Your baby is the size of a Pomegranate. Discover exactly what is happening to your body and your baby this week.
Baby Development: Fat begins accumulating under baby's skin for insulation and energy. The umbilical cord thickens and strengthens. Heartbeat is about 140–150 bpm.
Pregnancy Symptoms: Baby movements should be more clearly felt this week. Your centre of gravity is shifting — you may feel slightly off-balance.
Weekly Tip: Pelvic floor exercises daily from now on — they prevent incontinence and significantly aid recovery after birth.
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately the size of a Pomegranate.
Week 17 in detail
Fat under the skin begins to insulate and store energy. The umbilical cord is thicker and more padded. Heart rate is typically in the 140s. That number on a Doppler is not a personality test.
Movements are clearer for many people this week. Your centre of gravity shifts forward. Flat shoes are not a style lecture; they are ankle insurance. Round-ligament stretches still happen.
Do pelvic tilts while you can still get on the floor without a strategy meeting. The checklist above is tilts, shoes, and fluids. Daily kick counts usually wait until later — if movements suddenly vanish and do not return after food and rest, call anyway.
A general guide, not medical advice. Scan timing and symptoms vary — ask your clinician.
This chart visualizes the average length of the baby from week 1 to 40. Values are based on standard clinical averages.