Week 17

You:

By week 17, your increased blood volume may result in increased levels of sweating, nasal congestion and vaginal discharge. This problem will go away once the baby is born. You may find it harder to sleep comfortably. It is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can be very comfortable. It is also advised that you sleep on your left side. Lying on your left side prevents your uterus from putting pressure on your liver, and improves circulation to the heart, causing the highest quality blood to go to the fetus, uterus and kidneys. If you feel bubbles in your stomach or a fluttering that is likely the baby moving.

Your baby:

Baby's head is held more upright now, rather than resting on the chest. Baby's skeleton is changing from cartilage to bone, but the bones are flexible to make the birth easier. The prostate is forming in male babies. A black substance called meconium is collecting in the bowel and this will be your baby's first bowel movement. Baby's eyes are pointing forward, but they remain closed.