Pregnancy: May 08 Babies Community
Pregnancy Week by Week: Week 17...
Week 17
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. This week, she will start developing fat under her skin and can be startled by loud noises outside the uterus. Besides that, you and your baby are going through some other huge changes.
What Is Happening To Your Body
You may have noticed that your breasts have increased in size since pregnancy began. Many women increase by one or two cup sizes in this time and veins become visible. Hormones are routing blood to your breasts as glands that produce milk are growing for breast feeding. Buy bras in a variety of sizes to support your breast growth.
Your uterus has grown to be about 2 inches below your bellybutton. There is now an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. At this point, maternity clothing is required for comfort and you have probably gained about 5 – 10 pounds.
Your body secretions may also increase due to increased blood volume. This could be increased nasal congestion or a runny nose, increased sweating, or increased vaginal discharge. These symptoms are normal and will go away after the birth of your baby.
You might also be still experiencing fatigue. If you still feel sleepy, it should start to improve over the next few weeks. Moderate exercise will help combat this fatigue as well.
What Is Happening To Your Baby
Your baby weighs about 4.9 ounces (140 grams) and is about 5.1 inches (13 cm) from crown to rump.
The placenta, which nourishes the fetus with nutrients and oxygen and removes wastes, is growing to accommodate your baby. It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby's developing body.
Your baby starts to form fat this week. The fat resides under the skin and is important in generating heat and maintaining a steady metabolism. At birth, 2-6% of the baby’s weight will be fat. This will help maintain a steady body temperature.
The baby’s movements are becoming stronger and more frequent. Loud noises outside the uterus may also startle the baby.
What Is Happening This Week? 
