2nd trimester · Week 17
17 weeks pregnant
Brown fat and a stronger skeleton
Deposits of brown fat begin to appear for later temperature control. Cartilage is turning to bone. Your center of gravity may start to shift.
How big is your baby at 17 weeks?
- Length
- 13 cm
- Weight
- 140 g
- Size
- Walnut
On average about 13 cm long and 140 g. Size comparison: Walnut.
These are averages; every baby grows at their own pace.
How is your baby developing at 17 weeks?
Sweat glands form. The heart pumps a larger blood volume. Average length is around 13 cm; weight often near 140 g. The umbilical cord floats in more amniotic fluid than earlier weeks.
What changes in your body at 17 weeks?
Backache and tighter bra bands are common. Appetite can jump. Mild swelling of ankles at day’s end can start; sudden swelling of the face or hands needs a same-day call.
Tips for this week
Supportive shoes and a well-fitted bra help more than a rigid posture lecture. Side sleeping can already feel better. Keep listing symptoms that worry you — you do not need to be “sure” before asking.
