17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Itchy Skin & Sleep

17 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, Itchy Skin & Sleep

At 17 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pear, and their soft skeleton is hardening into bone. Their skin is thickening and their senses are sharpening. For you, a growing bump can bring new niggles, like itchy skin and trouble getting comfy at night.

Baby's size
About the size of a pear (around 13cm, 150g)
Big development
Bones hardening and skin thickening
Common symptoms
Itchy skin, vivid dreams, constipation and sciatica
This week
Get to know when itching needs checking

What's happening this week

Your baby is growing quickly, and their body is catching up with their head. Their organs have formed and will keep maturing over the coming months.

Bones

Getting stronger

Your baby's soft cartilage is turning into bone, which is why calcium matters so much for both of you right now.

Skin

Thickening up

Your baby's see-through skin is getting thicker and forming its layers, and sweat glands are starting to develop.

Senses

Sharpening

Your baby's eyes can move behind their closed lids, and fingerprints are forming. The structures of the inner ear are developing, getting ready to hear sounds from your body.

Your placenta and umbilical cord are also growing stronger to keep up with your baby's needs for oxygen and nutrients.

Symptoms at 17 weeks pregnant

As your bump grows, you might notice some new changes:

  • Dizziness. Your blood volume is increasing and your blood pressure may be lower. Stand up slowly and keep water handy.
  • Vision changes. Dry eyes or slightly blurry vision are common and usually settle after birth.
  • Vivid dreams. Hormones, and all the thoughts and feelings about becoming a parent, can make dreams more intense.
  • Constipation and haemorrhoids. Progesterone slows digestion, and iron supplements can make it worse. Fibre, water and gentle exercise help.
  • Sciatica. Sharp, shooting pain, tingling or numbness from your lower back down your bottom and legs. Gentle stretches and a warm pack can help, and a physio can show you exercises.
  • Growing breasts. Your breasts may go up a cup size or more. A properly fitted, supportive bra makes a big difference.

See your doctor urgently if you have sudden blurred vision, flashing lights or vision loss, especially with a headache or swelling. Go to your nearest emergency department if you have bleeding, strong pain or a gush of fluid from your vagina.

Itchy skin: when to get it checked

Itching is common as your skin stretches and blood flow increases. Most of the time it's harmless, but it's worth knowing the signs of a liver condition called cholestasis, which needs a blood test.

Usually normal

  • Mild itching on your bump and breasts
  • Dry, tight-feeling skin
  • Itching that eases with moisturiser

See your doctor promptly if

  • Your hands or feet are itchy
  • Itching is worse at night
  • It's severe or keeps you awake
  • Your wee is dark or your poo is pale

To ease everyday itching, use a fragrance-free moisturiser, wear loose cotton clothing and try a cool shower before bed.

Sleeping comfortably

You may be finding it harder to get comfy at night. Here's what's recommended as your pregnancy progresses.

Now
Sleep in whatever position is comfortable. Tummy sleeping is safe while it's comfortable, though your bump will soon make it tricky.
As your bump grows
Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and another supporting your bump. A pregnancy pillow can help.
From 28 weeks
Go to sleep on your side, both at night and for daytime naps. Research shows this lowers the risk of stillbirth.If you wake up on your back, simply roll back onto your side

Looking after yourself this week

Find ways to relax

Relaxation techniques you learn now, like deep breathing, pregnancy yoga, swimming or massage, will come in handy later in pregnancy and during labour. Choose instructors who are trained in pregnancy care.

Protect your skin

Sun exposure can darken pregnancy pigmentation. Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade in the middle of the day.

Enjoy your bump

If your bump is starting to show, take some photos to look back on. It's also a good time to start thinking about what you'll need to stay comfortable, and our pregnancy checklist can help.

Your to-do list for week 17

Helpful for this stage

The pregnancy listWhat you'll need to feel comfortableSee the list Pregnancy pillowsSupport for side sleepingShop pillows Moisturisers and creamsCare for dry, stretching skinShop moisturisers

Week 17 FAQs

Is it safe to sleep on my tummy at 17 weeks?

Yes, if you're comfortable. Your baby is well protected. As your bump grows, tummy sleeping usually becomes uncomfortable anyway. From 28 weeks, it's recommended that you go to sleep on your side.

When should I worry about itching in pregnancy?

Mild itching on your bump is common. See your doctor promptly if you have itching on your hands and feet, itching that's worse at night, dark urine or pale poo, as these can be signs of a liver condition called cholestasis.

Can pregnancy affect your eyesight?

Yes. Hormones and fluid changes can cause dry eyes or slightly blurry vision, which usually settle after birth. See your doctor urgently if you have sudden blurred vision, flashing lights or vision loss, especially with a headache or swelling.

What helps sciatica in pregnancy?

Gentle stretches, a warm pack on your lower back, swimming and avoiding standing for long periods can help. A physiotherapist can show you exercises to relieve the pressure. See your doctor if you have numbness or weakness in your legs.

How big is my baby at 17 weeks?

About the size of a pear, roughly 13 cm from crown to rump and around 150 g. Their body is catching up with their head, so they look more in proportion each week.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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