17 weeks of embarazo: baby development and changes in the woman

gestation week: 17 weeks

Equivalent to month: beginning of 4th month

Equivalent to the days: 113 to 119 days of gestation

In the 17th week of pregnancy, the baby’s development is marked by the formation of adipose tissue, which has the function of preserving energy and heat, in addition to protecting the organs. The respiratory system is already formed, but the pulmonary alveoli continue to develop.

During this week, the breasts of women can become more sensible and the areolas more obscure. The symptoms of acidity, burning sensation, stress, sensitivity in the heats and headache can continue; in addition, pain can arise in the back and loss of balance due to the increase in the curvature of the column and the change in the center of gravedad del body.

baby development

In the 17th week of pregnancy, the baby is producing adipose tissue (grease), important for storing energy, producing and retaining heat in the body, in addition to protecting the organs, and it forms first on the face, body, breasts and walls of the stomach, and work on the back, shoulders, arms, legs and pecho. The muscles are also developing and maturing.

The baby’s respiratory system is already formed, with the lungs, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles; however, the pulmonary alveoli are still in formation.

The baby has more and more suction and swallowing movements, drinking the amniotic fluid, and these reflexes will be fully developed around the 36th week of pregnancy.

In this stage of pregnancy, the umbilical cord is thicker and longer to bring nutrients to the baby and the placenta is expanding and increasing its circulation to provide more nutrients and oxygen to the baby.

Baby size and weight

The size of the baby with 17 weeks of gestation is around 13.5 centimeters, being equivalent to the size of a pear. The baby’s weight this week is approximately 179 g.

Changes in the woman’s body

In the 17th week of pregnancy, the vientre is noticeable, the waist acquires a more rounded appearance, the breasts can be more sensible and the areolas can darken. Symptoms of acidity, feeling of burning in the stomach, stress, sensitivity in the stomach and headache can continue.

In this phase of pregnancy, the woman can feel a little pain in the back, in the lumbar region, which can radiate from the legs due to the growth of the window and the increase in the curvature of the spine, which can compress the sciatic nerve. This change in the curvature of the spine can also change the body’s center of gravity, so that the woman may lose a little body balance.

Care during the 17th week

In the 17th week of embarrassment, certain precautions are important to help alleviate any ailments that may arise, such as:

• Acidity or sensation of quemazón in the stomach: Avoiding fried foods, spicy or very spicy foods and very large portions of food, and eating in small portions at intervals of 2 or 3 hours, can help alleviate this ailment. Find other advice on how to alleviate acidity in embarassment;
• Stress: to help alleviate this discomfort, you should eat more fiber through whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, drink at least 8 vases of water a day to keep your body hydrated and practice physical activities regularly recommended by your doctor, for the purpose of helping to improve intestinal movements;
• Sensitivity in the encías: brush the teeth regularly and use a soft tooth brush, brushing teeth gently so as not to mistreat the teeth. Likewise, it is recommended to consult a dentist to evaluate oral and dental health;
• Headache: Put a cold compress on the front or on the back of the neck and lie down, rest and relax in quiet environments can help alleviate the ailments. In case the headache does not improve, it is necessary to inform the doctor so that he can recommend the use of medication. However, if the headache does not get worse or is constant, you should seek medical attention immediately, as this could be a sign of high pressure. Find out how to get rid of headache in embarazo;
• Back pain: don’t stay too long, avoid crossing the legs to sit down and use a maternity ward to support the vientre and la espalda can help to improve the pain in the back. Likewise, it is important to do exercises to stretch and strengthen the back muscles, such as yoga or pilates, for example. Find out the best exercises to carry out in the embarazo;
• Loss of balance: the exercises can also help to improve the corporal balance. Likewise, it is recommended to use comfortable shoes and avoid the use of heels.

During all the embarrassment, it is important to carry out prenatal consultations, follow medical recommendations and take folic acid or supplements recommended by the obstetrician. Find out how prenatal control is performed.

In addition, having a nutritious and balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, guarantees the supply of essential nutrients for the development of the baby and helps to control the weight gain during pregnancy. It is also important to carry out the physical activities allowed by the doctor, as these allow you to control your weight better, improve your heat and strengthen your muscles.

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