WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

My Baby's Evolution at 17 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Baby's growth during pregnancy
My Baby's Evolution at 17 Weeks of Pregnancy
Here's a glimpse into what's happening with your baby's development!
Your Baby's Size and Development
  • Baby's facial features: Your baby's face is taking on a more recognizable form. The eyes, which were initially on the sides of the head, have now moved closer together. The ears are continuing to develop, and your baby may even start to hear some muffled sounds from the outside world.
  • Growing limbs: Those tiny arms and legs are getting stronger and more coordinated. Your baby is practicing different movements, such as stretching, kicking, and even somersaulting. You may start to feel these little flutters and kicks as your baby becomes more active.
  • Hair and nails: Hair is starting to grow on your baby's scalp, and nails are developing on the fingers and toes. The hair is still very fine and translucent, but it will continue to grow and thicken throughout the pregnancy.
Sensory Discoveries
As your baby's nervous system matures, they are beginning to explore and experience the world around them in unique ways. Here are some fascinating sensory discoveries your baby is making:
  • Taste buds: Taste buds are forming on your baby's tongue, and they may start swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid. This allows them to experience different flavors, preparing their taste preferences for when they enter the outside world.
  • Touch sensitivity: Your baby's skin is becoming more sensitive, and they can now feel gentle touches and movements. They may respond to external stimuli by wriggling or shifting position in the womb.
  • Responsive to light: While your baby's eyes are still closed, they can detect changes in light. Shining a light on your belly might elicit a response, as your baby may turn their head or move in response to the stimulation.
Organ Development
By 17 weeks, your baby's organs have been forming and are now continuing to mature and develop further. Here are some notable developments:
  • Heartbeat: Your baby's heart is working hard, pumping around 26 quarts of blood every day. The heartbeat can now be heard using a stethoscope or Doppler device during your prenatal appointments.
  • Digestive system: The intestines are growing longer and moving into the abdominal cavity. The intestines, liver, and spleen are all starting to work together to support digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Respiratory system: While your baby's lungs are still immature, they are beginning to develop branches of the respiratory tree. These branches will eventually form the bronchial tubes and air sacs needed for breathing after birth.
Communication and Interaction
Even in the womb, your baby is learning to communicate and interact with you. They can sense your emotions and respond to external stimuli. Here's how you can nurture this connection:
  • Talk and sing: Your baby can hear your voice, so go ahead and chat with them! Sing songs, read books, and share your thoughts and feelings. This helps your baby become familiar with your voice and creates a bond between you.
  • Gentle touch: Caressing your belly gently can provide comfort and a sense of security to your baby. They may respond to your touch by moving or kicking, creating a beautiful physical connection between you.
  • Play soothing music: Playing soft and calming music can have a soothing effect on both you and your baby. It creates a peaceful atmosphere and can even help your baby relax and sleep.
Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, and your baby is growing and developing at their own pace. Enjoy this special time and continue to nurture your connection with your little one as you eagerly await their arrival into the world.
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Baby's Second Trimester Tracker
1 min read
N
Nicole
28 Jan 2024

I check my baby 2 weeks ago good heartbeat & very active Tonight I experience light pinkish spotting has anyone experienced this at 17 weeks

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
7 comments
G
Gabriela
I am 15 weeks, I had light pink spotting a couple weeks ago. My dr said it could be due to sex (a couple days prior) because the blood vessels are more sensitive or a strenuous activity. If you are not bleeding like a period you should be okay! If you are concerned though, call your dr:)
27 Mar 2024

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D
Daziana
I also just got to see and hear my baby 2 weeks ago. I’m having this problem now at 15 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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M
Miah
1 Jan 2024

Last time I was here I had just found out about my molar pregnancy , I ended up having a DNC in March of last year. Now I’m currently 17 weeks & 2 days w/ my rainbow baby 🌈 & it’s a Boy 💙

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
C
Cassandra
Congratulations! I’m currently 14 weeks and 4days pregnant with my rainbow baby boy too!! I never heard of a rainbow baby before this pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Miah
Congrats 💕😭 love to see it 🫶🏼
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tae
26 Apr 2023

This was taken last week at 17 weeks , I can’t wait to meet my baby I find out my gender in 12 days . #babybump

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
T
Tishla
Your bump is so cute and petite!❤️
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tae
Thank you !
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sabryna
11 Nov 2022

Im so anxious Im 16 weeks 17 weeks tomorrow and still haven’t felt baby move yet. This is my second pregnancy. I wish I had a Doppler so I can calm my nerves

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
s
shaye
i didn’t rly feel my baby until 20w
27 Mar 2024

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C
Carmen
I’m 17 weeks and I’ve only felt flusters
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mariah
21 Sep 2022

This is my first pregnancy and I believe I have felt the flitters from my son starting at 17 weeks and I am currently 20 weeks, but I haven’t felt a actual kick yet! At what week did you guys feel a actual kick from baby?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
7 comments
A
Andria
16 Jun 2022

Hey! I'm almost 17 weeks pregnant with my third. I was up at 5 am eating something and it felt like a spasm in my stomach. Was that my baby moving?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
1 comments
A
Amber
I’m 17weeks and starting to feel flutters now I’m wondering if it’s my baby moving that I can feel now too. But not sure. This my first pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mia
2 Jun 2022

When I was 17 weeks, the doctor who did my ultrasound said my baby was 8 oz. Is that good? By the end of my pregnancy, I want to have my baby at least 5 lbs. What should i eat??

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
7 comments
J
Jessica
Why do you want you baby to be 5lbs? Normal healthy babies are about 7-8 lbs
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katie
she actually said 'at least 5lbs'. I think shes concerned her baby will be under weight and wants to know what she shoukd be eating to make sure baby gains healthy weight, right?
27 Mar 2024

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c
cassie
18 May 2022

I’m 17 weeks and this is my second pregnancy and I’m 31. This one seems to take every ounce of energy out of me. Will this get better?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
1 comments
A
Adriana
10 May 2022

I feel my baby some days a lot and other days BARELY anything. Is that normal at 17 weeks?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
4 comments
K
Kayla
Oh yeah im almost 23 weeks and it's still like that
27 Mar 2024

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A
Adriana
It freaked me out! I was balling in tears last night because I was debating on going to the Er for not feeling it move 😩
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shawntah
16 Nov 2021

I am 17 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I'm not having any cravings at all. Is this normal?

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
5 comments
J
Judith
To this day at 23 weeks I don’t have any cravings I just get hungry at times
27 Mar 2024

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L
Loretta
Yea it’s normal I’ll be 19 weeks trrw still no cravings just hungry off n on
27 Mar 2024

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