.... gained 15 pounds already.. no sickness, tired and what feels like hunger in my chest area, probably heartburn but doesn't subside without something small to eat or milk etc. lots of fruit.
kat
01/13/2012 2:53 pm
I am 28 and 17 weeks today with my first (and only) :-)and still have bad morning (all day) sickness. i haven't gained any weight but i guess i'm lucky i haven't lost any considering i rarely can keep food down. so far this has been a horrible pregnancy. i spent a couple days in the hospital last week to pass some kidney stones. hoping things get better soon. good luck to all!
Danielle
01/10/2012 8:25 pm
Im 17 weeks 1 day... i haven't gained any weight yet, but today i had a truckers appetite! maybe i'll start gaining soon...
Narcissa
01/03/2012 9:43 pm
I am 31 and 17 wks 3 days with my 4th baby. i've gained 12 lbs. so far but i'm hoping this pregnancy follows the other 3 and the weight gain will slow down now that i can be a little pickier with what and how often i eat. still feeling nausea but the vomitting finally passed last week! this pregnancy so far is almost identical to my other 3 (girl, boy, girl). blessings to all!!
Jessica
10/26/2011 6:01 pm
I am 19yrs old and pregnant with my second. i so far have gained 8 pounds and i'm at 17 weeks. i'm so nervous about not gaining enough. i know i can loose the weight once the baby is born. my daughter is 15 months and very energetic. i started feeling kicks a week ago. mainly at bed time.
Desiree
09/28/2011 12:30 pm
Im 17 weeks 6 days with my 3rd child i have 8 yr old twins, i lost 10 lbs in the first trimester but have gained all 10 back so i am right back at pre pregnancy weight, i feel the baby move every day usually right before i eat. i am still very tired but work 9 hr days so i guess that has alot to do with it. im excited to find out the sex of the baby, which is next month!!! good luck to all u expecting mommy's :-)
tracey
09/27/2011 8:43 am
Hi,im 30years old & pregnant with are first baby had no sickness but i've been in terrible pains as my belly has got really big i look like im 7mths pregnant :) ,suffering with burning feeling at top off my belly now for 2weeks.my hubby keeps saying im carrying twins! i have felt baby move a few times.besides all the pain i've been going through im full off joy being pregnant:) love to all whos pregnant & all the best xxxxxx
alice
07/29/2011 5:03 pm
Im 35 yrs jus beganing my 17 wks we have a 16 yr old girl a 13 yr old boy and a 8 mnth old girl, hoping for another boy, this pregnany has been wonderful no morning sickness or any negative feelings,felt the baby moving a little and i love it, however i am over weight and feel terrible about gaining more weigh, any advise for me
Jeanie
07/09/2011 2:15 pm
I am 17 weeks with my 4th. 3 girls already praying for a boy lol either way healthy is all i want, although hubby says diff. i have lost 6lbs so far but i have a lil bump. this go round i am still losing hair, instead of a gorgeous head full of hair. :( i wish all the mothers to be the best pregnancy and labor & delivery! :)

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