Nerdy Weekly Baby Size: Week 17

This week for the Nerdy Weekly Baby series!

Congratulations, nerdy moms-to-be! You are now 17 weeks pregnant, which means your baby is growing and developing at an astonishing rate. Let’s dive into the nerdy details of what’s happening during week 17.

Table of Contents

Gestational Size of a Baby at 17 Weeks:

At 17 weeks, your baby is the size of a Thorin’s Key! Specifically, your baby is around 5.1 inches (13 cm) long and weighs around 4.9 ounces (140 grams). While that might not sound like a lot, it’s incredible to think that just a few weeks ago, your baby was the size of a Lego Man.

Nerdy Development:

During week 17, your baby is continuing to develop some amazing abilities. For example, your baby’s hearing is now fully developed, which means they can hear your voice and any other sounds around them. In fact, studies have shown that babies in the womb can recognize and respond to familiar voices and music!

Additionally, your baby is now developing a sense of balance and coordination. This is thanks to the development of their inner ear, which helps them sense movement and position. It’s amazing to think that your little one is already starting to develop the skills they’ll need to crawl, walk, and run in the future.

How You Might be Feeling:

At 17 weeks pregnant, you may be feeling a bit more energetic and less nauseous than in previous weeks. This is because your hormones are starting to stabilize, and your body is adjusting to the changes of pregnancy.

However, you may still be experiencing some common pregnancy symptoms, such as:

Fatigue: Growing a human is hard work, so it’s no surprise that you may still be feeling tired or run down.
Back Pain: As your baby grows and your body adjusts, you may experience some back pain or discomfort.
Constipation: Hormonal changes and a growing uterus can slow down your digestive system, leading to constipation.

Nerdy Tips for Week 17:

Start talking to your baby: Now that your baby’s hearing is fully developed, it’s a great time to start talking to them. Tell them about your day, read them a story, or even sing them a song. It’s a great way to bond with your little one and help them develop their language skills.
Get moving: As your baby develops their sense of balance and coordination, it’s important to stay active and healthy. Consider going for a walk, taking a prenatal yoga class, or trying some gentle strength training exercises.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important throughout pregnancy, but it’s especially important in week 17 and beyond. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and healthy.

Week 17 is an exciting time in your pregnancy journey. Your baby is growing and developing at a remarkable rate, and you may be starting to feel more energetic and less nauseous. Keep up with your prenatal care, stay active, and enjoy the nerdy journey of pregnancy!