What To Expect At 17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth And Changes
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17 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Growth spurt. At 17 week pregnant, your little one starts to plump up a bit. The fat, also called adipose tissue, helps keep your baby warm. Fat tissue is also important for metabolism, since it's a great source of energy.

Good reactions. Your little one has been working on two basic reflexes for a few weeks during 17th week of pregnancy: sucking and swallowing. By the time your baby is born, he or she will have nearly all the reflexes that you do.

Girl or boy? If you're going to have a girl, a special set of tissues is developing into the uterus and vagina. If a boy is in your future, these same tissues have started down a different path: The penis has formed and the prostate is beginning to take shape. The newly formed testosterone-secreting cells are key in these developments.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Wardrobe makeover. Ready to show off your bump? Pick out some maternity clothes that are fun and flattering. Wearing them may be your first public announcement that you're pregnant, so enjoy the attention! Have a look at other pregnancy announcement ideas to let people know about the arrival of the little one.

A word about amnio. If you undergo amniocentesis, you'll probably have this test done between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Amnio is the single most accurate method of identifying many birth defects, but it's not a test that every expectant mom should have. It is usually offered to pregnant women over the age of 35, as they are at a higher risk for having a baby with a genetic disorder like Down syndrome. Amnio may also be a logical next step if your AFP test came back positive. Speak to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons.

A pain in the... Hemorrhoids are essentially veins in the rectum that have become over-dilated due to increased blood volume and flow in the pelvic area. If you're prone to varicose veins or if you had hemorrhoids during a previous pregnancy, you're more likely to get them again. The best prevention strategy? A high-fiber diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise. However, if it gets severe, try these remedies for haemorrhoids during pregnancy for instant relief.

17 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• Do some research on child care providers

• Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to help prevent hemorrhoids. Start your baby name list, if you haven't already. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

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