17 Weeks Pregnant
At 17 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a pear. You are in the second trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a pear
- Length
- 13 cm
- Weight
- 140 g
- Trimester
- 2
Your baby this week
- Brown fat starts to build under the skin to help keep warm after birth.
- The umbilical cord grows thicker and stronger.
- Sweat glands develop under the forming skin.
Your body this week
- Ligaments soften and stretch to make room.
- Your centre of gravity shifts, so movements feel different.
Common symptoms
- A dull ache in the lower back
- Dizziness when you stand up too quickly
- Unusually vivid dreams
What to expect
The middle months are usually the steadiest part of pregnancy. Energy often returns, the bump becomes visible, and appointments settle into a routine. With 23 weeks to go, this is a good time to plan ahead while you feel well.
Tips for this week
- Wear supportive shoes; loosened ligaments make ankles less stable.
- Keep moving gently — a daily walk helps circulation, mood and sleep.
- Eat small, frequent meals; an empty stomach makes nausea worse.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 17 weeks pregnant?
17 weeks is about 4 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 17 weeks?
At 17 weeks your baby is around a pear — roughly 13 cm long and about 140 g. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 17 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.