Welcome to week 17 of your pregnancy!
Your baby (and subsequently your belly) are in the middle of a large growth spurt. If you've been waiting to officially wear maternity clothes, you likely won't be able to put it off any longer. You're also likely to have your first big jump on the scale in the coming weeks (if you haven't already). All of these are good signs that your baby is growing strong and healthy.
You may also notice that you've become a bit more clumsy than normal. This is caused by the growth of your belly which can move your center of gravity ever so slightly. Because of this, it's important that you support your balance. Wear comfortable low-heel shoes to reduce your risk of falling and be prepared to steady yourself on chairs, railings, etc., a little more than you normally would.
Other Symptoms This Week:
Itchy breasts and belly – as your belly and breasts grow the skin is stretched. This stretching can make your skin feel very tight, itchy, and sometimes it can even be painful. Try some belly cream to ease the discomfort.
Weight Gain – The average woman has gained about 10 lbs by now (but it's okay for that number to fluctuate).
Vaginal Discharge – You may have more vaginal discharge than usual. This is due to increased blood flow. However, if you notice an odor, itching, or an unusual color, tell your doctor or midwife.
Weird Dreams – A combination of nerves, anticipation, and hormones may be to blame for some very weird pregnancy dreams. Rest assured they are totally normal. It helps some women to laugh about these dreams with their spouse or a friend.
Remember, every pregnant woman is different. What one woman experiences may be completely different from what another woman experiences during her pregnancy. However, you can rest assured that no matter how “weird” your symptoms may seem, you are not the first woman to experience them. Nothing is ever too weird or embarrassing to ask your doctor or midwife about (or a fellow mom). It's better to ask and get clarification than to be left wondering.
Your Baby's Development
Your baby is gaining weight, bone, and muscle. At about 5.1 inches long and weighing in at about 5.9 ounces, your baby is about the size of an onion!
(Note: every baby develops differently, even in the womb! The descriptions here are meant to give you a general idea of typical development.)
Before now your baby had mostly soft cartilage which is now turning to bone. The umbilical cord is becoming stronger and thicker in order to nourish your baby as he grows even stronger. He is also now capable of moving his joints. The sweat glands also start developing this week.
The Benefits of Prenatal Hypnosis
Did you know that hypnosis has been used during pregnancy and childbirth since the 1930s?
For most people, hearing the word hypnosis conjures up images of comedy shows and side shows where people are put under hypnosis only for amusement and entertainment.
What people often do not see is the use of clinical hypnosis and it's many benefits for people of all walks of life. The same is true for pregnant women. In fact, hypnosis is a very powerful tool that can be used during pregnancy and to help women cope with anything from morning sickness to pregnancy discomfort, and even to cope with the discomforts of childbirth.
Read more about the Benefits of Hypnosis for Pregnancy and Childbirth…
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This post featured at Savoring Saturdays.
Alongside her therapeutic work, Vanessa is also a certified birth doula. With her doula training, she offers compassionate support to individuals and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, ensuring a nurturing and empowering experience.
Vanessa's commitment to supporting individuals on their healing and transformative journeys shines through her expertise in trauma therapy and her compassionate approach to birth support. With her diverse skill set and passion for holistic well-being, Vanessa strives to provide comprehensive care and education.
