How Your Baby Grows During the Seventeenth Week
Your baby's crown-to-rump length is about 4 1/2 to 5 inches long and he weighs about 3 1/2 ounces, twice as much as he weighed just 2 weeks ago.
Your baby will now begin added fat, called adipose tissue, to his body which will help with heat production and metabolism. He is aware of, and will respond to, loud noises outside of the womb. Observable changes in the heartbeat can even be detected by Doppler or ultrasound, as the baby responds to noisy stimuli.
The fluid levels in the uterus, and your baby's growing physical strength, allow him to move freely through his watery environment.
What the Mother Feels During the Seventeenth Week
Your uterus has stretched further up into the abdominal space and the top of the uterus, or fundus, can be felt just 1 1/2 inches below your belly button. As your uterus begins to rearrange your internal organs, moving intestines, bladder and stomach out of the way, you may experience twinges of pain caused by the round ligaments. This round ligament pain is caused when the round ligaments, which support the uterus, are suddenly strained. Try to avoid sudden, fast movements.
Increased blood flow, and abundant pregnancy hormones, increase the amount of fluids and swelling in your body. Many pregnant women notice an increase in vaginal discharge and find that cotton underwear are the most comfortable for them. This phenomena can also cause increased sweating, bleeding in the gums, and nasal congestion.
Your feet and legs can suffer from decreased circulation caused by the growing weight of your uterus. Pregnant women especially should be cautious of crossing their legs, wearing tight fitting pants, or sleeping on their backs. Try sleeping in a comfortable, side-lying position and selecting pants that fit comfortably.
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
