At 17 weeks, your baby's lungs are beginning to practice the movements of breathing. They're not actually breathing air, but rather amniotic fluid, which helps in the development of the respiratory system.
The baby doesn't breathe air in the womb; oxygen comes from your blood through the placenta. However, these early movements are crucial for lung development.
Besides lung development, your baby's skeletal system continues to ossify, and the sense of hearing is developing. You might also start to feel the baby’s movements more distinctly as they grow stronger.
This stage doesn't typically change your pregnancy experience directly, but knowing your baby's lungs are developing might enhance your connection to the growing life inside you. It's a reminder of the complexity of development and the progress towards a viable pregnancy.
Your prenatal care will continue to focus on overall health and well-being, which indirectly supports your baby's lung development. Ensure you're getting adequate nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, and attending all prenatal appointments to monitor your baby's growth and development.
