17 Full Weeks Today

Here's a little info on the babies this week.

Keep in mind we do not know the sex(es) yet. So the "he's" and "she's" will not be accurate at this point. And since there's two, just replace the word 'baby' for babies. :)

How Big is the Baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is 5.1 inches by pregnancy week 17 and weighs almost 5 ounces! If you were to hold your baby, she would fit snuggly in the palm of your hand.

Your Baby's Growth and Development

Your baby during week 17 is very mobile, gleefully moving his joints here, there and everywhere and he will continue to do so as you continue your pregnancy week by week. The cartilage making up the skeleton in your baby's body is starting to transform into bone. At 17 weeks, your baby should be hearing things. Your baby will start putting on some layers of fat in the weeks to come, though at this point in time, your baby is made up of primarily water.

You may be feeling your baby move intermittently after pregnancy week 17, though as your pregnancy progresses, you will likely start feeling your baby move more and more.

There are many natural health practitioners that believe in the power of touch. Though your little one is still very small, your touch may do much to help him feel safe and warm inside the womb. If you haven't started already, you might consider rubbing your 'pooch' in calming circular motions. This will not only help comfort your little one, but will help initiate the bonding process with you and your baby throughout your pregnancy and after.

Other women find comfort playing music to their unborn children. There is evidence suggesting that your baby responds to music even while in the womb. Thus, there is no harm in playing some calm and engaging music to your unborn baby.

Your Growth and Development

At 17 weeks pregnant, your uterus will start changing resembling more of an egg shape instead of a round ball. It will gradually grow to inhabit most of your pelvis and abdomen. While this happens, your organs, including your intestines, get pushed to the sides. By now, you will likely be showing a little bit, though some women are still able to hide their pregnancies for many weeks to come.

By 17 weeks, your uterus should now be about 1.5 to 2 inches below your bellybutton, so you should be showing a little in your lower abdomen.

Changes in You

You are probably steadily gaining some weight by 17 weeks pregnant. Most women welcome the feel of their baby moving , but movements are still fairly erratic and won't seem regular for a few more weeks. 

_______________________________________________

On the subject of the babies moving... Miranda is feeling little flutters now and again. She says she's not sure if it is the babies moving or not. But I believe it is. :) I can't WAIT to start feeling them myself!!

(Note: The information above is copyright www.womenshealthcaretopics.com)