17 Weeks Pregnant

Your Baby's Growth and Development

By 17 weeks pregnant your baby is quite mobile, and measures in at roughly 4.8 inches long and may be as much as 3.5 ounces! Most babies are roughly the size of your palm by about 17 weeks pregnant. Your baby is quite mobile by this point in time, happily swimming about your uterus. This will change in the upcoming weeks as your baby starts putting on pounds and the space inside your uterus becomes increasingly cluttered.

From roughly pregnancy week 17 on your baby starts hearing things in the outside world. You may notice as your pregnancy progresses your baby sometimes jumps at loud noises. This is a good time to consider playing some soothing music for your baby.

Keep in mind during this time in your pregnancy the power of touch if very strong. Your baby can feel your movements and your touch while in the uterus, so take some time each day to rub your belly and tell your baby just how much you love them. This helps comfort your baby and initiates the bonding process between you and baby.

You can also invite your partner to do the same. You'll find this is a wonderful and bonding experience for both of you, especially if your baby decides to start kicking your partner during touch sessions.

Changes in Your Body

Around 17 weeks pregnant your uterus starts changing shape, and start to resemble an egg rather than a large ball. This shape will continue throughout your pregnancy. As your pregnancy continues your uterus will grow into your pelvis and much of your abdomen, pushing your inner organs here, there and everywhere as you continue to grow.

By 17 weeks pregnant you are probably showing a bit, though some women can still hide their pregnancies quite well even through 20 weeks pregnant. Your uterus is between 1 ½ and 2 inches below your belly button by this point in time.

You are likely gaining weight steadily by now. You may find you also start having more vaginal discharge at about 17 weeks pregnant. This will likely continue throughout your pregnancy, and is usually nothing serious to worry about. I found wearing a light days pad often was all that was needed to keep feeling fresh throughout my pregnancy.

Keep in mind vaginal discharge should be, for the most part, clear and odor free. If you notice your discharge is blood tinged, gray or has an unusual odor you should contact your healthcare provider. These may be early warning signs of a vaginal infection.

Part of the reason we have more discharge around this time is our body is producing more estrogen. There is also more blood flowing regularly throughout the genital area during pregnancy.

Stress and Pregnancy

Too much stress during pregnancy is not healthy for you and your baby. When you are overly stressed, you may notice increasing side effects including headaches, cramping and Braxton hick's contractions. There are some studies suggesting high levels of stress during pregnancy may resolve in complications including preterm labor. This may be associated with higher than normal levels of a substance called corticotrophin-releasing hormone in your blood.

It is very important you adopt strategies that will help you overcome stress during pregnancy. There are many things you can to do take care of your self and help promote your well being and that of your baby. Consider for example, resting as much as you can during pregnancy. Avoid taking on extra projects or assignments during pregnancy. Take some time out to organize your workspace or your personal space if that helps you remain stress free.

Last but not least, be sure to ask for help from others when you can during pregnancy. The more help you can get the less stressed you will fail. And, when all else fails, remember to breathe. All things in life are temporary. Remember that even when things seem there most dire, there usually is a light at the end of the tunnel!

There are many ways to reduce stress in your life. Stress will relieve your discomfort, and will also allow your baby to relax in the womb. Some studies suggest women that experience chronic stress may be more likely to give birth to colicky babies. One way to help reduce stress is by sleeping peacefully. At this stage of pregnancy, you can do this easily with the help of a Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow. These remarkable pillows are like having three pillows in one. You can use them to support your lower back while propped up against the couch, or use them to sleep in any position you find comfortable at night.

Some women combine a pregnancy pillow with a boppy, which is a U-shaped support pillow that is much smaller. Before pregnancy, you can gently place the boppy under your knees for support, and use your pregnancy pillow behind your back and neck for some added support. Remember, restorative sleep is important for you and your baby's healthy growth and development. Snoozer pregnancy pillows and accessories are ideal for helping you sleep, which always helps reduce stress. Why not select one of our luxurious varieties today, and enjoy the benefits throughout and long after you deliver your baby?

Common triggers for migraines include stress or anxiety, too little sleep, chocolate and certain aged cheeses, wine and coffee and strong odors at times. Some women find placing an ice pack on their head helps them feel better, while others find acupuncture helps during pregnancy. If I catch a migraine early, I always try some acupuncture to help relieve my symptoms. If your headaches prove extra debilitating, be sure to contact your healthcare provider for more advice about treating them. In certain circumstances, your doctor may be able to prescribe something to help alleviate your discomfort temporarily.