👶Your baby this week
Your baby now measures about the length of a newborn bottle, roughly twelve centimetres from head to bottom and is getting stronger each day.
The placenta is growing alongside your baby, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste. By the end of pregnancy, it can weigh around half a kilo.
Movements are becoming more coordinated: kicks, stretches, and little rolls are common, even if you can’t always feel them yet.
Tiny ears are close to fully formed, and hearing is improving. Your voice, heartbeat and digestive gurgles provide a cosy soundtrack.
Eyes can make small side-to-side movements behind closed lids and will react to bright light from outside the tummy.
Sucking and swallowing are being practised, laying down the reflexes needed for feeding after birth.
Layers of fat are beginning to form under the skin to help with warmth and energy later on.
Fingernails are growing and unique fingerprints are developing, even identical twins won’t match!
🌸Your body this week
As the womb rises out of the pelvis, you may notice your waistline softening and a more obvious bump appearing.
First flutters of movement are often felt between 18 and 24 weeks, especially when you is resting, after food, or when chatting and rubbing the bump.
Stretch marks can appear on the tummy, breasts, hips or thighs as skin stretches; they often fade to silvery lines after birth.
Hormonal shifts and increased blood volume can lead to dizziness, headaches, stuffy noses, nosebleeds or feeling warmer than usual.
A thin, milky vaginal discharge (leukorrhoea) is normal and protective. Seek advice if discharge changes colour or smell, or if there’s itching or pain.
It’s common to feel more emotional at times. If worry or low mood is making things hard, talk to a midwife or GP as support is available.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 17 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Baby Movements (Quickening)
Early movements may feel like fluttering, bubbling or gentle rolling. They’re often noticed first when you are relaxed or after a snack.
Stretch Marks
Pink, red, purple or brown streaks can appear as the skin stretches. Moisturising can reduce itch, and marks usually fade after birth.
Dizziness or Faintness
Stand up slowly, snack regularly and sip water throughout the day. Sit or lie down if you feel light-headed and mention frequent episodes to a healthcare professional.
Headaches and Backache
Rest, gentle stretches and a warm bath or shower can help. Use supportive seating and good posture; speak to a midwife or GP if pain is severe or persistent.
Heartburn, Indigestion and Bloating
Eat smaller, slower meals and stay upright after eating. Limit very rich, spicy or acidic foods if they trigger symptoms.
Constipation
Add fibre gradually (wholegrains, fruit, veg, beans), drink plenty of water and keep moving daily. Seek advice before changing any supplements.
Leg Cramps and Feeling Hot
Gentle calf stretches, walking, hydration, and lighter layers can ease cramps and overheating.
Gum and Nose Changes
Gums may bleed more easily and noses can feel blocked or prone to nosebleeds. Brush gently with a soft brush and consider saline sprays or a humidifier.
✨Tips for week 17
Choose Where you Might Give Birth
Explore local hospitals, midwife-led units or home birth options and discuss preferences with your midwife. Plans can change later if needed.
Talk, Read and Sing to your Baby
Hearing is developing fast. Chatting, reading, and gentle music can be soothing for your baby and relaxing for you too.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Daily squeezes (imagine stopping a wee mid-flow) help support the bladder and womb and can reduce leaks when you laughs, coughs or sneezes.
Look After Skin Comfort
Moisturise to ease itch, wear soft, stretchy fabrics and support the bump as it grows. Rapid weight gain can make stretch marks more likely, so aim for steady changes.
Stay Active, Hydrated and Fed
Aim for up to 150 minutes of moderate activity a week if comfortable. Carry water and balanced snacks to steady energy and reduce dizziness.
Know When to Seek Help
Contact a midwife or maternity unit urgently if you have heavy bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, painful urination, or a sudden change in usual pregnancy symptoms.
Work and Rights
When you tell an employer, You have maternity rights such as paid time off for antenatal care and the right to a workplace risk assessment.
Antenatal Classes and Support
Ask about local or online classes to prepare for birth and newborn care and to meet other parents-to-be. Reach out early if anxiety or low mood is affecting daily life.
Healthy Living Basics
Avoid smoking and alcohol, keep caffeine to a sensible minimum, and continue a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement (especially October–March).