Baby is the size of a pear
👶 Baby's development
Hearing develops — the baby hears voices and music. Fat tissue begins to accumulate.
💛 How mom feels
The bump is clearly visible. Stretch marks may appear — use oil or cream. Side sleeping is more comfortable.
📖 Tip of the week
Fat tissue begins forming under the baby's skin — this will help retain heat after birth. Hearing is working: the baby can hear your voice and heartbeat. Talk to them, play gentle music — it's beneficial for development.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The fetus is developing brown fat deposits under the skin, crucial for temperature regulation after birth
- The skeleton is transitioning from cartilage to hard bone (ossification accelerates)
- Sweat glands begin forming throughout the skin
- The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger to support increased nutrient exchange
- The fetus responds to external stimuli — loud noises may cause startle reactions
- The fetus is about 13 cm long and weighs approximately 140 grams, roughly the size of a pear
🤱 What mom may feel
- Fetal movements may be felt more frequently, especially when lying down quietly
- Stretch marks may begin to appear on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs
- Increased sweating and body heat from boosted metabolism
- Occasional sharp pain on one or both sides (round ligament pain) with sudden movements
- Swollen or bleeding gums may persist
🏥 Tests and check-ups
No specific scheduled tests for week 17. Continue regular prenatal appointments every 4 weeks. If amniocentesis has been recommended due to screening results or maternal age, it is typically performed between weeks 15-20 and provides definitive chromosomal analysis.
💡 Tips for this week
- Apply cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, or specialized stretch mark cream to keep skin hydrated and elastic
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton clothing to manage increased body heat
- Stay well-hydrated — dehydration can worsen Braxton Hicks contractions and fatigue
- Begin planning your maternity leave and discussing work arrangements with your employer
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I prevent stretch marks?
Genetics play the largest role in whether you get stretch marks. Keeping skin well moisturized, staying hydrated, gaining weight gradually, and eating a diet rich in vitamins C and E may help minimize them but cannot guarantee prevention.
What is amniocentesis?
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test where a thin needle is used to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid for chromosomal analysis. It carries a small risk of miscarriage (about 0.1-0.3%). It is offered when screening indicates elevated risk or for women 35 and older.
Why do I feel so hot all the time?
Increased blood volume (up 50% by the end of pregnancy), higher metabolic rate, and hormonal changes all contribute to feeling warmer than usual. This is normal and will continue throughout pregnancy.
📝 Week 17 of pregnancy: what's happening
Your baby now measures approximately 13 cm and weighs around 140 g — roughly the size of a pear. The skeleton continues to harden as ossification progresses, and the baby is developing a layer of brown fat beneath the skin which will help regulate body temperature after birth. The sense of hearing is developing — your baby can now detect sounds from outside the womb, including your voice and heartbeat. Unique fingerprints are forming on the tips of your baby’s fingers and toes this week.
As your uterus continues to grow, you may begin to experience more pronounced round ligament pain, particularly on the right side, which can sometimes feel sharp and alarming. This is caused by the stretching of the ligaments supporting the uterus and is a normal part of pregnancy. You may also notice changes in your posture as your centre of gravity shifts forward — many women begin to adopt a slightly swayed lower back stance. Varicose veins or haemorrhoids (piles) may appear due to increased blood volume and pressure on pelvic blood vessels.
If you have been offered the quadruple test (a blood test for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome) as an alternative to first-trimester combined screening, this must be done between weeks 14 and 20, so speak to your midwife without delay if this applies to you. Continue attending all scheduled antenatal appointments and keep your maternity notes updated. It is also worthwhile discussing with your midwife whether a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test is something you wish to consider later in pregnancy.
This is an ideal time to begin thinking about your birth preferences — where you would like to give birth (hospital, midwife-led unit, or home birth), who you would like as your birth partner, and your views on pain relief. There is no pressure to make firm decisions now, but reflecting on your options will help you feel more prepared. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) are important throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of incontinence and support recovery after birth — aim for three sets of 8–12 squeezes daily. Staying active with low-impact exercise continues to benefit both you and your baby.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding of any amount
- Severe headache or vision changes
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Swelling of face and hands (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased or absent fetal movement after 20 weeks
- Blood pressure above 140/90
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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