17th week of pregnancy, feeling in the stomach. Glands of external and internal secretion

At 17 weeks of pregnancy, amazing things happen to mother and baby. It is now that a woman most often notices the first movements of the fetus, which causes a lot of positive and at the same time exciting emotions. Toxicosis recedes, and the risk of various complications is significantly reduced. Mommy can fully enjoy her interesting position.

At the 17th week of pregnancy, all the internal organs of the fetus are already formed and continue to improve. The stomach, liver, intestines, and kidneys are actively functioning.

In addition, changes in the child’s body are of the following nature:

At this stage, the formation of the baby’s fat layer occurs. This fabric is designed to perform the function of heat transfer and protection from cold.
A cheese-like lubricant appears, which is necessary to protect the baby. The body already has sweat glands. The little person's skin becomes sensitive to irritants.
An important point in the seventeenth week of pregnancy is the process of immune development. This consists in the first production of immunoglobulin and interferon. From this moment on, the baby is able to resist various pathogens. Despite this, mommy is still recommended to try to avoid any infectious diseases.
At the beginning of the fifth month, the formation of the most important organ, the heart, is completed.
The respiratory organs are actively developing. The bronchi complete their development. Now they are divided into thin channels.
At the 17th week of pregnancy, the pituitary gland is actively developing, the adrenal glands produce all the necessary hormones.

The height of the fetus reaches 12-15 cm, and the weight is approximately 140 g. At this stage, the baby hears thanks to the transformation of sounds received by the middle and inner ear into nerve impulses. In the article “” you will find a lot of other useful information.

What does a baby do at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

The tiny life in the mother's womb is actively developing every day. The baby is learning new skills. At this stage, sleep time is slightly reduced. The child spends all his free time learning about himself and the world around him. He squeezes the umbilical cord, plays with it, touches his body. At the 17th week of pregnancy, the legs grow, which makes it possible for the baby to catch them and pull her fingers into her mouth. This skill remains in children even after birth for some time.

In addition, your son or daughter can swallow amniotic fluid, wince, hiccup, make grimaces, and write. If the mother ate something sour, the baby may frown with displeasure. The little man has already developed hearing organs, so he studies the sounds around him (the sound of blood flowing through the veins, the beating of the heart, the work of the digestive system). The baby can already distinguish his mother’s voice from strangers.

From the moment the expectant mother finds out about her pregnancy, she eagerly awaits the first movements of her baby. Most women begin to feel weak tremors and vibrations at the seventeenth week. This is due to the active development of the fetal nervous system and the improvement of its motor skills.

As in earlier stages, the girl must treat her body carefully and carefully, because now there is a colossal load on the circulatory, cardiac, respiratory, and urinary systems.

The breasts at this stage become less painful, but their size continues to increase. Some girls notice that when pressed, colostrum is released. Nowadays it is better to choose a bra from natural fabric. It should not put pressure on the mammary glands.

At the seventeenth week of bearing a baby, experts recommend that mothers limit themselves from stress and negative emotions. It is important to avoid long trips and sudden temperature changes. You can't overwork yourself now. A woman needs to properly adjust her working day and take breaks. You cannot engage in heavy physical work or strength sports.

At the beginning of the fifth month of pregnancy, a girl’s cardiovascular system experiences increased stress due to the increased volume of blood in the body. Patients diagnosed with heart and vascular diseases must be registered with a cardiologist.

Often at 17 weeks, mothers are faced with varicose veins in their legs. To prevent serious problems, you should definitely consult a phlebologist. If significant changes in blood vessels occur, compression garments and the use of certain medications may be necessary.

To prevent varicose veins, you should avoid tight clothing and high-heeled shoes.

urinary system

At the seventeenth week of pregnancy, doctors carefully monitor the functioning of the expectant mother’s kidneys, because now the paired organ is working in an enhanced mode. Now the kidneys must process waste products not only of the woman, but also of the baby developing in the womb.

Due to such stress, the kidneys sometimes fail to cope with their functions, which leads to various inflammatory diseases. To eliminate such complications, mommy is recommended to follow a special diet that excludes sour, smoked, spicy foods, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol. In addition, you cannot restrain the urge to urinate.

The growing uterus at 17 weeks of pregnancy puts pressure on all digestive organs. In this regard, various gastrointestinal disorders may appear. Among them:

diarrhea or, conversely, constipation;
heartburn;
belching;
flatulence;
nausea;
spasms in the stomach and intestines.

Such symptoms usually do not pose a danger to mother and baby. Despite this, if they develop, it is still recommended to consult a doctor. This will help eliminate serious diseases of the digestive system, including ulcers, gastritis, colitis and others.

Attentive attitude to your body in the 17th week of pregnancy, giving up bad habits and proper nutrition is the key to excellent well-being for mom and baby.

Belly and uterus at 17 weeks of pregnancy

First, let's figure out where the uterus is at 17 weeks of pregnancy. The organ is now located approximately 4 cm below the navel. It has already reached quite a large size, so it crowds all the internal organs. Against this background, dyspeptic disorders such as flatulence, heartburn, nausea and others appear.

Doctors recommend sleeping on your side at this time. This takes into account not only the convenience of the mother herself, but also the safety of the baby. The fact is that when lying down, the uterus presses on the vena cava located along the spine. When it is compressed, the baby’s access to oxygen is limited, which can cause many undesirable consequences.

The size of the tummy at 17-18 weeks is individual. This depends on the pregnant woman’s body weight, the rate of weight gain, the width of the pelvis and some other features. There is an opinion that one can determine by appearance who is in the womb, a boy or a girl, but this theory has not been scientifically confirmed.

Photos of bellies at 16-17 weeks of pregnancy can be seen later in the article.

If at the beginning of the fifth month a woman’s tummy is very small, there is no need to worry about it. Perhaps the fetus is located near the back wall of the uterus. There is no need to look for certain deviations from the norm. Entrust this task to doctors.

Why is my belly small or big?

The size of the abdomen at 17 weeks of pregnancy is a fairly pressing topic for all mothers. The roundness may be very small, no matter if this is the first, second or third pregnancy. The causes of a small belly can be the following factors:

oligohydramnios;
incorrect positioning of the child;
mother's body constitution;
the absence of a fat layer in this area and some other features.

A big belly in mothers expecting a baby can be observed in the following situations:

polyhydramnios;
multiple pregnancy;
rapid weight gain;
features of the position of the baby in the womb;
fat layer in this area and more.

For thin people, the tummy will be more noticeable; for fat people, on the contrary, it will not be visible for some time. It should be noted that plump mothers are at risk of having a large fetus, so they should be careful about weight gain. A large fetus passes through the birth canal with difficulty, causing ruptures in the mother.

Pain at 17 weeks: normal or pathological

There is hardly a woman who would not complain during pregnancy that she has pain in her lower abdomen or lumbar region. Let's figure out why this happens and is pain normal at this time?

The uterus is a muscular organ that constantly grows during pregnancy. Against this background, a woman often experiences unpleasant pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. Is this condition dangerous? Doctors say that these signs are not a pathology and are observed in most pregnant women.

Despite the fact that moderate short-term pain is a completely natural physiological process during pregnancy, a woman should be able to distinguish these sensations from pathology. You should immediately consult a doctor in the following cases:

pain does not subside at rest;
discomfort is increasing;
bloody or brown discharge appears;
body temperature increased;
vomiting, nausea and other alarming signs appeared.

Such symptoms at the 17th week of pregnancy may indicate various abnormalities, including miscarriage, fading pregnancy, and others.

If any warning signs appear, you cannot ignore them. Excessive precautions during this delicate period will not harm.

Is there still a risk of fetal death?

Frozen pregnancy is a condition in a woman in which the development of the fetus completely stops. Experts say that the highest risk of fetal death remains in the first trimester. At the 17th week of pregnancy, this threat decreases somewhat, but still continues to exist.

Causes of child's death:

hormonal changes in the mother's body;
serious chromosomal diseases in the baby;
pathologies of fetal development;
abdominal injuries;
prolonged stress, bad habits, poor nutrition;
infectious diseases in the mother;
anomalies in the development of a woman’s reproductive organs and more.

It is difficult to recognize this condition in the early stages. Cardiac arrest in a child can be diagnosed using ultrasound. At the 17th week of pregnancy, the mother should be alarmed by any pathological discharge, low basal temperature, and the appearance of signs of intoxication of the body (nausea, vomiting, headache, rash on the body).

In addition, you should pay attention to the baby’s movements. If before this the girl felt regular vibrations, but they suddenly stopped, this should be a reason to contact a gynecologist.

If you are interested in information about ectopic pregnancy, you can read.

17th obstetric week – what month is this?

The obstetric period is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation and differs from the embryonic period (that is, the period from conception) by approximately 14 days. If you count in months, then the seventeenth obstetric week is four months and five days. The 17th embryonic week is the 19th obstetric week.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the fetus at the seventeenth week is carried out only if there are certain indications. This includes the threat of miscarriage, the presence of various pathologies in the child, suspected chromosomal diseases, and carrying twins or triplets.

During an ultrasound, the specialist evaluates the following indicators:

correspondence of the gestational age to the size of the uterus;
gender of the baby (found out at the request of the parents);
condition of the reproductive organ, placenta and amniotic fluid;
fetal heart rate (normally should be 140-160 beats per minute);
presence of developmental disorders.

During the examination, the doctor evaluates the baby’s height, coccygeal-parietal size (CTR), size of the lower leg, and forearm. Using this, it is possible to suspect certain diseases (Edwards syndrome, etc.), and refer the woman for additional examinations.

What a baby looks like on an ultrasound at 17 weeks of pregnancy can be seen in the pictures.

The next photo shows twins.

In multiple pregnancies, each baby weighs slightly below normal. This is quite normal. Often babies are born with a lower body weight. By six months they are catching up with their peers.

Necessary tests and their description

Laboratory tests help to suspect and diagnose various developmental pathologies in the fetus. At seventeen weeks, blood must be tested for the following indicators:

Human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a specific hormone that performs several functions at once. First of all, it plays a hormone-forming role and ensures the functioning of the corpus luteum. You can learn more about the norms of human chorionic gonadotropin in.
Alpha fetoprotein. ACE is a protein that performs a protective function. It protects the baby from the aggressive effects of the mother's immune system. An increased concentration of ACE indicates serious developmental abnormalities that lead to disability or death of the embryo. When its level is low, there is a suspicion of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and other chromosomal pathologies in the child.
Estriol. This substance improves blood circulation in the uterine area and is also responsible for the normal development of the milk ducts of the breast. By the concentration of estriol in the blood, specialists can judge the normal development of the placenta. If it is constantly increasing, this indicates a healthy development of pregnancy.

In addition to the triple test for ACE, hCG and estriol, a woman may need general blood and urine tests, a test for TORCH infections (if such a test has not been taken before) and some other types of diagnostics.

You cannot refuse to take tests at 17 weeks of pregnancy or any other period. Negligent attitude towards the baby’s health often ends in serious consequences.

The nature of the discharge at this time

If the pregnancy is going well and the woman does not have any diseases, the discharge should have a transparent mucous consistency. Sometimes a whitish tint of secretion without an unpleasant odor is allowed. How much should there be? Normally, during pregnancy, the volume of mucus may increase slightly. This is due to an increase in blood volume in the body and its flow to the pelvic organs.

A secretion with a brown, pink, white, greenish or other color with an unpleasant odor is considered pathological. If at the same time there is a pull in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, or other unpleasant symptoms appear, contacting a doctor should be mandatory. Yellow, gray, greenish discharge often indicates infection of the genitals. Particular attention should be paid to the admixture of blood. This may indicate an incipient miscarriage, placental abruption, fading pregnancy, or other pathologies.

“What should I do if I don’t feel any movement at seventeen weeks?” Many mothers are concerned about this issue. If the baby does not move during the period under consideration, this does not at all indicate pathology. Perhaps the time simply hasn’t come yet and soon your baby will certainly make itself known.

If during the examination the doctor did not find any abnormalities and the fetus is developing normally, there is no reason to worry. Mommy is advised to relax and enjoy her position. Many girls feel their baby for the first time at 18-20 weeks.

Aware means armed. Do you want to know about nutrition rules during lactation? Then for you.

What dangers await mother and baby during this period?

In the seventeenth week of pregnancy, many dangers await mother and baby. These include previously undiagnosed pathologies of the fetus, infectious diseases in women, exacerbation of chronic diseases, etc. Let's look at some dangerous conditions.

Many mothers at an appointment with a gynecologist hear about increased uterine tone. In the early stages, this is a completely natural phenomenon, because the uterus is a muscular organ that tends to constantly contract. In later stages, hypertonicity is considered more dangerous, so during the examination the doctor must palpate the pregnant woman’s abdomen.

Reasons for increased tone in the second trimester:

intense physical activity, heavy lifting;
emotional turmoil of a woman;
some infectious diseases, in particular toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus;
abdominal injuries.

You can understand that a girl’s uterus is in good shape by such signs as a feeling of petrification in the abdomen, nagging pain, movements as if constrained. Some mothers have back and tailbone pain.

Treatment for this condition is through relaxation techniques. In severe situations, drug therapy with the use of antispasmodics, sedatives, and tranquilizers is required.

Short cervix

Another undesirable phenomenon at 17 weeks of pregnancy is a short cervix. Despite the fact that the reproductive organ changes significantly during pregnancy, the normal length of the cervix should be about 2.5 cm. If it is shorter, the risk of various complications during pregnancy and childbirth increases.

While waiting for the baby, there is a risk of cervical dilatation and premature birth. Childbirth in women with this diagnosis often does not go according to plan. As a rule, they are fleeting and lead to various injuries and ruptures. To prevent complications, the girl should regularly visit the doctor. Compliance with all the specialist’s instructions helps to carry and give birth to a healthy baby, even with the described condition.

Normally, the placenta should be located 5-6 cm above the uterine os. With low placentation, the embryo is implanted into the wall of the reproductive organ close to the pharynx. This condition should not be confused with placenta previa, when the baby's place is covered by the uterine os.

Throughout pregnancy, the doctor must closely monitor the condition of the placenta. If she becomes breech, the question of choosing a delivery option is decided.

Why is this happening:

woman's age over 30-35 years;
transmission of infectious diseases;
history of miscarriages or artificial termination of labor;
some structural features of the reproductive organs;
the presence of neoplasms in the uterine area;
inflammatory processes and so on.

Diagnosis of pathology is carried out using ultrasound. At the same time, the doctor examines the uterine fundus and records the placenta attachment site. To avoid undesirable consequences, the expectant mother is advised to rest as much as possible, not lift weights, bend over or squat. When lying down, try to keep your legs elevated. And, of course, strictly follow all the advice of the gynecologist.

Let's quickly find out what awaits you and your baby this week.

It is worth noting that during this period the fetal immune system begins to fully function. From now on, the baby’s body independently begins to produce immunoglobulin and interferon. Therefore, even if the mother gets sick, the baby will be protected. But it’s better, of course, not to get sick.

Baby's weight, height and head

The size of the fetus at the seventeenth week of pregnancy can be compared to a pear. His height is already about 13 cm, and he weighs 120-140 g. The diameter of the head is approximately 36 mm.

What's new in development

Fetal development at 17 weeks of pregnancy does not slow down:

Due to the fact that the muscles of the back and neck have begun to contract, the baby is already holding his head almost exactly vertically (previously the chin was pressed to the chest);
The amount of hair on the head and body has increased;
The face gradually acquires unique genetically determined features;
The eyes distinguish between light and dark. If you bring any light source to your tummy, the baby will turn towards it!;
The auditory ossicles complete their formation in the middle part of the ear;
The fetus at 17 weeks of gestation distinguishes different sounds. Of course, he is not yet able to analyze them, but loud noise or screams bother him, and calm music and the gentle voices of his parents calm him down;
Movements are becoming more and more coordinated. The child gradually masters different swings of his arms and legs. The fingers are clenched into fists most of the time and only occasionally straightened;
The skin acquires a four-layer structure, like in adults;
Adipose tissue is formed, which will subsequently regulate heat exchange processes in the body. Your impaired metabolism and poor diet, which causes excess weight gain, can negatively affect the process of formation of fat cells in the baby;
The bones are strengthened, the rudiments of milk teeth are covered with hard bone tissue (dentin), and the formation of permanent teeth under the milk teeth begins;
In girls, the uterus begins to form;
All organ systems are improving. By this stage of development they are already fully formed, so further development will only occur.

Feelings of the expectant mother at 17 weeks

The seventeenth week of pregnancy changes the figure of the expectant mother more and more noticeably, adding roundness to her waist. The baby is growing, the amount of amniotic fluid is accumulating, the uterus is enlarging, therefore, the tummy is protruding forward of you, causing general tenderness.

But besides the positive aspects, there are also a lot of not very pleasant symptoms during this period.

Symptoms and features of pregnancy

Almost all pregnant women report having the following pregnancy symptoms:

Stretch marks. The skin in the abdominal area dries out and becomes tight, which increases the likelihood of stretch marks.
A vertical line below the navel is clearly drawn. A pigmented vertical line is clearly visible on the anterior abdominal wall.
Breasts adjust to milk production. The chest swells and in places becomes covered with a thin venous network. The mammary glands are preparing for the imminent period of lactation.
Areolas darken. The areola around the nipple turns brown.
Skin pigmentation. The number of age spots on skin prone to them increases.

How does a pregnant woman feel?

Characteristic symptoms at the 17th week of pregnancy may not appear in all pregnant women. Therefore, it is quite possible that you may be lucky, and unpleasant heartburn or frequent urination will bypass you!

First movements. Perhaps the most important and expected of all that happens at the 17th week of pregnancy is the baby’s first movement. It is already fully active in the tummy, bending and unbending its arms and legs, and therefore women who are pregnant for the second or third time are already able to distinguish this activity from the peristalsis of their intestines. Mothers carrying their first child, unfortunately, cannot always do this at this stage.
Nagging pain. Some women are bothered by a slight nagging pain in the lower abdomen. As a rule, it is simply associated with tension in the ligaments of the rapidly enlarging uterus. In this case, everything is fine with your condition. However, it is advisable to still tell your gynecologist about your feelings during your next consultation.
Heartburn and bloating. These are probably the most unpleasant pregnancy companions. They are caused by compression of the intestines by the enlarging uterus. However, proper nutrition, excluding overeating and late-night snacking, can eliminate intestinal problems.
Insomnia. A rapidly growing belly can cause sleep disturbances, especially if before pregnancy you preferred to sleep on your stomach. The only way to start getting enough sleep again is to learn to sleep on your side. You can tuck your legs slightly toward your stomach and hold a small pillow between your knees.
Muscle cramps. Hormonal changes in the body affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. The action of its hormones leads to increased heart rate, increased fatigue, and also to cramps of the calf muscles (they are especially disturbing at night).
Frequent urination. Frequent urge to go to the toilet during pregnancy is normal. However, if urination is accompanied by a burning sensation or any unpleasant sensations, this may indicate the presence of cystitis. It cannot be ignored and it is important to treat it as quickly as possible. Contact your doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.
Bleeding gums and nosebleeds. A rapid heartbeat is due to the fact that the amount of blood in your body has increased, and nutrients are transported through the blood vessels to the baby. High heart activity can lead to bleeding gums. To solve this problem, consult your dentist. He will recommend a safe and effective mouthwash.
Sweating. Sweat production increases during pregnancy, and there is no need to be afraid of it. Just try to shower more often, and also use a good, unscented antiperspirant.
Discharge. If they have a uniform consistency, transparent or white color and a slight sour smell, then this is normal. A change in the nature of discharge from the genital tract is usually due to the presence of infection, which in turn is a threat to the baby. Different diseases are characterized by different types and different amounts of vaginal discharge. With thrush they are gray-yellow and curdled, with trichomoniasis they are purulent, liquid, foamy, and with chlamydia they are mucopurulent.

Bloody discharge along with acute abdominal pain may indicate a threat of miscarriage. Call an ambulance urgently!

What kind of weight gain can there be?

Want something interesting?

The seventeenth obstetric week of pregnancy is ideally accompanied by a slight weight gain - up to 250-300 g.

On average, from the beginning of pregnancy to the present day, your weight gain is already 2.5-3.5 kg. But some women do not fit into this framework, gaining about 6-7 kg.

This figure depends on many criteria, including initial weight, body composition, age, heredity, the course of pregnancy in the first trimester, and many others. etc.

Therefore, it is not very informative.

Size of the abdomen and nagging pain

The growth of the fetus and the growth of the uterus are reflected in the appearance of your abdomen. At the 17th week of pregnancy, it noticeably rounds and enlarges. You may already feel the first movements of the baby, as well as nagging pain associated with a change in the size of the abdomen.

Remember that your stomach shouldn’t hurt too much! It is important!

It's time to go shopping if your favorite familiar things suddenly turn out to be too tight and uncomfortable. A few new wardrobe items can really lift the mood of a future mother!

And here is a photo of the belly at the 17th week of pregnancy:

Ultrasound examination and important indicators

If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then, as a rule, the doctor does not prescribe an ultrasound at the seventeenth week of pregnancy.

However, if an ultrasound examination does take place, then you can not only see the baby’s primary sexual characteristics, but also learn various important indicators:

the size of the uterus and fetus, as well as their correspondence to the gestational age;
heart rate per minute;
fetal motor activity;
condition of the myometrium (muscular wall) of the uterus and amniotic fluid;
presence of anomalies, etc.

Below are photographs taken at an ultrasound at 17 weeks:

At 17 weeks of pregnancy, all our recommendations for the past weeks are still relevant, as well as several new ones:

Eat more foods rich in plant fiber. These include: oatmeal, various legumes, avocados, prunes, raisins, nuts, etc.
Additionally, include calcium-rich foods in your diet, and you can also start taking calcium supplements. Most of this microelement is found not even in dairy products, but in those that you can’t eat too much at once: sesame seeds, almonds, celery, dried fish. By eliminating the danger of calcium deficiency in the body, you can prevent muscle cramps that occur during sleep.
Regular moderate exercise during pregnancy has invaluable benefits. But when performing them, keep in mind that now your ligaments have become softer, and therefore are more prone to stretching. Try to avoid excessive stress and sudden movements.
You should stop smoking for the entire period of pregnancy. Moreover, passive smoking is no less dangerous. It can lead to the baby being underweight at birth.
Take care of yourself and your nerves! Stressful situations, overwork, sudden temperature changes and hypothermia are now extremely undesirable.
If you are concerned about frequent urination, try to drink most of your fluids in the first half of the day. You will be able to wake up less often from nighttime urges if you limit the amount of liquid you drink before bed (especially tea, coffee, soda, citrus juices).
Complaints of nosebleeds during this period are not uncommon. Don't be scared! Just tilt your head forward and apply something cold to the bridge of your nose (for example, ice wrapped in a towel from the freezer) for a couple of minutes.
If your gums are bleeding excessively, we recommend purchasing a toothbrush with soft bristles. In addition, limit the consumption of foods that irritate the oral mucosa (salted, peppered, pickled).
If your calf muscle suddenly cramps, gently pull your toes towards you, relax and pull again. When you manage to relax the muscle, massage your shin with gentle movements in the direction from the foot to the knee. After this, slowly walk around the room for a few minutes to restore blood circulation, then lie down in a comfortable position.
Take a leisurely walk in the fresh air, engage in your favorite hobby and accumulate positive emotions, because the baby already subtly senses your emotional state and adapts to it!

How do you feel at 17 weeks pregnant?

This material is for informational purposes only; before using the information presented, you must be sure to consult with a specialist.

The 17th obstetric week of pregnancy marks the beginning of the fifth month. This is the most favorable period of pregnancy, which is accompanied by a woman’s good mood and well-being. It is important for a woman to rest more, walk and do special exercises. The 17th week of pregnancy is characterized by interesting sensations associated with increased activity of the fetus - for the baby this is the fifteenth week of life. The expectant mother begins to feel an increased physical and emotional connection with him. During this period, you can begin confidential conversations with the child - he hears his parents.

What happens at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

The fetus continues to grow and develop very quickly, and not only a physical, but also a close emotional connection is established between it and the mother. The size of the fetus at the 17th week of pregnancy reaches 12 cm. The child acquires its own brown fat, which carries out thermoregulation, and the immune system also begins to work actively. His body produces interferon and immunoglobulin.

A baby at 17 weeks of pregnancy moves very energetically, so the mother can feel his slight movements. By the beginning of the fifth month, the placenta completes its development. Its walls are a thick, dense layer, and its weight is about 450 g. The placenta is penetrated by a huge network of vessels that supply the baby with nutrients and oxygen.

The 17th week of pregnancy is accompanied by a change in the center of gravity due to the fact that the size of the abdomen increases. It is already harder for the expectant mother to keep her back straight; the growth of the uterus leads to increased stress on the spine. This can cause muscle spasms and pain in the lower back. To reduce the load on the spine and support a growing belly, it is recommended to wear a bandage.

CHANGES IN A WOMAN'S BODY

New sensations appear at 17 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus begins to grow not only to the sides, but also upwards. It gradually takes on an elongated pear shape as it extends into the abdominal cavity. This relieves pressure on the bladder and other pelvic organs, as well as compression of the intestines, diaphragm and stomach. The height of the fundus of the uterus is about 15 cm, it is only 3-4 fingers below the navel.

Unpleasant sensations in the seventeenth week are also associated with an increase in the amount of blood in the body by 40%, which leads to increased stress on the heart and circulatory system. Since all vessels and arteries are under enormous stress, at this stage a woman may begin to bleed gums and experience nosebleeds. Varicose veins are very dangerous during this period.

The volume of the mother’s abdomen grows along with her weight. Weight gain is possible from 2 to 3.5 kg, but there should be no sudden weight gain, as this can negatively affect the development of the embryo. Weekly weight gain cannot exceed 350-450 g, so overeating during pregnancy is unacceptable. It can lead to the deposition of excess fat and worsen the woman's condition.

SIGNS OF PREGNANCY AT WEEK 17

At the seventeenth week, increased bleeding of the gums, increased sweating, and the appearance of significant vaginal discharge may occur.

Heavy sensations in the abdomen at 17 weeks of pregnancy are associated with the appearance of training contractions. They should not cause the woman pain, discomfort or be accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

What happens in a woman's stomach?

As a pregnant woman's blood supply increases and blood volume increases by 40%, the expectant mother may experience unexplained bouts of intense heat spreading throughout her body. There may also be a feeling of heaviness in the legs caused by prolonged walking or other physical activity.

The first sensations of fetal movement appear between 16 and 22 weeks. They do not look like pushes, but resemble the “movement of a worm” or the “touch of a cat’s paw.”

The 17th obstetric week of pregnancy may be accompanied by minor painful sensations that are associated with the growth of the uterus, stretching of its tissues and tension of the ligaments. Another common cause of discomfort is a pinched sciatic nerve. To minimize pain, it is advisable for a woman to move slowly and smoothly.

DISCHARGE FROM THE GENITAL TRACT

Milky, transparent or slightly yellowish discharge with a uniform consistency and without a strong odor is normal. An alarming signal is an admixture of pus or blood in vaginal discharge, which is a sign of infection of the genitourinary system or other pathologies.

At the seventeenth week, thrush may worsen in the form of discharge with white flakes and a sour odor. Her treatment must be carried out immediately, since it is unsafe in the last trimester. If the disease is left untreated, the fungus can be transmitted to the child during passage through the reproductive tract and cause candidiasis of the mucous membranes.

Ultrasound

At the seventeenth week, an ultrasound examination is usually performed only as part of a screening examination. In this case, the doctor evaluates the child's development, its size and weight, the location of internal organs, the structure of the brain, the amount of amniotic fluid and the heartbeat.

The doctor can already determine the gender of the child if he is located in a position convenient for visualization.

Fetus at 17 weeks

What happens to the fetus at 17 weeks of pregnancy? The child is growing and developing rapidly. The size of the fetus in the 17th obstetric week of pregnancy reaches 11-12 cm, and the weight is about 100 g. It is similar in size to a pear. A special event of this period is the appearance of a special type of subcutaneous fat in the fetus, which is very important for regulating the baby’s heat metabolism.

This week the amount of fat is no more than 1% of his weight, and by the time he is born it will increase to 60%. In addition to subcutaneous fatty tissue, lanugo fluff plays an important role in the thermoregulation of the fetus, which covers the baby’s body and protects its natural waxy lubricant from abrasion.

The fetus has a well-developed swallowing reflex, so it swallows amniotic fluid. He drinks at least 400 ml of liquid per day. Sometimes this causes the baby to hiccup, which can be felt by the mother as a slight vibration in the belly. The fetus urinates in the amniotic fluid every 45 minutes, and its renewal occurs up to 10 times a day.

Proper development at the 17th week of pregnancy implies the active functioning of the digestive system; original feces, meconium, begins to form in the baby’s intestines. Thanks to the production of bile, it acquires its characteristic swamp green color. The fetus can already react to sounds, so when the mother talks or loud music, it begins to actively move in the uterus.

After the 17th obstetric week of pregnancy, the child already has the formation of permanent molars. Outwardly, he looks very thin, his skin is still wrinkled and thin, and the fat is located only behind the shoulder blades.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

Possible deviations from the norm at this stage of pregnancy include:

- inflammation of the female genitourinary system;
- inflammatory process in the kidneys;
- a pathology in which the placenta completely or partially covers the area of the uterine pharynx.

This week, a woman must undergo a triple test, which is necessary to determine pathologies and chromosomal abnormalities that affect how the fetus will develop. After all, any anomalies can lead to pregnancy failure. The triple test consists of a blood test for the hCG hormone, AF and free estriol. If any deviations from the norm are detected, an additional study will be required - amniocentesis (analysis of amniotic fluid).

If a pregnant woman has not yet quit smoking, this may be a provoking factor in the development of cleft lip, cleft palate, and even cause premature birth.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

If a woman has a small belly, it is not recommended for her to sleep on it, as this can lead to compression of the vena cava and disruption of normal blood supply.

For the proper functioning of the digestive system and intestines of a pregnant woman, it is better to avoid complex multi-ingredient dishes, as they lead to slower digestion. Her diet should include whole grain bread, fresh vegetables and fruits, milk and kefir, as well as cereals.

To reduce swelling of your feet, you should finally give up heels and switch to comfortable, loose shoes. You should not spend a lot of time standing; in the evening it is recommended to take a cool foot bath or put them on a cushion so that they can rest.

A woman is not recommended to lift weights, as this can provoke placental abruption or cause premature birth, which is very dangerous at such a short period. If you need to lift something, it is advisable to bend your knees.

In the absence of contraindications, intimate life can be active at this time. In this case, a growing belly should not embarrass future parents - it is impossible to harm the fetus. During sex, the inner walls of the vagina are massaged - this is an additional plus for a woman.

It is important to eat rationally, follow a work and rest schedule, and also avoid overexertion and stressful situations.

Since the baby is already beginning to respond to noise and sounds, the expectant mother can start talking to him and playing classical music. This strengthens the close emotional bond between the child and mother.

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The 17th obstetric week of pregnancy is the 15th week after conception. During this period, the mother’s body works hard, providing the baby with everything necessary.

What events are happening in the body this week, and what does the expectant mother need to know about the 17th week of pregnancy?

17 weeks of pregnancy - fetal development, photos, how does the baby develop and feel?

The child is developing and continues to gain weight. In size it is similar to an open palm, or a large pear. His height is 15-20 cm, weight - 140 grams.

This week, the first fat cells begin to be produced and are deposited between the shoulder blades. On other parts of the body, the skin is transparent, thin, and wrinkled in places.

There is a special lubricant on the baby's body that protects it from the effects of amniotic fluid.

What has formed, what is happening, what does the baby look like at the 17th obstetric week?

The child's hearing is improving every week. At such a young age, the baby can already react to noise.

Sharp sounds scare him, but his mother’s gentle voice soothes him. Thanks to the ability to hear, he learns to feel his mother's emotions.

Some scientists claim that a tiny baby at 17 weeks can already react to bright light. Despite the fact that his eyes are still closed, he is able to distinguish between light and dark.

Surprisingly, the first, still immature, spermatozoa are already beginning to form in the testicles of boys, and the uterus is beginning to form in girls.

At week 17, the baby’s immune system begins to work. Now his body is able to protect itself from infection if his mother suddenly gets sick.

What can be seen on an ultrasound?

With the help of 3D ultrasound, parents can see their baby quite clearly - and even take the first photos and videos of the unborn child.

The most exciting question for parents at this time is – is it a boy or a girl? Now determining the gender of the child will not be difficult.

It will only be problematic to determine the gender if during the ultrasound the child takes an awkward position, turning his back to the sensor.

Video: Screening at 17 weeks of pregnancy

Fetal heart rate norms at 17 obstetric weeks of pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, doctors pay special attention to heart rate. The fetal heart rate at 17 weeks ranges from 145 to 165 beats in a minute.

Note:

If the indicator above 160— there is a possibility that the child develops hypoxia.
Heartbeat lower 120 strokes per minute may indicate an acute lack of oxygen in the child.

Mom needs to be prepared for the fact that during pregnancy the heart rate will change slightly. The difference in indicators often depends on the child’s activity.

At this stage, the heartbeat can be heard more and more clearly. Audibility also depends on the position of the child.

What happens in a woman’s body at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

At this stage of pregnancy, many women complain of indigestion and. This is a natural state. It is due to the fact that the internal organs become cramped during pregnancy.

Increased blood flow can cause nosebleeds.

You can reduce the occurrence of heartburn by eating jelly and dairy products. You should also try to keep your head elevated while sleeping. 20 cm.

Some gynecologists prescribe special tablets to their patients that eliminate heartburn.

Another problem that gives mothers a lot of trouble is swelling. To prevent swelling, pregnant women need to change their body position frequently. Working for a long time at the computer, reading a book in an uncomfortable position - all this slows down blood circulation and provokes swelling.

Some women may have an amniocentesis this week. This is a method for determining possible chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus. Most often, it is prescribed to those over 35, since they have the greatest risk of giving birth to a child with defects.

Changes in a woman’s body at the 17th obstetric week of pregnancy

Chest and abdomen of a woman at 17 weeks of pregnancy

If until this moment the tummy was round, now it becomes egg-shaped. At this stage, it can only be hidden with the help of very loose clothing.

If your tummy seems too small, but all tests are normal, don’t worry. The volume, shape and dynamics of abdominal growth are individual for each pregnant woman.

During this period, many women's breasts enlarge and begin to produce their first milk. It looks like a clear or yellowish liquid. Under no circumstances should you express it! If there is too much liquid, it makes sense to purchase special pads that will absorb excess colostrum.

First movements during pregnancy

This week the most exciting event of pregnancy is expected - the first movements.

Many people describe the sensations during the first movement in different ways. This could be one timid push - or several light rhythmic blows.

To feel the baby’s movements well, the mother needs to take a comfortable position and relax.

Video: 17th week of pregnancy

What can and cannot be done for a woman at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

The expectant mother needs to forget about sudden movements. Physical activity is not prohibited, but it should be moderate and not cause fatigue.

Gymnastics for pregnant women helps a woman feel in good shape and prepares the body for future childbirth.

The fewer medications the expectant mother takes, the lower the risk of problems with development and subsequent health.

Any self-medication during pregnancy is unacceptable! For example, even cough syrup may contain alcohol, which is undesirable during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman's diet should be ideal. This means that it should contain only natural products high in vitamins and microelements.

There is an opinion that a baby’s taste preferences are already being formed. This means that after giving birth, the child will prefer exactly those foods that the mother consumed during pregnancy.