Week 17

Try not to get freaked out by the numbers on your scale. At 17 weeks, baby’s working on getting stronger, and your body’s working on getting bigger. That means putting on some pounds and — we hate to break it to you — getting some stretch marks. Make sure you document your growing bump by taking lots of photos. Sure, you might not always feel so pretty, but one day you’re going to look back at pregnancy and reminisce (really — we promise). You’ll also want to start figuring out some plans, like whether or not you’re going to find out baby’s gender (you should be able to soon!), and what kind of childbirth class you’d like to take. As you start making these decisions, the pregnancy will feel even more real, which is probably super exciting, but part of you is probably feeling a little nervous. After all, you’re at week 17; that’s almost halfway there and there’s still a lot left to do. Chill! You’ll get it done. Just remember not to try to do it all yourself — ask for help!

your baby’s the size of an onion! 

Baby continues to beef up. Now she’s about 5.1 inches long and weighs about 5.9 ounces. 

your baby at 17 weeks

• Her rubbery cartilage is now turning to bone.
• And she’s growing some meat on those bones — putting on some fat.
• She’s growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord, too.

Pregnancy symptoms at 17 weeks

• Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus and more bodily fluids. They’re in full force, because of your increased blood flow.
• Weird dreams. This might be hormonal, but it might also be the result of your nerves and anticipation.
• Itchy boobs and bump — as they’re growing, your skin is stretching thinner.
• Rapid weight gain. You’ve probably gained about five to 10 pounds by now.

Your must-do’s

• Sign up for a childbirth class.

your nice-to-do’s

• Decide whether or not to find out baby’s gender.
• Shop for nursery furniture.
• Watch out for baby’s first kicks. If you haven’t felt them yet, you will soon!

 Source: pregnant.thebump.com