Welcome to Week 17! As you move further into your second trimester, you might find a bit more ease and energy compared to those early weeks. This is a time of steady growth for your baby and noticeable changes for your body, often bringing a renewed sense of connection and excitement.
What's happening with baby
This week, your baby is approximately the size of a turnip, measuring around 130mm from crown to rump. One of the most significant developments is the continued accumulation of fat beneath their skin. This isn't just about chubby cheeks; these fat deposits are crucial for regulating body temperature after birth and providing energy. Their skeletal system is also continuing to harden, transitioning from soft cartilage to bone, especially in the long bones of the arms and legs. Your baby's senses are refining, too. While their eyes are still fused shut, they can likely perceive light, and their hearing is developing further, allowing them to potentially respond to sounds from outside the womb. It's a truly remarkable time of foundational development.
What you might be feeling
For many, the second trimester brings a welcome shift in energy levels, with less nausea and fatigue than the first. You might find yourself feeling more like yourself again, which can be a wonderful relief. Physically, your belly is likely becoming more prominent, making your pregnancy more visible to the world. This can be a joyful milestone, but it might also bring new sensations like round ligament pain – a sharp, brief ache on one or both sides of your lower abdomen as your uterus grows and stretches its supporting ligaments. Your breasts may continue to grow, and you might notice changes in your skin, such as increased pigmentation in certain areas. Emotionally, you might feel a deeper connection to your baby, perhaps even anticipating those first flutters of movement, often called 'quickening,' which can happen anytime between weeks 16 and 22.
