17th Week of Pregnancy: What Happens to the Baby and Mother, Photo
Содержимое
- 1 17th Week of Pregnancy: What Happens to the Baby and Mother, Photo
- 1.1 The 17th Week of Pregnancy: Development of the Baby and Changes in the Mother
- 1.2 Baby’s Growth and Development during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
- 1.3 Physical Changes in the Mother’s Body during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
- 1.4 Emotional and Hormonal Changes in the Mother during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
- 1.5 Video on the topic:
In the 17th week of pregnancy, the baby’s senses are developing, and the mother may start to feel the baby’s movements. Learn more about what happens during this stage of pregnancy and see photos of fetal development.
During the 17th week of pregnancy, both the baby and the mother go through significant changes. At this stage, the baby has reached a length of about 5.1 inches (13 centimeters) and weighs approximately 5.9 ounces (170 grams). The baby’s facial features are becoming more defined, as the eyes and ears continue to move into their correct positions. The baby’s skeleton is also developing, with bones becoming harder and stronger.
The mother may start to experience an increase in energy during this 17th week. The early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness and fatigue, may start to subside, making way for a more comfortable second trimester. However, the mother may start to notice other changes, such as weight gain and a growing belly. It is important for the mother to continue eating a healthy, balanced diet to support both her own health and the development of the baby.
At this stage, many mothers begin to feel the baby’s movements for the first time. These movements, also known as quickening, may feel like gentle flutters or little kicks. It is an exciting milestone for both the mother and the baby, as it provides a tangible connection between them. The mother can start to bond with her baby by gently placing her hand on her belly and feeling the movements.
As the 17th week of pregnancy progresses, it is important for the mother to attend regular prenatal check-ups and communicate any concerns or questions with her healthcare provider. These check-ups allow the healthcare provider to monitor the baby’s growth and development, as well as ensure the mother’s health is on track. It is also a good time to discuss any upcoming tests or screenings that may be recommended during the pregnancy.
In conclusion, the 17th week of pregnancy is an exciting time for both the baby and the mother. The baby continues to grow and develop, while the mother may start to feel the baby’s movements for the first time. It is important for the mother to take care of her own health and attend regular check-ups to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The bond between the mother and the baby continues to strengthen, setting the stage for a journey filled with love and anticipation.
The 17th Week of Pregnancy: Development of the Baby and Changes in the Mother
During the 17th week of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and develop rapidly. At this stage, the baby is about the size of a pear and weighs around 5 ounces (140 grams).
One of the most exciting developments during this week is that the baby’s skeleton is starting to harden. The bones, which were previously made of cartilage, are now beginning to ossify. This process will continue throughout the pregnancy and after birth to create a strong skeletal system.
The baby’s senses are also becoming more refined. The ears are now fully formed, and the baby can hear sounds from the outside world. The eyes, although still closed, can sense light and dark. The baby’s taste buds are also developing, and the taste preferences may start to develop at this stage.
As for the mother, she may start to notice some changes in her body during the 17th week of pregnancy. The most noticeable change is the appearance of a baby bump. As the uterus grows, it becomes more visible, and the belly starts to protrude. This can be an exciting milestone for many expectant mothers as it marks the beginning of a visible pregnancy.
Another common symptom during this week is the feeling of increased energy and an overall sense of well-being. Many pregnant women experience a surge in energy during the second trimester, which can be a welcome relief from the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester.
Additionally, the mother may start to feel the baby moving for the first time. These movements, known as quickening, can feel like flutters or bubbles in the lower abdomen. It is an exciting milestone for expectant mothers and a bonding experience between the mother and the baby.
In conclusion, the 17th week of pregnancy is an important time for the baby’s development and brings about some noticeable changes in the mother’s body. It is a time of growth, both physically and emotionally, as the pregnancy progresses.
Baby’s Growth and Development during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
At the 17th week of pregnancy, the baby continues to grow and develop at a rapid pace. By this stage, the baby is approximately the size of a turnip, measuring about 5 inches (about 13 centimeters) in length and weighing around 5 ounces (about 140 grams).
The baby’s face is becoming more defined, with eyebrows and eyelashes starting to form. The eyes, which were initially positioned on the sides of the head, are now moving closer to the front. The baby’s ears are also taking shape and becoming more prominent.
The baby’s bones are hardening and the skeleton is becoming stronger. This allows the baby to move more freely within the womb. The muscles are also developing, enabling the baby to make more coordinated movements. While the baby is still too small for the mother to feel these movements, they are becoming more noticeable during ultrasounds.
The baby’s digestive system is also maturing during this time. The intestines are developing and the baby is swallowing small amounts of amniotic fluid, which helps in the formation of the digestive tract. The baby’s taste buds are also developing, preparing them for the experience of different flavors after birth.
Additionally, the baby’s circulatory system is becoming more advanced. The heart is pumping about 26 quarts (about 25 liters) of blood per day, and the blood vessels are becoming more complex. The baby’s lungs are also developing, although they are not yet ready to function independently.
As the baby grows, their skin is becoming less translucent and more opaque. Fat stores are starting to form underneath the skin, providing insulation and helping to regulate body temperature. The baby’s skin is covered in a protective substance called vernix caseosa, which helps to protect their delicate skin from the surrounding amniotic fluid.
During this stage of pregnancy, the baby’s brain is rapidly developing. Nerve cells are multiplying at an astonishing rate, forming connections that will enable the baby to sense and respond to stimuli. The baby’s senses are also becoming more refined, and they may begin to react to external sounds and voices.
The development of the baby’s reproductive system is also underway. By now, the baby’s sex organs are fully formed, allowing a healthcare provider to determine the baby’s gender during an ultrasound examination.
Overall, the 17th week of pregnancy marks another important milestone in the baby’s growth and development. As the weeks progress, the baby will continue to grow and mature, preparing for the journey into the outside world.
Physical Changes in the Mother’s Body during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
During the 17th week of pregnancy, the mother’s body undergoes several physical changes as the baby continues to grow and develop.
One of the most noticeable changes is the expansion of the belly as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. This can lead to an increase in weight and changes in the body shape, with a more prominent belly and breasts.
Another physical change that may occur during this time is an increase in blood volume. The body produces more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, which can lead to a slightly higher heart rate and blood pressure.
Hormonal changes also play a role in the physical changes during the 17th week of pregnancy. The hormone relaxin is released, which helps to loosen the ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. This can lead to increased flexibility but also make the mother more prone to joint and ligament injuries.
Additionally, some women may experience changes in their skin during this time. The increased blood flow can result in a healthy glow, while hormonal changes may cause changes in pigmentation, such as darkening of the nipples or the appearance of a dark line down the abdomen called linea nigra.
Overall, the 17th week of pregnancy brings about physical changes that are a result of the baby’s growth and development, as well as hormonal fluctuations. It is important for the mother to take care of her body and listen to her doctor’s recommendations for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
Emotional and Hormonal Changes in the Mother during the 17th Week of Pregnancy
During the 17th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers may experience a range of emotional and hormonal changes. These changes are a natural part of the pregnancy journey and can vary from woman to woman.
One common emotional change during this time is an increased sense of excitement and anticipation. As the baby continues to grow and develop, many mothers feel a deeper connection to their unborn child. This can lead to feelings of joy and eager anticipation for the arrival of the baby.
On the other hand, some mothers may also experience mood swings and heightened emotional sensitivity. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to these changes, causing women to feel more irritable or easily overwhelmed. It’s important for expectant mothers to recognize these changes and seek support from their loved ones or healthcare providers when needed.
Another significant hormonal change during the 17th week of pregnancy is the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones play a vital role in supporting the pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. The rise in estrogen can lead to changes in the skin, such as a healthy pregnancy glow or increased oiliness. Increased progesterone levels can cause relaxation of smooth muscles, which may result in heartburn or indigestion.
In addition to emotional and hormonal changes, physical changes may also occur during this time. Women may notice their belly growing larger and experiencing round ligament pain as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. Backaches and mild swelling in the feet and ankles are also common symptoms during the 17th week of pregnancy.
It’s important for expectant mothers to take care of their emotional and physical well-being during this stage of pregnancy. This can involve practicing relaxation techniques, expressing emotions openly with loved ones, and engaging in regular exercise. Seeking prenatal care and consulting with a healthcare provider about any concerns or questions is also essential to ensure a healthy and positive pregnancy experience.
| Increased excitement and anticipation | Increased estrogen and progesterone levels | Larger belly |
| Mood swings and emotional sensitivity | Changes in the skin | Round ligament pain |
| Heartburn and indigestion | Backaches | |
| Mild swelling in the feet and ankles |