Week 17: What to Expect During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Welcome to Week 17 of your pregnancy journey! Pregnancy at 17 weeks brings some wonderful changes—and some challenges! The second trimester is often called the “honeymoon phase,” but it still comes with its ups and downs. Here, we’ll cover what to expect for both you and your baby during this week, along with some personal insights from my own experience as I navigate my fourth pregnancy.

What's Happening with Your Baby

At 17 weeks, baby is growing fast and is now about the size of a pomegranate (or, for the nostalgic ones, a cassette tape 🎶—if you know what that is! 😆). Baby is getting stronger, more coordinated, and starting to practice key skills for life outside the womb! Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:

Bones Are Hardening: Up until now, baby’s skeleton has been mostly soft cartilage. This week, the bones begin to ossify (harden), which is an important step toward getting stronger!
Sweat Glands Are Developing: While baby can’t sweat just yet, the glands are starting to form under the skin. One day, those tiny sweat glands will help regulate body temperature.
Umbilical Cord Growth: Baby’s lifeline is getting longer and thicker to support all the extra nutrients needed for this growth spurt. The umbilical cord contains one vein and two arteries—the vein delivers oxygen and nutrients, while the arteries carry waste back to the placenta for filtration.
More Movement: Baby is sucking, swallowing, and practicing reflexes that will be needed for feeding after birth. You may start to feel flutters or little kicks soon (if you haven’t already!). No need for official kick counts yet—those start closer to 28 weeks—but you can begin noticing baby’s active times.

Changes You Might Experience

As your baby grows, your body continues to adjust. Here are some common experiences during Week 17:

Pregnancy Glow & Skin Changes:
One of the classic second-trimester symptoms is the “pregnancy glow”—that radiant, dewy skin that people swear makes you look extra beautiful. It’s due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes that boost skin hydration and oil production. However, not all skin changes are fun! You might notice:
- Linea negra – A dark line running from your belly button to your pubic bone.
- Darkening of the areolas – This helps guide your newborn to breastfeed after birth!
- Hyperpigmentation or “mask of pregnancy” (melasma) – Some women develop brown patches on their face due to increased melanin production.
If you’re experiencing skin changes, don’t worry—they usually fade after birth! If you go outside, wear sunscreen, as pregnancy hormones can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Energy Fluctuations: One minute you may feel unstoppable, the next minute, completely drained. Energy fluctuations are normal! Why?
- Increased blood volume – Your body is working hard to supply baby with oxygen and nutrients.
- Hormonal changes – Progesterone is still rising, which can contribute to fatigue.
- Poor sleep (hello, pregnancy insomnia! 😴)
Listen to your body—it’s okay to slow down, rest when needed, and don’t feel guilty for being less productive. You’re growing a whole human!
Pregnancy Insomnia: Sleep might be harder to come by due to discomfort and hormonal changes. Techniques like drinking calming teas and listening to meditation can aid in achieving better rest.
Round Ligament Pain & Braxton Hicks: As baby grows, the round ligaments (which support the uterus) stretch, sometimes causing sharp, quick pains in the lower belly or groin. This is completely normal but can be uncomfortable! You may also feel occasional belly tightening—these are practice contractions, known as Braxton Hicks, that help the uterus prep for labor. They should be irregular, painless, and go away with movement or hydration. If they become rhythmic or painful, check in with your provider!

My Personal Experience in Week 17

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gina, MS, & Roxanne, RN, BSN (@mamastefit)

Energy Levels – The Rollercoaster Ride:

One minute, I feel unstoppable, ready to take on the world. The next, I’m exhausted and completely drained. This week, my energy has been fluctuating a lot. I’m reminding myself to listen to my body—it’s okay to slow down, rest when needed, and not feel guilty for being less productive. You’re growing a whole human!

Round Ligament Pain:

Those sharp pains in the lower belly or groin area are normal but can be so uncomfortable! Here’s what I’m doing to help mitigate round ligament pain:

✔️ Gentle stretching & movement – Hip flexor releases and round ligament exercises have been a lifesaver!
✔️ Webster-certified chiropractic care – Adjustments can help keep the pelvis balanced and reduce ligament strain.
✔️ Massages every two weeks – I treat myself because, well, I deserve it!

Pregnancy Insomnia & Leg Cramps:

Lately, I’ve been waking up at 2-3 AM and struggling to fall back asleep. Some nights, I lie there overthinking everything. Also, leg cramps (Charlie horses!) are making a comeback.

What’s Helping Me Sleep Better:
✅ Cherry tart juice – It contains natural melatonin to help with sleep. I mix it with ginger beer for a nighttime mocktail.
✅ Casein protein before bed – A slow-digesting protein that helps stabilize blood sugar overnight, preventing those 3 AM wake-ups.
✅ Magnesium & hydration – Helps prevent leg cramps and restlessness.

How I’m Staying Active This Week:

✔️ Prenatal strength training – Focused on pelvic stability, strength, and mobility. I’m following my own prenatal fitness program (which you can join too!).
✔️ Mini workouts – Some days, I don’t have an hour to exercise, so I opt for 15-20 minute sessions.
✔️ On-demand pregnancy workouts – I’ve been filming follow-along videos so you can work out alongside me at home!

Conclusion

Every pregnancy is unique, and Week 17 can bring its own set of experiences and challenges. It’s essential to listen to your body, take care of your mental and physical health, and prepare for the exciting changes ahead.

If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!

Gina Conley, MS