17 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Is Gaining Fat & You May Feel Kicks!

Baby Growth at 17 Weeks Pregnant

17 Weeks Pregnant – Your baby is getting bigger and more baby-like with each passing day.

• 📏 Size of a pomegranate (~12–13 cm)
• 🧈 Baby starts storing body fat for warmth
• 🦴 Skeleton is turning from soft cartilage into hard bone
• 👂 Can hear sounds like heartbeat & stomach growls
• 🖐️ Moves joints and may start kicking strongly
• 👃 Baby develops sweat glands

Baby is also growing eyebrows and eyelashes this week.

🤰 Week 17 Pregnancy Symptoms

You’re in the middle of your second trimester — energy is up, but some discomforts may appear.

Common Symptoms at 17 Weeks:

• Backaches due to changing posture
• Leg cramps (especially at night)
• Stretch marks beginning on belly, breasts, hips
• Increased appetite
• Slight vaginal discharge (normal if clear/white and odorless)
• Feeling baby flutters or gentle kicks

⚠️ Contact your doctor if you notice bleeding, fever, or severe cramps.

Detailed Guid : 17 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms: Embrace the Comfort, Manage the Changes

🥗 What to Eat at 17 Weeks Pregnant

This week, your baby is building fat and bones — feed both of you with calcium + protein-rich meals.

✅ Best Foods:

• Paneer, tofu, eggs, fish – rich in protein
• Milk, yogurt, almonds, sesame – bone-strengthening calcium
• Seasonal fruits – oranges, melons, papaya (ripe only)
• Whole grains – roti, brown rice, poha, upma
• Lemon water with chia seeds – refreshes and boosts hydration

🥣 Pro Tip: Mix ragi flour + jaggery for healthy laddoos or porridge.

❌ Avoid:

• Spicy masala-heavy food that can trigger acidity
• Processed or canned food
• Too much caffeine (limit to 1 cup/day)

🧘 Exercise Tips for 17 Weeks

Staying active keeps swelling, stress, and back pain in check.

Safe Workouts:

• 🚶 Walk for 30 minutes daily
• 🧘 Try prenatal yoga stretches
• 🛌 Leg lifts and ankle rolls (helps reduce swelling)
• 💦 Swimming or aqua therapy

🧠 Mental Tip: Start a pregnancy journal. Write how you feel each week. Great for bonding with your baby!

🧾 Week 17 Checklist

• Schedule your anomaly scan (usually at 18–20 weeks)
• Buy maternity pants or support bands
• Moisturize belly, hips, and breasts daily
• Check iron levels and diet with your doctor
• Ask doctor if calcium/magnesium supplements are needed
• Take photos of your baby bump (fun for memories!)

💬 Tip of the Week

“This is the week many moms feel the baby kick clearly. Sit quietly after a meal and observe — your baby may just say hello!”
— Dr. Anisha Paul, Maternity Expert

❓FAQ – 17 Weeks Pregnant

Q: Is white discharge normal at 17 weeks?
A: Yes, it’s called leukorrhea. It’s normal as long as there’s no bad smell, itching, or green/yellow color.

Q: Can I sleep on my back?
A: It’s better to start sleeping on your left side to improve blood flow to your baby.

Q: Why do I get leg cramps at night?
A: Common due to pressure on nerves and lower magnesium. Stretch, hydrate, and talk to your doctor about supplements.

🔗 Internal Links

• 🔙 Back to Week 16 – First Kicks Might Be Coming!
• 👉 Next: Week 18 – Your Baby Can Hear You!
• 📘 Leg Cramp Relief During Pregnancy – Easy Home Tips