17 Weeks Pregnant
Pregnancy Body Changes
At 17 weeks pregnant, you may begin to feel your baby move. His or her muscles are now being used. Your uterus is about 1¬Ĺ to 2 inches below your belly button.
Your breasts may be getting noticeably larger with visible veins. Hormones are preparing your breasts for milk production, ¬†more blood is flowing to the breasts, and the glands that produce milk are growing in preparation for breastfeeding.
Make sure you wear bras with enough support throughout your entire pregnancy. As your baby is growing, your appetite may be also. You've probably gained about 10 pounds by now and your belly is starting to protrude.
Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is now 4.4 to 4.8 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces.
The placenta is growing to accommodate your baby's needs . It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby's developing body.
Other developments with your baby at 17 weeks include developing reflexes that will enable your baby to swallow, blink and suck. The circulatory and urinary systems are working. Lanugo (a soft, fine hair) covers your baby's shoulders, back, and temples.