Pregnancy at Week 17: The Good, the Bad and the Unexpected
Reaching week seventeen of pregnancy can feel like a milestone for soon-to-be parents. It’s an exciting time as expectant mothers anticipate what is to come in their maternity journey and begin preparations for their new arrival. With this stage comes changes to both physical and emotional health, as well as important screenings and tests that should take place during this gestational age.
Introduction
Week 17 marks a significant period of your pregnancy – you are officially in your second trimester! Although many changes occur at this stage, there is no need to worry if you don’t experience all of them – each woman and baby go through different milestones and timelines.
With every passing week, your baby grows closer to his or her due date and takes on more characteristics that resemble those of newborn babies. During week 17, expectant mothers will also start to become aware of certain side effects and discomforts associated with the progressing pregnancy. Here we discuss the good, the bad and the unexpected of being pregnant at week 17.
Physical Changes
At week 17, you may have already begun to notice some physical changes such as weight gain, swelling and darkening of certain areas around your nipples. Weight gain varies depending on your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI, but generally women tend to put on about 11-15 pounds by now. As for swelling, it is completely normal for ankles, feet and hands to appear swollen from fluid retention; however, contact your doctor if any other area starts to swell up (e.g., face). Lastly, hormonal changes cause the nipples and surrounding area (areolas) to become darker than usual. All these changes indicate that the body is preparing itself for childbirth.
Fetal Development & Milestones
During week 17, your baby’s skeleton continues to harden while organs develop rapidly and reach maturity. Your little one’s brain begins to control movements and he or she has developed enough coordination to do somersaults in the uterus! There are likely moments when you can feel these movements — they can range from gentle fluttering to strong kicks and punches.
This is also an ideal time to determine whether you are having a boy or a girl based on ultrasound images, although results are not always 100% accurate.
Common Discomforts & Side Effects
Although week 17 signals the end of the first trimester and the beginning of the second trimester, you may still experience mild symptoms that were present earlier on in the pregnancy. These include fatigue, nausea, frequent urination and heartburn. Additionally, round ligament pain which feels like sharp stabbing sensations in the abdomen may occur more frequently as your belly expands and uterus stretches to make room for the growing baby.
It is important to keep track of any concerning signs or symptoms, particularly shortness of breath or bleeding that requires immediate medical attention. If you ever feel concerned about anything related to your pregnancy, speak to your doctor right away.
Nutrition & Diet Recommendations
As your pregnancy progresses so does your nutritional needs – adequate intake of nutrients are essential for optimal growth and development of your baby. A balanced diet containing whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources (such as fish and poultry), low fat dairy products as well as healthy fats like nuts and seeds should be incorporated into your daily meals. In addition, hydration is key to ensure your body receives enough fluids throughout the day. Consuming approximately 8 glasses of water a day is recommended for proper hydration during pregnancy. Speak with a registered dietitian if you would like further guidance on what constitutes a balanced diet plan tailored specifically for you.
Screenings & Tests That Take Place During Week 17
Most doctors recommend ultrasounds at least twice during the course of a normal pregnancy – once between weeks 16-20 and again at week 28-32. This scan allows healthcare providers to check on the size of your uterus and observe fetal growth, detect any abnormalities as well as establish paternity if needed. You may also receive blood tests to screen for antibodies that may lead to complications such as Rh incompatibility or preeclampsia later on in the pregnancy. Make sure to ask questions regarding any screening or test that takes place during prenatal visits so that you understand why they are necessary.
Emotional Support During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring feelings of joy but it can also be overwhelming – after all it is a huge life transition! Being pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to go through it alone – getting support from family members, friends or even professionals such as counsellors or psychologists can help alleviate stress levels. Talk openly with loved ones about how you’re feeling and seek help if you think it could benefit you. Most importantly remember to show yourself self-compassion; allow yourself moments to relax and unwind away from work/school responsibilities in order to remain emotionally healthy throughout this special period in your life.
Precautions To Be Taken
In addition to taking extra precautionary measures such as avoiding alcohol consumption, smoking and illegal drugs, try to stay physically active by engaging in light exercises or stretching under the guidance of a physician or certified instructor. Doing regular pelvic floor exercises can help prevent urinary incontinence postpartum too! Also ensure that whatever activities you engage in is suitable for expecting moms at this stage in their pregnancies – certain yoga poses or high intensity workouts may need modifications depending on individual cases. Before partaking in any activity always consult with a professional who knows your specific case best.
Preparing For Baby’s Arrival
There’s no better way to get ready for motherhood than starting preparations for baby’s arrival early! Look into items you’ll need such as a car seat, crib, stroller etc and figure out what type of diapers you want (cloth vs disposable). Remember that online shopping sites can offer great deals on items you may need so shop around before deciding on what works best for you and your budget! Setting up a nursery ahead of time can also be calming – painting walls a soothing colour or playing soft music in the background can create a peaceful environment for you and your unborn child.
Conclusion
We hope this article provided insight into what physical changes, developments and common discomforts occur during week 17 of pregnancy as well as advice on how to prepare for the arrival of your bundle of joy! Taking care of yourself during this special moment in your life is key – practice patience, nurture yourself with nutritious meals and remember that receiving support from family members or healthcare professionals can really make a difference in helping you manage any anxieties associated with motherhood.