Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 17
You might be noticing Braxton-Hicks contractions starting this week.
As you move into your second trimester, your body will continue to grow and change nearly every week. Many mothers will notice breast changes and Braxton-Hicks.
What is happening with Your Baby?
As you move into Week 17, your baby's respiratory tract is still developing including growth of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and lung buds.
The baby's skin is losing it's transparent appearance and begins to thicken during this week. All of the layers of the baby's skin will finally be present by the end of your pregnancy.
What is happening with You?
Have you noticed any tightening in your belly? It may even feel as if your baby is curling up into a hard ball. It may last for a minute or even two before it goes away. This is called a Braxton-Hicks contraction. These Braxton-Hicks contractions are common to feel beginning in the second trimester, however they are still sporadic. They function to prepare and tone your uterus for true labor. As you get closer to your estimated due date, they become more regular.
If your contractions become any closer than 4 times every hour, please contact your care provider.
Some mothers also begin to notice breast changes in the second trimester around this week. The mammary glands cause your breast size to increase. You may even notice a bit of colostrum as early as Week 16 or 17. This creamy yellow-white "first" milk is rich in antibodies and will nourish your baby until your breastmilk comes in around the third through sixth day postpartum.
To Do List:
Continue taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy and adding nutrients and calories to your diet.
Read more about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding issues.
Find out how breastfeeding your baby can be healthy for you as well.
What is happening in Week 18 - find out!
