Week 17: Your Baby Can Hear You Now
At 17 weeks, your pregnancy is in full swing, and exciting changes are happening for both you and your baby. Your little one is growing stronger, their tiny bones are hardening, and—perhaps most exciting of all—they are starting to hear the world around them! Meanwhile, your body is adjusting to these rapid developments, bringing along some common (and sometimes surprising) symptoms.
Your Baby’s Development at 17 Weeks
Tiny Ears, Big Milestone
Your baby is now beginning to hear sounds inside your body, such as your heartbeat, digestion, and even the sound of your voice! This is an incredible step toward bonding—talking or singing to your baby can be a beautiful way to connect, even before birth.
Bones Becoming Stronger
Your little one’s skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to actual bone. This process continues throughout pregnancy, so be sure to get plenty of calcium from dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. Supporting your own bone health now will also help prevent issues later, like pregnancy-related bone loss.
Umbilical Cord Growth
Your baby’s lifeline—the umbilical cord—is becoming thicker and stronger, ensuring a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients. By the time you give birth, this incredible structure will be about 9 inches long and as thick as an adult’s thumb!
Developing Skin & Sweat Glands
Although your baby’s skin is still quite delicate, their sweat glands are beginning to form. By next week, the different layers of their skin will be fully developed.
How Your Body is Changing
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Feeling a little wobbly? Your cardiovascular system is undergoing big changes—your heart is working harder, and your blood volume has significantly increased. This can lead to occasional dizziness, especially when you stand up too quickly. Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and avoid sudden movements to keep your balance in check.
Blurred Vision and Dry Eyes
Hormonal changes can affect your eyesight, making your vision temporarily blurry or causing dry, irritated eyes. While this usually resolves after pregnancy, talk to your doctor if you experience severe vision changes, as they could signal an underlying issue.
Itchy Skin
As your belly and breasts grow, your skin stretches, which can lead to mild itching. Staying moisturized with a fragrance-free lotion and avoiding hot showers can help keep discomfort at bay. However, if you experience extreme itching, let your doctor know—it could be a sign of a rare but serious condition called cholestasis of pregnancy.
Stretch Marks: Love Them or Hate Them?
Stretch marks are common, thanks to your expanding belly. While genetics play a big role in whether you get them, staying hydrated and gaining weight at a steady pace may help minimize their appearance. The good news? They usually fade significantly after pregnancy.
Strange Pregnancy Dreams
Having wild, vivid, or even bizarre dreams lately? You’re not alone! Many pregnant women report intense dreams, often filled with strong emotions. Blame it on hormones and the subconscious mind processing all the big changes ahead.
Constipation Struggles
Your growing uterus is putting pressure on your intestines, slowing down digestion. Plus, prenatal vitamins high in iron can make things worse. To keep things moving, drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and try gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga.
Your Pregnancy Checklist at 17 Weeks
✔ Practice Relaxation Techniques — Deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
✔ Buckle Up the Right Way — Always wear your seatbelt correctly: lap belt under your belly and shoulder strap across your chest.
✔ Plan Healthy Meals — Eating a balanced diet helps nourish both you and your baby. Meal planning can make healthy eating easier.
✔ Protect Your Skin — Pregnancy hormones make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear a hat when outside.
✔ Document Your Bump — Whether through weekly photos or a pregnancy journal, capturing these moments will be fun to look back on.
Your 17-Week Bump
At 17 weeks, your baby bump is becoming more noticeable, and for many moms-to-be, this is when they really start «showing.» Your uterus has grown significantly and is now positioned just below your belly button.
What to Expect with Your 17-Week Bump
- Your belly might finally «pop» — If you haven’t already, this may be the week when your bump becomes unmistakable.
- Weight gain is picking up — By now, many women have gained around 5−10 pounds, depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.
- Balance and posture changes — As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, making it easier to feel off balance.
- More noticeable movement — Some women start feeling those first tiny flutters of movement, often described as gas bubbles or light tapping.
Bump Differences Are Normal
Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every bump! Some women have a round, pronounced belly, while others still don’t look obviously pregnant. Factors like body type, muscle tone, and whether it’s your first pregnancy all play a role.
Tips for Comfort and Support
- Wear comfortable clothing — Maternity leggings or pants with stretchy waistbands can help accommodate your growing belly.
- Support your back — A pregnancy support band can ease back strain as your belly expands.
- Moisturize regularly — Keeping your belly hydrated can help reduce itching and discomfort from stretching skin.
- Sleep smart — Try to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees for added support.
Embrace your beautiful bump — whether it’s big, small, or just beginning to show!
As you move toward the halfway mark of your pregnancy, your baby’s movements will become more noticeable, and their little kicks might surprise you any day now! In the meantime, stay active, listen to your body, and enjoy these unique moments of pregnancy.