What to Expect at 17 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

Dizziness during pregnancy often kicks in at around week 17 in the second trimester. Blame hormones, your growing uterus and a rapidly expanding circulatory system.

Meanwhile, your little one is learning to suck and swallow, and is also starting to develop fingerprints.

Your Baby at Week 17

Don't have headphones?

View video transcript.

Hey Mom…It might be time for a high-five, because that's how big your baby is this week — the size of your open palm. At a less-than-whopping three and a half ounces, your little one is starting to layer on some body fat, though she's got a long way to go before she's anywhere approaching plump.

From here on out your baby will accumulate fat until it makes up about one-third of her weight. That means by the time she makes her big debut, this skinny Minnie will be a relatively chubby cherub. But she's not all lightweight. This week marks the first time your baby is bigger in size than the placenta that's nourishing her. Now that's something to brag about!

In other news, baby's feisty little ticker is going full speed ahead thanks to another development this week. Until now, your wee one's heartbeat was spontaneous and irregular. Now, her brain is in the driver's seat, regulating her heart rate to 140 or 150 beats per minute. Take a listen — that steady sound will make your own heart sing.

Regularity is the name of the game these days as your precocious pupil is hard at work honing some key skills for her big debut. That includes making up and down movements of the chest wall in preparation for breathing actual air when the time comes. Sucking and swallowing sessions also make up a good part of her daily schedule now — and that's a good thing. This way she won't miss a beat when it's time for that first delicious mom-made meal.

At a Glance

Getting ready to feed

Your little one is practicing sucking and swallowing as he gets ready for the real thing: a breast or bottle!

Baby will soon be able to hear you!

Baby's sense of hearing is making big strides this week. His ears are close to being fully formed and he's starting to be able to hear your voice.

Warming up

Fat stores are beginning to develop under your baby's skin. This provides energy and will help keep your little one warm (and cute) after birth.

17 weeks pregnant is how many months?

If you're 17 weeks pregnant, you're in month 4 of your pregnancy. Only 5 months left to go! Still have questions? Here's some more information on how weeks, months and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy.

How big is my baby at 17 weeks?

My, how your baby has grown! Your little one weighs about 5 or more ounces and is the size of your palm, or around 5 inches long. Body fat (baby's, that is) is beginning to form and will continue to accumulate through the end of your pregnancy — join the club, baby!

Baby's practicing sucking and swallowing

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.

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's heartbeat is more regular

Baby's heart is now regulated by the brain, so no more random beats, and is churning out 140 to 150 beats per minute — about twice as fast as yours.

Your Body at Week 17

17 weeks pregnant woman

Here come the tummy touchers!

Now that you're starting to show, chances are that friends, coworkers and even strangers may feel the urge to reach out and touch your tummy. If you don't mind, that's fine. But if you do, speak up kindly but firmly.

Your growing appetite

Remember when you were so queasy you could barely stomach ginger ale and a cracker? Happily, your toilet-hugging days and nights are probably over. And happily, these days it's more likely that you can't get enough to eat.

For most women, the second trimester not only brings relief from morning sickness but also a hearty appetite. Don't be surprised if you suddenly feel hungry enough to polish off a sizable cut of steak or a whole tray of baked ziti at 17 weeks pregnant.

What's behind your increase in appetite? Simple — you're taking signals from your baby, who's getting bigger and hungrier. Not sure exactly how much weight you should gain during pregnancy? Talk to your practitioner, who will be able to help you maintain a healthy weight gain. Your doctor or midwife can also help you play weight gain catch-up if you didn't gain enough or lost weight during the first trimester.

Stop snoring

One inexplicable pregnancy symptom? Snoring! But take heart: The stuffiness that often triggers world-champion snoring is common — and temporary. That's right, even your nose is affected by pregnancy hormones!

Try putting a humidifier in your bedroom, using one of those nasal strips on your nose to open up your nasal passages, or sleeping on a couple of pillows to keep your head slightly elevated. And if your partner complains? Banish your sweetie to the sofa for the night — it's more important that you get a good night's sleep.

Heightened symptoms

More new developments with your body may be on tap this week: an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) and a greater sensitivity to allergens. Both are totally normal!

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 17

Increased appetite

Does your appetite seem insatiable these days? That's because your growing baby is demanding more nourishment. Listen to your hunger pangs and eat when you need to; try to choose foods that fill you up and meet your nutrient needs, like high-fiber grains, produce and lean protein. Read More

Stretch marks

This badge of pregnancy is hereditary — so if you start finding some stretch marks on your body, it may be because your mother had them too. But if you gain weight at a steady rate instead of in big spurts, this may keep the stretching gradual and, as a result, less extreme. Read More

Occasional headaches

Whether hormones, fatigue, tension or some other culprit causes your headaches, it's usually okay to take acetaminophen during pregnancy to alleviate the pain. But check with your practitioner first. Read More

Faintness or dizziness

Dehydration can cause dizziness, so make sure you stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day — aim to drink more than that if you've been exercising. Read More

Heartburn and indigestion

If you find yourself feeling the burn after a big meal, avoid lying down after eating to keep gastric juices in the stomach where they belong. Read More

Backaches

Ease this common pregnancy symptom by making sure you have a supportive chair at work and a firm mattress at home. Otherwise, get a cushion for your chair to place behind your back so you can keep your posture in line and place a board underneath your mattress to firm it up. Read More

Tips for You This Week

Breast growth (and no breast growth) are both normal

Hormones and milk-producing glands are developing to prepare for nursing. All this activity, plus an increase in blood flow, can cause your breasts to grow up to three cup sizes.

Of course, every pregnant woman's symptoms are different. While breast growth is common — and for some women quite a lot — you might not notice any changes at all in your breast size, especially if you're busty to begin with. Even if you have no breast growth, it's not cause for concern.

Stretch to prevent sciatica

The sciatic nerve, the largest in the body, starts in the lower back, runs down the buttocks, and branches down the back of the legs to the ankles and feet.

In most cases, sciatica — sharp, shooting pain, tingling or numbness that starts in the back or buttocks and radiates all the way down the legs — happens when this nerve gets compressed by bulging, slipped or ruptured discs.

Arthritis and a narrowing of the spinal canal, also called spinal stenosis, can also be culprits. Try a heating pad or back stretches to ease the pain.

Time for the Tooth Fairy again?

Have you noticed a loose tooth that suddenly makes you feel like you're back in elementary school?

Not to worry. Hormones can affect the gums, ligaments and bones in your mouth, which in turn can loosen the teeth and sometimes even cause them to fall out. This stops post-baby, but if you have periodontitis or are concerned, see the dentist.

Ease round ligament pain

Your uterus is supported by thick bands (called ligaments) that run from the groin up the side of the abdomen.

As your uterus grows during pregnancy, these bands stretch out to accommodate your growing bump — which can cause sharp pains and dull aches in the lower abdomen.

To relieve round ligament pain, make sure to spend time off your feet and decrease the intensity of your workouts. You can also consider wearing a belly band for a little extra support.

Stay out of the sun

Seeing spots — on your face? A line down your lower belly? Skin tags dotting your upper arms?

No need to dash to the dermatologist. These strange skin symptoms, including darkening moles and heat rashes, are all normal and temporary. As usual, hormones are to blame, but the sun can exacerbate these changes in your complexion.

So stay shaded whenever you can — now's the time to invest in a wide-brimmed hat — and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you venture out in the daylight. Sunscreen is safe and smart to use when you're expecting. Ask your doctor about anything you're concerned about.

Check your hands

Do the palms of your hands look as if you've touched a hot pan? You could have palmar erythema, a skin condition in which the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet appear redder or darker than normal.

The good news: It disappears after you give birth. But definitely check in with your doctor just to make sure everything is normal.

Try non-dairy, calcium foods

If milk or other dairy products aren't your thing, you'll have to cash in on calcium a different way. Luckily, dairy products aren't the only sources of calcium — they're just the most well-known.

Calcium-fortified orange juice and other fruit juices can offer about as much calcium as milk, cup for cup. For other non-dairy dietary sources of calcium, turn to leafy green vegetables, sesame seeds, almonds and calcium-fortified soy products like tofu.

Still aren't getting enough? Ask your practitioner about a calcium supplement for extra insurance.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.

WhatToExpect.com, Snoring During Pregnancy, March 2021.

WhatToExpect.com, What Sunscreen Is Safe During Pregnancy?, May 2020.

WhatToExpect.com, Palmar Erythema During Pregnancy, February 2021.

WhatToExpect.com, How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy?, May 2020.

WhatToExpect.com, Sciatica During Pregnancy, December 2020.

WhatToExpect.com, Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy, December 2020.

National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development, June 2021.

Mayo Clinic, Fetal Development: The 2nd Trimester, June 2020.

Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Second Trimester, 2021.

National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Snoring, May 2021.

National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Sciatica, April 2021.

American College of Rheumatology, Spinal Stenosis, March 2019.

Journal of the American Dental Association, Dental Care During Pregnancy, November 2018.

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Calcium, March 2021.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercise During Pregnancy, July 2019.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy, June 2020.

American Academy of Dermatology, Sunscreen FAQs, 2021.

What to Expect at 17 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-17.aspx