Welcome to week 17 of pregnancy! Your baby is growing quickly, and this week brings fascinating changes to the skeleton, body composition and movement. Meanwhile, you may begin noticing sensations that make pregnancy feel much more real.
Your Baby’s Bones Are Developing
Your baby’s skeleton began as flexible cartilage, and the process of ossification, in which cartilage gradually becomes bone, is well underway.
At this stage, the bones are still developing and are not yet as hard as an adult’s bones. Some parts of the fetal skeleton remain flexible, which is important for growth and, later, the process of birth.
Your baby is also gaining weight. Around week 17, babies may measure roughly five inches long and weigh several ounces, although individual measurements can vary considerably.
Body fat will become increasingly important later in pregnancy. As your baby continues developing, fat stores accumulate and help with energy storage and temperature regulation after birth.
Could You Be Feeling Baby Move?
One of the most exciting milestones around this stage is the possibility of feeling your baby’s first movements. These early sensations are commonly called quickening.
Some people describe them as tiny flutters, bubbles or gentle taps. Others may not recognize the sensation at first because it can resemble digestive movement.
Don’t worry if you haven’t felt anything yet. The timing of first noticeable movement varies, particularly during a first pregnancy. The position of the placenta can also influence how easily movements are felt. For example, an anterior placenta, positioned toward the front of the uterus, may cushion some movements.
Over the following weeks, movements generally become easier to recognize as your baby grows stronger.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Sex during pregnancy is a topic many couples have questions about. For people with an uncomplicated pregnancy, sexual activity is generally considered safe unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise.
Pregnancy can also change sexual desire. Some people experience increased interest in intimacy, while others experience less interest because of fatigue, nausea, discomfort or emotional changes. There is no “normal” level of sexual desire during pregnancy.
As the belly grows, couples may need to experiment with comfortable positions and communicate openly about comfort.
However, certain pregnancy complications may require avoiding intercourse or other sexual activity. If you’ve experienced bleeding, leaking fluid, significant pain, placenta-related complications or have been given specific restrictions, speak with your doctor or midwife before having sex.
Staying Comfortable
As your body changes, gentle movement and appropriate exercise may help support general comfort and fitness. A pregnancy-safe exercise ball can be useful for some people, but it isn’t guaranteed to “align” the pelvis or change your baby’s position. Use exercise equipment carefully and follow professional guidance if you have pregnancy-related concerns.
Week 17 Takeaway
This week is another reminder that pregnancy is a process of constant change. Your baby’s skeleton is developing, movement may soon become noticeable, and your own body and relationships may feel different too.
Listen to your body, keep up with prenatal appointments, and don’t hesitate to discuss questions about movement, exercise or intimacy with your healthcare professional. Every pregnancy is unique, and there is plenty of time for your journey to unfold at its own pace.
