All weeks

Second Trimester

Week 17 of pregnancy

Your baby is the size of a pomegranate.

Length: 13 cm / 5.1 in · Weight: 140 g / 4.9 oz

Baby at 17 weeks

  • Baby's fat layers starting to form.
  • Heart can pump 100 pints of blood per day.
  • Sweat glands forming.

What you may feel

  • Stronger baby movements (some women).
  • Possible vivid dreams.
  • Increased vaginal discharge (normal).
  • Mild swelling in feet.

This week’s checklist

  • Switch to side-sleeping (left side preferred).
  • Pelvic floor exercises daily.
  • Drink water + reduce salt for swelling.

Key milestone

Fat deposits begin to form — baby's first chubby curves.

Doctor / midwife visits

Anomaly scan booked for 18-22 weeks.

Top foods this week

Educational only — not medical advice. Always consult your midwife or GP. Sources: NICE NG201 antenatal care, NICE NG207 inducing labour, NHS, RCOG. Read the full medical disclaimer.