Congratulations, mama-to-be! You’re officially 17 weeks pregnant and your baby is growing at an incredible rate. It’s understandable that you might be curious about where is my baby at 17 weeks in my stomach?Well, get ready to dive into the world of fetal development because we’ve got all the juicy details for you. From tiny fingers and toes to a developing nervous system, let’s explore what’s happening with your baby at 17 weeks in your stomach!
At 17 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a bell pepper and measures around 5.2 inches long from crown to rump (the top of his head to his bottom). He weighs in at about 6 ounces. Your baby’s body is developing rapidly and he now has fully formed fingernails and toenails, as well as his own unique fingerprints. His skin is still very thin and translucent, so you won’t be able to see them yet. Inside your womb, he’s already practicing breathing movements by inhaling amniotic fluid through his nose and mouth.
Your little one’s bones are also continuing to harden, while his legs have grown longer than his arms. He can move all four limbs freely now, so those baby kicks and jabs may become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses. His nervous system is also becoming more developed—he’ll be able to recognize familiar sounds like your voice or music that you play for him. If you’re starting to feel movement, it’s likely that yours is due to your baby stretching out or shifting position inside the uterus!
Overview of Pregnancy Week 17
During pregnancy week 17, your baby is approximately 5 inches long and weighs around 4 ounces. His or her bones are beginning to harden, and his or her taste buds are now developed. You may begin to feel Braxton Hicks contractions during this week as well.
Your baby’s organs are continuing to develop, and the eyes are beginning to open. His or her skin is still translucent, but the pigment of his or her skin is developing. Your baby’s movements will become more pronounced and you may be able to feel him or her moving around inside of you.
Your uterus has grown to the size of a grapefruit and your clothes may becoming increasingly tight. You may also start to notice changes in your breasts such as tenderness and increased size. Your energy levels may begin to decrease during this week, so it is important to get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. It is also important to attend all prenatal appointments as they can help monitor the health of both you and your baby.
What is Happening to my Baby at 17 Weeks?
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a turnip. They weigh about 5 ounces and are 4 to 5 inches long from head to bottom. Their arms and legs are now in proportion to their body and they can move all of their joints. You may be able to feel your baby’s movements, called “quickening,” for the first time.
Your baby’s brain and nervous system are continuing to develop and their senses are beginning to form. Their taste buds are developed and they can swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid. This fluid helps with their digestion and keeps their skin healthy.
You may be experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions, which are false labor pains. These contractions can be uncomfortable, but they are not harmful. You may also notice that your stomach looks different as your uterus grows upwards into your ribcage.
How Big is My Baby at 17 Weeks?
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a turnip. They weigh in at around 5 ounces and are around 5 inches long. Their little limbs are beginning to grow and they can now move their joints. You may be able to feel them hiccuping as well!
Sources:
Baby Center. (2021). Fetal Development: Your Baby at 17 Weeks. Retrieved from
What Changes am I Experiencing in My Body at 17 Weeks?
At 17 weeks pregnant, you may be noticing some changes in your body. Your stomach is growing as your baby grows, and you may have already started to feel some movement from your little one. You may also be experiencing some changes in your breasts, as they prepare for nursing. You may notice that you are urinating more frequently, as your pregnancy hormone levels increase and your uterus puts pressure on your bladder. You may also be constipated, as your growing uterus presses on your intestines. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet to help with this.
Where is my baby at 17 weeks in my stomach?
At week 17, your baby is the size of a turnip. Baby’s bones are continuing to harden and their sense of hearing is improving. You may start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions, which are normal and not a cause for concern.
At this stage in development, your baby is able to recognize your voice and may respond to it by kicking or moving. Baby’s eyes will begin to open more often and they may start to recognize light and dark. Vision continues to improve as well as baby’s ability to focus and track objects.
Baby’s reflexes are also improving at this stage of development. Your little one can now turn their head away from a bright light or when something touches their cheek. Baby is also now able to suck their thumb and make grasping motions with the hands.
At 17 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is growing and developing inside your uterus. Here’s a general idea of what’s happening:
- Size and Weight: Your baby is approximately 5.1 inches (13 cm) long from crown to rump and weighs about 5.9 ounces (170 grams). Keep in mind that these measurements are average and can vary.
- Physical Development: By this stage, your baby’s body is becoming more proportional. Their skeleton is forming, and their cartilage is turning into bones. The umbilical cord continues to grow and provide essential nutrients to your baby.
- Facial Features: Your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined. Their eyes are moving closer together, and their eyelids are fused shut to protect their developing eyes. The ears are also in place and positioned closer to their final position.
- Movements: At 17 weeks, you may start feeling your baby’s movements. Initially, these movements may feel like gentle flutters or gas bubbles. As your baby grows, their movements will become more noticeable and pronounced.
- Vernix Caseosa: A protective, waxy substance called vernix caseosa covers your baby’s skin. It helps protect their delicate skin from the amniotic fluid.
- Reproductive System: If you’re having a baby girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are forming during this time. For baby boys, the genitals are becoming more developed.
Taking Care of Yourself During Pregnancy Week 17
During pregnancy, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself during pregnancy week 17:
Physical self-care:
– Get plenty of rest. Pregnancy can be exhausting, so make sure to get plenty of sleep.
– Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods will help you and your baby stay healthy.
– Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is important for both you and your baby.
– Exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve your energy levels and mood during pregnancy.
Emotional self-care:
– Take time for yourself. Make sure to schedule some time each day to relax and do something that you enjoy.
– Connect with friends and family members. Spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions.
Conclusion
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby has grown significantly. They are now around 5 inches long and weigh around 4 ounces, with their organs fully developed. It’s an amazing process to watch as your baby grows larger and stronger in the comfort of your womb. As you continue along the pregnancy journey, it is important to stay informed about where your baby is located in your stomach so that you can ensure they are safe and healthy throughout this special time.
