Week 17

All measurements are approximate. Click here here to see how we calculate baby's length and weight.

Baby:

Your baby is now about the size of an orange. 
 
The vertical groove between baby’s nose and upper lip becomes visible this week. Her joints are becoming more flexible, allowing her to bend and move around more and more.

Mom:
It’s one of those exciting moments in pregnancy, when you first feel the baby move. But if this is your first child, you may be thinking, What exactly should I be feeling? Is that the baby moving – or just some passing gas?

Some people say that the very first sensations feel kind of like a fish tail flapping or a little air bubble. General rule of thumb is if you feel it more than once, it’s probably baby.

If you’re still not sure, try lying very still in bed before going to sleep and focusing on your belly. This quiet connection may be just what you need to recognize that gentle sensation.

Until you feel your baby move consistently, you may find the wait between doctor’s visits nerve-wracking: Other than your growing belly, you have no reassurance that everything is OK. Almost everyone feels this way at some point during pregnancy. Once the baby starts moving daily, you’ll have a constant reminder that baby is fine!

Your doctor will probably recommend that you have another ultrasound sometime in the next few weeks. You may be nervous about the results – this will be an opportunity to check for any malformations – but you’ll also be relieved to get past this milestone. At that ultrasound, you’ll likely be able to find out the gender – if you choose to. Be sure to discuss whether you want to know with your partner beforehand.

Plus, you’ll walk away with a picture that you can show friends and family – which will make baby seem more real for everyone!