Your baby this week
Your baby is starting to build its very own fat stores! This 'brown fat' will help keep your baby warm after birth. The skeleton is switching from soft cartilage to real bone — your baby is getting stronger. The umbilical cord is growing thicker to keep up with everything your baby needs from you. And the fingerprints are completely done now — no one else in the world has the same ones.
Your body this week
Your body is adapting to carrying extra weight. Stretch marks may appear on your belly, breasts, or thighs. Swelling in your feet and ankles might start, especially by the end of the day. Carpal tunnel symptoms — tingling in your hands — can show up from fluid retention. Your appetite is probably healthy and cravings may be strong. Listen to your body.
Common symptoms this week
Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. None of this is a checklist to worry over.
- Stretch marks appearing
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Tingling hands (carpal tunnel)
- A healthy appetite and cravings
This week’s checklist
- Stay hydrated — water helps reduce swelling
- Elevate feet when sitting to reduce ankle puffiness
- Massage your belly with coconut oil or sesame oil to keep skin supple
- Eat healthy fats (coconut oil, ghee, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds) for baby's development
- Practice good posture to ease back strain
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body doing exactly what it should — the everyday symptoms don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Sudden severe swelling (especially face or hands — may indicate preeclampsia)
- Persistent tingling or numbness in hands
- Headaches with vision changes
This guide offers general information for a typical pregnancy and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 17 weeks pregnant?
At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pear.
What are common symptoms at 17 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms around 17 weeks pregnant include stretch marks appearing, swollen feet and ankles, tingling hands (carpal tunnel), a healthy appetite and cravings. Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all.
What is developing at 17 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is starting to build its very own fat stores! This 'brown fat' will help keep your baby warm after birth.
When should I call my doctor at 17 weeks pregnant?
Call your doctor at 17 weeks if you notice sudden severe swelling (especially face or hands — may indicate preeclampsia), persistent tingling or numbness in hands, headaches with vision changes.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: