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Your Pregnancy: Week 17



Your baby

• How big is your baby now? Spread one of your hands wide open — your baby is about the same size. From the top of his head to the bottom of his buttocks, he's about 11 to 12 cm (4.4 to 4.8 in) long and, over the last two weeks, his weight has doubled to about 100 g (3.5 oz).
• This week your baby starts to develop fat, which will play a crucial role in his metabolism and the production of body heat. At this point in your baby's development, less than one per cent of his body is made up of fat. Over the coming weeks, he'll put on plenty more fat and by the time he's born, almost 70 percent of his body will be made up of fat.
 
Butterflies in your stomach?
Have you felt your baby move yet? If not, you will soon, but you may not recognize the sensation at first. It may feel like a gas bubble, a fluttering, or even like a fish tail swishing back and forth inside your uterus.
 
As your baby continues to develop, his movements will become stronger and you'll feel them more often. But don't expect to feel him move every day yet. Not only does he rest quietly without moving for several hours at a time, but he sleeps inside your uterus, too. Learn more about what’s happening in your baby’s world.
 
You said it! Advice from real moms
“Do your Kegels early on if you don't want to start peeing in your undies every time you sneeze!” - Andree
 
Your pregnancy pounds
Chances are you've gained about 5 to 10 pounds since the beginning of your pregnancy. Women gain an average of 25 to 35 pounds while they're pregnant, though weight gain varies widely from pregnancy to pregnancy. As the following chart shows, most of the pounds you put on aren't fat at all.
The average pregnancy weight gain is comprised of:
• Maternal Fat Stores - 7 pounds

• Baby - 7½ pounds
• Increased Fluids Volume - 4 pounds

• Uterus - 2 pounds

• Amniotic Fluid - 2 pounds

• Breast Enlargement - 2 pounds

• Placenta - 1½ pounds
 
Weighty issues
More than one in five Canadian women of childbearing age has a weight problem. Women who are over- or underweight before getting pregnant may face an increased risk of certain complications, but it’s important to know that most go on to have healthy pregnancies and perfect babies. Here’s a look at what to do to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
 
Looking ahead
If you haven’t already, it's time to choose a prenatal class. Though most prenatal classes are held in the third trimester, which begins in week 27, you'll want to register early to ensure you have a space in the class of your choice. (In fact, instructors are happy to have you sign up as soon as you are pregnant.)

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