The fetus at this week is so hyperactive; they kick and flop all the time inside the mother’s womb. If you are a first timer mom, you may feel it hard to feel because it feels like hunger pangs at first and it will be easier for those experience mothers to feel. Actually, the fetus will start his stunts during the first trimester at around 7th or 8th week. But the mother cannot still feel this one. It will be on the second trimester that a mother can fully feel the kicks of the baby around 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy. As soon as the mother can feel this one, she has full of joy in her face and this will be a good time for both couple to bond and share this amazing moment. At this time, the baby can now hear you. So it is best if you will talk to them and play music that can make them relax. This is also helpful in mental development. At this time also, they can now feel your warm touch. So, much better if you will rub and touch your tummy regularly.17th week of pregnancy
Baby’s growth and development
- This is the time when your baby has grown a lot. Your baby weighs about 5 ounces and is about 5 inches in length.
- The baby’s heart is now in coordination with his brain. Also, he/she has a heart rate twice as fast as yours beating approximately 140 to 150 times per minute.
- The baby movements become more intense by the end of the 17th week. If you haven’t experienced any baby movements till now you are bound to experience some in this week.
- The hands and legs of the baby are finally growing and settling into their right positions. The little hands and legs are getting stronger and will continue to grow throughout this week.
- Your baby is also adding some fat to his body which is making him stronger.
- This is the time when your baby learns the survival skills and sucking and swallowing which are essential during and after child birth.
Mother’s Development
- As a pregnant mother you will gain a few more kilos as your baby is still in its growing phase. Average weight gain is around 2 to 4 kilograms.
- This is the time in your pregnancy when your growing belly will start to push the other organs in order to make space for your baby. Your belly grows to accommodate your baby.
- As the baby is growing at a fast pace now, your body requires an increased amount of nutrients for you and your baby. This result in an increased appetite and you must be carefully plan your diet to intake maximum nutrients and avoid unnecessary weight gain.
- As a side effect of the increased food consumption and pregnancy hormones, mothers may complain of indigestion and heartburn
- Due to the expanding uterus which pressurizes the rectum, flatulence may trouble some women. To avoid this, one must eat slowly. This prevents swallowing air with the food.
- Headaches, fatigue, dizziness can trouble pregnant women occasionally. This is due to tension, hormones, fatigue, dehydration, etc.
- Backaches continue to be a problem for women in the 17th week too.
- Stretch marks may start to appear due to the expanding belly. This may vary from woman to woman. If one gains weight gradually rather than in spurts, stretch marks are less extreme.
Pregnancy Complications
Some complications of 17th week pregnancy are heartburn, flatulence, occasional headaches, occasional faintness, sciatic nerve pain and vaginal discharge.
Tips for Pregnancy Complications
- Folic acid, iron and calcium supplements are extremely important to overcome a few of the above mentioned complications.
- Vaginal discharge can also cause infection. In order to avoid this, take some medical help for it.
- Sciatic nerve pain that is pain in your legs is one of the major complications related to 17th week pregnancy. Have an ultrasound to make sure about your situation.
Emotional Attachment with Baby
This is the week when your emotional bond with your baby increases even more. Being a mother you realize the longer your baby stays in your womb, the closer you are to him/her.
How Dads can help
17th week is one of the most crucial time periods of pregnancy. If you are a dad to be you need to make sure that your partner is well taken care off during her pregnancy. 17th week can be tough for the women, make sure that you talk to her constantly and make her feel better even if she is a bit cranky. In case some complications sprout up, take her to the doctor and do everything you can to make her life comfortable.
Diet
The baby needs adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D for the growth of bones and teeth. For this purpose, eggs, milk and fish must be included in the mother’s diet. Apricots, rajma, soya bean, cottage cheese, tofu and green vegetables must be taken in proper amount.
Tip of the week
Snoring is another big problem that might arise in your 17th week of pregnancy. The reason is basically the excessive release of the pregnancy hormones. You can overcome it; the simplest solution is taking two or three pillows and sleep with your head slightly elevated.
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