Baby by Week
Week 17

Your week 17 guide

Fat, fingerprints, swallowing, and brain regulation are all advancing.
Trimester

2

Month

5

Weeks left

23

Size at a glance

Comparison
Pomegranate
Length
13 cm
Weight
5 oz
Measurements are approximate. Healthy babies grow at different rates.

Baby development

Early fat stores begin forming for warmth and energy after birth.
The brain helps regulate a steadily beating heart.
Unique fingerprints form while sucking and swallowing skills improve.

Your body

Some mothers begin feeling quickening, the baby's first noticeable movements.
Back or sciatic discomfort and stretch marks may appear as the body grows.
Congestion can contribute to snoring or disrupted sleep.

This week's checklist

Decide whether you want to learn the baby's sex at the anatomy scan.
Arrange dental care if it is due.
Ask before booking massage, yoga, Pilates, or other new activities.

Call your care team

Report bleeding, fluid leakage, severe pain, fever, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
Get urgent help for a severe headache with vision changes, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Medical information, not medical advice

Every pregnancy is different. Use this guide for general education and follow the advice of your own maternity care team. Do not delay urgent care because of something you read here.