Trimester 2
Week 17
Your baby is about the size of a pear.
Length: 13.0 cm · Weight: 140 g
Common this week: Visible bump, Ankle swelling, Back pain, Heartburn, Stretch marks beginning, Sleep difficulty.
Baby development
- Fat is beginning to develop under the baby's skin for warmth and energy.
- The skeleton is hardening from cartilage to bone.
- Sweat glands are forming.
- The baby can now experience the startle reflex.
Changes for you
- Your bump is now clearly visible.
- You might feel occasional stretching sensations as the uterus grows.
- Some women develop swollen feet and ankles (oedema) — elevate feet when resting.
- Sleep may become disrupted as your belly makes comfortable positions harder.
Tips
- Invest in supportive, well-fitting footwear — avoid high heels as balance shifts.
- Sleep on your left side with a pillow between your knees.
- Moisturise your belly, hips, and breasts daily.
- Discuss your mental health and anxieties openly with your midwife.
Appointments
- Routine antenatal check.
Warning signs
- Sudden severe swelling of hands/face (preeclampsia sign)
- Visual disturbances
- Severe headache
Australian notes
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) offers free support: 1300 726 306. Antenatal anxiety and depression affect 1 in 5 Australian women.
- BeyondBlue also has dedicated pregnancy mental health resources.