How does my baby grow at 17 weeks?

Your baby is now around the size of a pomegranate (12 cm), and you may start to feel vague flutters, although baby movements are usually felt more clearly at 20 weeks’ gestation.

Eyebrows and eyelashes are beginning to grow, and while their eyes can move around, the eyelids remain shut. Their mouths can open and close, taking in the amniotic fluid that surrounds them.

The skin on your baby’s fingertips is now developing its own unique fingerprints. Fingernails and toenails are also growing.

A substance called myelin is starting to coat itself around the spinal cord. This helps to develop their nervous system, especially regarding how the nervous system communicates with the brain.

What are the pregnancy symptoms at 17 weeks?

You might find that a dark line is developing down the centre of your belly. It’s called the linea nigra and is harmless. It’s due to pigmentation in your skin increasing where your stomach muscles are being stretched. Not all people get this, so don’t worry if one has or hasn’t appeared.

It’s because of this increased supply of pigment to your breasts that you may see your nipples and areola getting darker. Again, this is a normal part of pregnancy and nothing to worry about.

You may also notice dark patches appear on your neck, hands, and face. This is called chloasma, otherwise known as the mask of pregnancy. Your body is making more melanin, which tans your skin. It’s harmless and should fade away after pregnancy.

What else do I need to know about being 17 weeks pregnant?

Red and purple streaks might develop over various parts of your body. These are stretch marks and are common in pregnancy, affecting 8 out of 10 people. They are caused by hormones and skin stretching. Stretch marks usually appear on the belly but can also be found on the upper thighs, breasts, and bottom. Though stretch marks might come with some itchiness as the skin is thinning, they’re entirely harmless.

Over time, they should fade and even become less noticeable once your baby is born. However, it’s unlikely that they’ll disappear completely. There are various creams and oils sold under the guise that they can remove stretch marks, but the evidence is lacking.

What Does My Pregnancy Look Like at Seventeen Weeks?

Pregnancy symptoms and what else you can expect at 17 weeks.