Pregnancy week by week · trimester 2
🍐 17 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a pear
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pear, practising swallowing and moving more freely.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around the size of a pear, about 13cm long. They are practising swallowing and moving around with more freedom, rolling and kicking in the fluid. Fat is starting to form under the skin, which will help keep your baby warm after birth. The skeleton, which began as soft cartilage, is gradually hardening into bone. The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger to carry everything your baby needs. Little sweat glands are developing too.
You this week
Your bump may be getting rounder and more obvious. Your centre of gravity is shifting, which can make you feel a little off balance, and backache is common. You might feel hungrier, and notice your skin stretching, sometimes with itchiness on your tummy. Some mums feel dizzy if they stand for a long time. Lying on your side, rather than flat on your back, can feel more comfortable as your bump grows.
Kind things to do this week
- Wear flat, supportive shoes as your balance changes.
- Moisturise your tummy if it feels itchy or tight.
- Book your whooping cough vaccine if it is not in the diary yet.
Appointments around now
Your anomaly scan is usually offered between 18 and 21 weeks, so look out for the date.
Questions to ask your midwife
- What does the anomaly scan check for?
- Can I find out the sex at my scan here?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
Contact your midwife or maternity unit if you have any bleeding, tummy pain that does not settle, or fluid leaking from your vagina. They would always rather hear from you.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
Why is my tummy itchy at 17 weeks pregnant?
Mild itching as your skin stretches is common, and moisturiser can help. Itching that becomes intense, especially on your hands and feet, should be mentioned to your midwife.
Is backache normal at 17 weeks?
Yes. Hormones loosen your joints and your posture changes as your bump grows. Gentle exercise, good posture and supportive shoes can all help.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.