17 weeks pregnant: What asian mothers should know

Maybe you’re interested in understanding the truth regarding pregnancy. Perhaps you are an expectant mom and would like to discover more about your options.

Maybe you’re interested in learning how to have a safe pregnancy. We will give you the things you should know during your pregnancy, especially during your first 17 weeks as a pregnant mom!

What does he or she look like now? When will you feel the first, second, and everyday kicks? Usually, fetal development takes a predictable path. We will answer all these questions for you.

How big does your 17 weeks old baby look in an ultrasound?

At 17 weeks of being pregnant, your doctor will suggest having an ultrasound. On this scan, your baby will be starting to appear as a real baby; it’s typically really exciting to see your baby’s movement inside your womb during the ultrasound. 

You might be wondering what your baby looks like during this time. Does a baby bump appear for a pregnant mom during the 17 weeks of pregnancy? Let us know that here.

Your Baby’s Development

At this point, your baby is approximately the size of your palm or onion and weighs 5 or more ounces. During the 17 weeks or 4 months of pregnancy, it grows to a length of around 5 inches.

For sure, your baby’s body fat is starting to emerge and will keep building up until your pregnancy is over. Here are the things you need to know about your baby’s development inside your womb:

• Your baby’s air passage is now ready to take in oxygen instead of amniotic fluid.
• Their bones have started hardening–a process called ossification. 
• Their legs and inner ears will be the first to ossify.
• At this moment, nerves will now be forming myelin–a protective layer of protein and fatty substances that insulate nerves to promote quick and efficient transmission of electrical impulses–which is vital for their nervous system to function properly post-birth.
• The baby’s umbilical cord is becoming stronger and thicker.
• Scans will become more exciting as your doctor will be listening to your munchkin’s heartbeat.

Pregnant mom’s baby bump at 17 weeks

What can a 17-week pregnant woman expect? Actually, it differs for each person. Some expectant mothers notice a sweet tiny baby bump beginning to appear, and the pregnancy may be more noticeable.

As things start to appear more substantial, it may be an exciting moment. Some women don’t start showing a baby bump for a few more weeks, however, if you’re skinny or have already delivered a baby, it’s possible that you are.

You might also feel the baby move. Early on, you may only experience minor wiggles or sensations, which is your baby’s way to say hello. 

If you’re having trouble sensing anything, don’t worry. For some women, it may take several weeks before they experience even the tiniest flutter, and even then, it may be very small and simple to miss.

17 weeks pregnant symptoms

Probably, pregnant mommies will also wonder what signs you should expect at 17 weeks or 4 months of pregnancy. The more your bump develops, the more aches and discomfort you could encounter. Your concerns should be under control if not, you should speak with your doctor or midwife.

Here are some of the things that are considered normal during your 17 weeks of pregnancy:

• Fatigue and difficulties sleeping
• Bleeding and swollen gums
• Discomfort on the side of your abdomen as a result of your growing womb
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Constipation and bloating
• Pelvic infections
• Brown areas or darker skin on your face
• Spottier or greasy skin
• Mild spotting and a creamy, milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina
• Shinier, thicker hair
• Bloating and heartburn
• Aching breasts
• Leg twitches
• Daytime sickness
• Weird desires during pregnancy
• Mood changes
• Sensing heat
• Dizziness
• Enlarged hands and feet
• Urinary Tract Infection or UTI

Pregnancy care for 17 weeks pregnant mommies

You should always take good care of your baby at any stage of your pregnancy.

Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, just as you always have. At this moment, you should also keep an eye on your diet because your kid requires it more.

Moms-to-be should stay hydrated by consuming enough liquids, particularly water. A healthy pregnancy depends on rest, so make an effort to obtain plenty of it.

Along with the fundamentals, you can look for a safe physical activity you like and try to alleviate some of the second-trimester pregnancy symptoms.

Listed below are the things you should do to take good care of your baby during your 17 weeks or 4 months of pregnancy:

• Regular screenings and testing, like a blood test to check for anemia, HIV, and your blood type
• Keeping an eye on your blood pressure
• Taking a weight gain measurement
• Observing the infant’s development and heart rate
• Mentioning a special diet and workout
• Giving up drinking and smoking
• Taking daily pills of folic acid (400 to 800 micrograms)
• Discussing your health issues, dietary supplements, and any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take with your doctor
• Avoiding all interaction with potentially dangerous chemicals and toxic substances at work or home

Pregnant at 17 weeks: To-do list

The quantity and range of the things that you should do and not do during pregnancy might be overwhelming throughout your pregnancy. You might feel more organized if you use a pregnancy checklist to keep track of all that has to be done to guarantee a healthier and better baby.

• Do some studies on medical specialists for use after the birth of your child.
• Plan a prenatal checkup before traveling.
• Visit your local department or store to get a bra fitted by a professional.
• Make a shortlist of baby names.
• Encourage your partner to read some of the articles we offer for pregnant fathers, such as the symptoms and difficulties expectant fathers may experience.
• Shop for your baby’s needs.
• Keep exercising regularly.
• Take your prenatal vitamins.
• Get a regular check-up with your doctor.
• Choose what hospital and midwife you are going to during your delivery day.

Your next week: 18 weeks pregnant

Your previous week: 16 weeks pregnant

Additional information from Jasmin Yeo