17 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Week seventeen and your baby's skeleton is hardening from flexible cartilage to bone — a process called ossification that will continue for months. The baby is becoming stockier and more substantial.
Baby at Week 17: Size of a pear
Baby's Development at 17 Weeks
Fat deposits are beginning to accumulate under the skin, which will give baby that round, chubby newborn look and help regulate body temperature after birth. The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger to carry the increasing blood flow. The retinas of the eyes are now sensitive to light. Sweat glands are developing. Baby's movements are increasingly coordinated and purposeful, though they'll remain unpredictable from your perspective for a few more weeks.
Your Body at 17 Weeks Pregnant
Growing pains in the ligaments and lower back are common as the uterus rapidly expands. Increased discharge continues and is a normal sign of a healthy pregnancy. Varicose veins may appear on the legs as blood volume increases by up to 50% during pregnancy. Heartburn and indigestion often intensify in the second trimester as the growing uterus pushes up against the stomach.
Tips for Week 17
- If you haven't felt movement yet, don't worry — most first-time parents first feel it between 18–22 weeks.
- Compression socks worn during the day can significantly help with varicose veins and swollen ankles.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and kefir to support digestion and ease heartburn.
- Consider cord blood banking if this interests you — decisions and registrations should be made before birth.
Try it free →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20-week anatomy scan?
The anatomy scan (sometimes called the mid-pregnancy or anomaly scan) is a detailed ultrasound done between weeks 18 and 22. It checks all the baby's major organs and structures — brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and more — looks at the placenta position, and measures growth. It usually takes 20–45 minutes and is one of the most anticipated appointments of pregnancy.
Is heartburn a sign of a hairy baby?
Amusingly, there is actually some science behind this old wives' tale. A study found a correlation between severe heartburn and babies born with more hair, possibly because the same hormones that relax the oesophageal sphincter (causing reflux) may also promote fetal hair growth. But plenty of heartburn sufferers have bald babies — it's not a reliable predictor.
Try the name picker
Hello, baby's name picker reveals matches between partners — no arguing, just excitement when you both say yes.
Start for free →