17 Weeks!

   My precious turned 17 weeks yesterday. Had my antenatal check-up last 9th of June, Friday. Heard for the first time my baby's heartbeat! :) Truly to hear a tiny little heart beating next to your very own is the most beautiful sound a mother could ever hear.

Always guarded by a sweet big brother! 

 💖 So precious! 💖

Weighting for you 💖

   Lately, have been feeling flutters here and there, and can't wait to feel more stronger movements soon.

   For now, let's take a peek on what's happening this week:

Inside the Womb at 17 Weeks

Photo courtesy of Babycenter

Photo courtesy of The Bump

Photo courtesy of The Parent

Child length: approximately 5.1 Inches (about the size of a pomegranate)

Child weight: 5.9 oz

At this stage: Your 17-week fetus is growing a stronger, thicker umbilical cord. Early eyebrows and eyelashes are starting to grow. Scalp hair is now present. The intestines begin to accumulate the products of metabolism, that is, the first pooh. Your baby is very active now. The arms and legs are moving a lot. The movements will get stronger as time goes by.

Baby's heart is now regulated by the brain (no more random beats) and is churning out 140 to 150 beats per minute — about twice as fast as yours. And since practice makes perfect, your baby is sharpening his sucking and swallowing skills in preparation for that first (and second…and third) suckle at your breast or the bottle. In fact, most of the survival reflexes your baby will have at birth are being perfected in utero right now. Your baby may even have a bout of hiccups.

Fingerprints are forming: Here's some proof that your baby is truly one of a kind (as if you needed any!). Within the next week or so, the pads on your baby's fingertips and toes will become adorned with completely individual swirls and creases, aka fingerprints.

Baby starts plumping up this week, as body fat is deposited under his skin and sweat glands develop and will continue to do so in the later months of your pregnancy. This will help prepare your baby for the temperature change from inside your womb to the outside world.

Finally, your baby's arms, legs, and trunk have caught up to the size of his head.  Also worth noting: The placenta is almost as big as your baby. It provides vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and oxygen, along with removing waste and filtering carbon dioxide.

Your Body

Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car – keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

Increased bodily fluids: Vaginal discharge, sweat, mucus, and other fluids are in full force because of your increased blood flow.

You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.

Days left to birth: 161 (43% of your pregnancy is completed)

Due date: 23 November 2017

Data Sources: Babycenter, The Bump, What To Expect, Parents.com, Due Date Calculator (YourDueDate.com), What To Expect