Pregnancy Calendar Week 17

From LoveToKnow Pregnancy

Your Baby during Pregnancy Calendar Week 17

By pregnancy calendar week 17, your baby and your placenta are roughly equal in size. Also, the umbilical cord is becoming longer, thicker, and stronger.

Pregnancy Calendar Week 17

By the seventeenth week of pregnancy, your baby has the reflexes necessary to suck, blink, and swallow. In addition, his/her sense of hearing is quickly developing.

During pregnancy calendar week 17, your baby begins to form fat tissue. This alters his/her appearance by filling out his/her features. Of course, fat issue also helps to regulate body temperature and metabolism.

Your Changing Body

At the same time as your baby bump becomes more noticeable, your internal organs will begin to shift. This is necessary to help compensate for the growth of your uterus and baby. The top of your uterus now appears longer and more rounded as it pushes your intestines out towards the sides of your abdomen.

One of the most common pregnancy symptoms during the seventeenth week is a change in your hair’s appearance. However, the exact effect can vary from woman to woman. Some women find that pregnancy causes their hair to become thinner, while others believe it makes their hair look thicker. It’s also quite common for pregnant women with dry hair to notice that their hair seems even drier than normal.

If you have allergies, you may have noticed that they seem to flare up more often than before. This isn’t a cause for concern, but you shouldn’t take any over-the-counter allergy medications before consulting with your healthcare provider. Many medicines are not safe for expectant mothers.

Sometimes, women notice periodic pain in their legs during pregnancy calendar week 17. This pain is caused by your developing baby placing extra pressure on your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs under your uterus to your legs and is the largest nerve in your body. Applying a heating pad or cold compress to the affected area may help relieve your discomfort. To prevent future problems, avoid heavy lifting and try to minimize the amount of time spent on your feet.

By this point in your pregnancy, you have probably gained between five and ten pounds. If you’re concerned about your weight gain, ask your healthcare provider for advice at your next prenatal appointment.

Exercise during Pregnancy

While expectant mothers were once thought to be too fragile for regular physical activity, doctors now believe there is no reason for healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies to avoid exercise. Exercising reduces the physical discomforts of pregnancy, improves your mental outlook, and helps you maintain your energy level.

Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling on a stationary bike are well-suited for most pregnant women. Yoga workouts designed for pregnancy are also quite popular. However, pregnant women should avoid potentially dangerous activities such as downhill skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding. If you’re not sure whether a particular activity is safe for expectant mothers, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider.

No matter what type of workout you choose, you’ll want to follow a few simple safety precautions. To stay safe while exercising, don’t work out on an empty stomach, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and never exercise to the point of exhaustion. It’s also a good idea to wear appropriate clothing to minimize the risk of overheating.

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