17th week of pregnancy: can you feel the first movements already?

At 17 weeks pregnant, you're starting your fifth month. 17 weeks and six days to be exact.

The baby is kicking happily, but you probably can't feel its movements yet. But that moment is coming.

The size of the fetus is about 13 cm and the weight is about 0.14 kg. The ultrasound shows the sex and how your baby is growing day by day. It is causing you to gain weight and possible pain in your lower abdomen.

How is the fetus developing at 17 weeks of pregnancy?

As before, the baby continues to train the sucking and swallowing reflex. This is important preparation for life after birth.

Did you know that the development of most vital reflexes is already complete at this time? Even so, your baby is not yet ready for life outside the womb.

The baby slowly begins to build up fat reserves. Under the skin, body fat accumulates, which will not only serve as an energy reserve. It makes it easier for the baby to keep warm. It also serves as a thermal insulator.

The baby's skin is still very thin and wrinkled, with tiny blood vessels showing through.

The eyes are still closed, but fine eyebrows and eyelashes are forming. Small moles are appearing on the fingers and toes.

Sometime during this period, fingerprints also begin to form. Gradually, your baby's fingers develop completely unique and specific folds that no other person in the world has.

The table shows the approximate measurements of the fetus at 17 weeks, as measured by the sonographer

Read more about fetal size in the article:
Ultrasound in pregnancy: fetal size, what is fetal biometry?

Mom at 17 weeks of pregnancy

Your tummy is really unnoticeable now. The abdominal wall and the uterine wall are tightening.

The nipples darken and the dark strip from the belly button down may darken even more. It's all due to increased pigmentation.

Don't forget to take care of your skin. It is increasingly tightened by the growth of the uterus and fat deposition. You can partially prevent stretch marks by regularly lubricating it with a suitable cream.

Read the article.

However, they are still very subtle and it is easy to mistake them for bowel movements, for example.

Not long ago, you may have had trouble eating anything. Morning and all-day sickness disrupted your daily routine and eating.

However, excessive appetite is common at this time of year. Different foods and smells can often become a great temptation.

However, think about your health. Remember that your digestion has slowed down, stomach secretion is reduced and hormonal changes slow down the passage of intestinal contents.

A small misstep can easily cause heartburn, bloating, gas or constipation. These digestive problems are more than typical for pregnancy.

What to do for constipation and how to defecate without difficulty?

How to get hungry in pregnancy?

Increasing appetite in pregnancy appears especially in the second trimester. Nausea has mostly subsided and the size of the tummy is not yet so restrictive.

Your baby is constantly growing and requires more and more nutrition. This naturally arouses in you the need to constantly take in food.

However, it is not advisable to eat for two. Your baby especially needs enough nutritious and wholesome food. It is therefore more a question of composition than quantity.

Although your body encourages you to reach for a variety of flavours, think especially about getting enough vitamins, minerals, animal protein, omega-3 fatty acids or fibre.

An improperly chosen diet can lead to various complications in pregnancy.

Read also the articles:

• How much to gain during pregnancy? What does it depend on and what to watch out for?
• With folic acid to the desired baby and healthy blood vessels?
• What are the causes, symptoms?

Drinking regime in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the total volume of body fluids increases by up to 8 litres. Blood volume increases by 30 to 40%.

Not only these physiological changes require a sufficient and regular drinking regime. Think about it especially in hot weather or during increased physical exertion.

Possible consequences of an insufficient drinking regime not only in pregnancy:

• headache
• fatigue
• nausea
• dizziness
• constipation

Pure water without bubbles is best. Diluted fruit and vegetable juices are also suitable.

You can also have tea, but avoid black and green teas, which contain higher doses of theine. This substance has similar effects to caffeine, which is not recommended in pregnancy. Neither are alcohol, energy drinks or cola drinks.

Headaches in pregnancy

Pregnancy is accompanied by many difficulties. Headaches are one of them. These pains are largely caused by hormonal changes in the body.

However, it is important to rule out causes such as pre-eclampsia or stroke.

Many pregnant women suffer from headaches. They can occur at any time during pregnancy. The triggering factors are many.

Possible solutions should include, in particular, adjusting lifestyle, managing stressful situations or getting enough rest. When using medicines, the level of risk and benefit must be weighed.

The use of any medication during pregnancy should be decided by a doctor. There are almost no clinical trial resources available on the treatment of headaches in pregnancy, and not only headaches. Such studies are not carried out for ethical reasons. Therefore, the level of benefit and risk is carefully weighed up when using any medication.

Possible triggers for headaches in pregnancy:

• Hormonal changes
• Fatigue
• stress
• overeating
• lack of fluids
• hunger
• colds, flu
• allergies

How to treat headaches in pregnancy?

As with all difficulties during pregnancy, do not hesitate to consult your doctor when you have a headache. It is necessary to exclude more serious causes that cause such pains.

There are certain measures and principles to prevent or alleviate the pain.

Maintain a frequent and adequate food intake. Starving or skipping meals can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. As a result, not only headaches but also weakness, nausea and dizziness can easily occur .

Always have a small snack on hand.

Avoid excessive intake of sweets. Carbohydrates should be in the form of whole grains, vegetables or fruit.

Get plenty of rest and relaxation in the fresh air. Avoid noisy environments.

When to contact a doctor?

Contact your doctor immediately if the headache is unbearable or if you develop swelling of the face or limbs. Also if you have fever or visual disturbances.

Read more about these problems in the article.

What causes back pain in pregnancy

Your body is constantly undergoing changes during pregnancy. Among other things, your pelvis is slowly preparing for the day of delivery.

The ovaries produce hormones that are involved in relaxing the muscles and joints in the pelvic area. Unfortunately, this can also bring with it back pain, especially in the sacral spine.

You can prevent or alleviate such problems with proper movement. Regular but adequate activity is essential for the health of the baby and the mom-to-be.