Week 17 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 179 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a medium kela (banana, about 7 in long) (Source: USDA SR Legacy (FoodData Central) FDC 173944 'Bananas, raw': portion '1 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)' = 118 g edible portion; SR28 FOOD_DES refuse 36% (Skin). As-purchased weight = 118 / (1 - 0.36) = 184.4 g.). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• The skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
• The umbilical cord is thickening and strengthening to support ongoing growth.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

• Steady weight gain is typical from here on; round-ligament pain and early varicose veins can occur for some.NHS

Nutrition this week

• Iron — blood volume rises ~50% — iron demand climbs (Red meat)
• Calcium — fetal skeleton mineralising (Dairy)
• Vitamin D — calcium absorption + bone (Fatty fish)

Tests & scans

• Quad / triple serum screen (if first-trimester screen not done)

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.