One thing pregnant women might not account for is the growth of their breasts. From the beginning of pregnancy, the breasts’ fatty tissue and blood flow increase to allow the milk ducts to grow.  As a result, you may go up a bra cup size or more as your pregnancy progresses. Also, your ever-growing bump is likely noticeable now, and you may find you don’t fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes.

Artist Holly Priddis

How your baby is growing when 17 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is now 13cm from head to bottom and weighs about 150gm. The external sex organs are fully formed, and their kidneys function and pass urine. Your baby can hear you in the womb, and external noises may even startle them, plus they are also starting to develop tastebuds.

What You May Feel

Having settled into your pregnancy, you may start thinking about how much time you wish to take off work. For example, some people take maternity leave from as early as 32 weeks, while others work up to 39 weeks. It is your decision as to how long you want to take off once your baby arrives. Of course, you may change your mind along the way, and this is also fine. Physically, you may feel more discomfort in your groin area or the side of your lower belly. This discomfort is known as round ligament pain. Round ligaments support your womb (uterus), and the pain signifies that your womb is expanding to make room for your baby.

Tips when you are 17 Weeks Pregnant

Now is a great time to think about buying yourself some maternity bras, especially ones that have easy to release clasps. There are some excellent options, so make sure you shop around for the correct bra for you.  They also sell maternity singlets with built-in bras, which are a comfortable option.

Published 14th March 2022