Week 17 Of Pregnancy

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• QHow is my baby growing and developing during week 17?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 17 of pregnancy, your baby is growing in length and weight. At this point, your baby weighs around six ounces and fat is beginning to develop under its transparent skin. This fat will provide your baby with energy! Don't be surprised if you begin to feel your baby moving. Your baby is also practicing breathing! These early practice breaths are helping to build the diaphragm muscles.
• QHow might my actions affect my baby during week 17 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 17, a fall could be dangerous to you and your baby especially if you tumble forward onto your belly. The extra weight out front may begin affecting your sense of balance, so avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Avoiding activities that put you at risk for falls is important. Also remember to sit and stand slowly and be careful when walking up and down stairs. Pregnancy causes your joints and ligaments to loosen, which also causes changes in your walk and can lead to accidents. In addition to feel slightly off-balance, dizzy spells are common. Lie down if you feel dizzy and drink plenty of fluids to reduce your symptoms. If you have questions about how a particular activity may affect your baby during week 17, talk to your doctor.
• QHow can I treat my heartburn in week 17 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 17, you're likely to have symptoms of indigestion like heartburn. Although heartburn can be painful there are ways to manage your symptoms. Eating small meals throughout the day and avoiding lying down after a meal can help reduce your symptoms. Avoiding spicy, fried, fatty, acidic foods and caffeine may also help. Talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage more severe symptoms. Chewing gum can also help by triggering your saliva production, which can help minimize stomach acid. Talk to your doctor about which antacids may be used; some are not good during pregnancy due to ingredients like aspirin or aluminum.
• QWhat is the size of my baby during week 17?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 17, your baby is about five and a half inches long and fat is developing under your baby's skin. This fat provides your baby with energy! The fat will also help to keep your baby warm after birth.
• QWhat prenatal care do I need during week 17 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  At week 17 if you haven't already had your monthly second-trimester doctor's appointment, this week your doctor will want to measure your baby's growth. During the visit, your doctor and you may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat! Routine blood tests and genetic screening tests are common during this time. If you have questions about prenatal care at this point, now is a great time to ask your doctor.

• QHow will I feel during week 17 of my pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  By week 17 of pregnancy, you're likely to start feeling a little unsteady on your feet. As your belly grows it can affect your center of balance. Make sure to wear low-heeled shoes and avoid activities that could make you fall. You may also have more heartburn this week, which is normal. As your uterus expands it pushes against your stomach and other abdominal organs. Unfortunately, heartburn can be a persistent problem throughout the remaining weeks of your pregnancy. The good news is you're likely to have more energy this week!

• QWhat changes will I experience during week 17 of my pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 17 of pregnancy, your uterus is beginning to crowd your abdominal organs, which is one reason for those heartburn symptoms you're probably having. Your center of gravity may be changing, too, due to your growing belly. Although leg cramps and vivid dreams may be interrupting your sleep, don't be surprised if you have a renewed sense of energy.
  
  
• QWhat will I look like during week 17 of my pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  During week 17 your belly is noticeable and your breasts are continuing to fill out as the milk glands develop. Your skin is glowing! You're also likely to appear more energized. You might  appear a little unsteady on your feet as your belly grows.

• QWhat are common problems that may occur during week 17 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 17 of pregnancy, the most common problem is heartburn. As your belly continues to grow, it pushes against your stomach and other abdominal organs. The hormones -- progesterone and estrogen -- also cause your muscles to relax, which affects the digestive tract muscles. If you have dry eyes, using over-the-counter eye drops can help. You may begin feeling unsteady on your feet due to your growing belly. A fall could be dangerous for you and your baby, so it's important to avoid activities that increase your risk of tripping or falling. Remember to talk to your doctor about your heartburn and dry eyes and how to treat these problems.

• QWhat should I discuss with my doctor during week 17 of pregnancy?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  In week 17,  at your now-monthly appointment, your doctor will discuss your baby's growth and health. Your doctor may begin routine screening for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome and spina bifida. Your doctor will also discuss your diet, weight gain, and level of exercise. Don't be afraid to ask anything you're curious about, including increased heartburn, dry eyes, and increased energy level.