Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : December 14, 2014 5:02 PM IST
You are definitely going to feel more relaxed and confident about your pregnancy now with the worst of your pregnancy symptoms left behind. Now that your baby-bump is showing and you are probably basking in the new found joys of motherhood, you must know that medical checkups and sonographies are going to be a regular part of your life from now on.
Changes that happen to your body
1. Abdominal cramps: Now that your baby is growing inside you, your uterus will be pushing your intestine up and towards the sides of your abdomen. This is a common physiological process that takes place during pregnancy to accommodate your growing uterus and to make space for your baby. As this happens the uterus tends to press on the ligaments of the abdomen leading to lower abdominal cramps. It will also start to put pressure on the sciatica nerve that is present just under the uterus and runs down the entire length of the legs.
2. Edema: Sometime during the second trimester you may also suffer from edema (swelling in the feet and ankles). Edema is a harmless condition that happens because of fluid retention in the body and the extra pressure exerted on the sciatica nerve due to your growing uterus. In some women, this condition can last till the end of the pregnancy.
3. Increased hunger and food cravings: Another common symptom is feeling increasingly hungry and craving for certain types of food. This is due to the fact that your baby is growing and so are its nutrition demands. Now is when you should remember to eat smart and load up on nutritious food. Avoid junk food and food from the streets or other unhygienic places. With a suppressed immune system you are more susceptible to common communicable illnesses. Also read common mistakes women make during pregnancy.
4. Vaginal discharge: A little bit of vaginal discharge can also be expected now which is also normal. But if you see spots of blood along with the discharge know that it needs immediate attention from your doctor.So, please don'r ignore spotting in this phase of your pregnancy and visit your doctor immediately. Also read why you should be worried about second trimester spotting.
Developments in your baby
1. Bone and feature development: Your baby's skeletal system is still developing with more cartilage being added to the bones. But the bones and the joints will remain flexible while your baby is in the womb to aid in the process of birthing. Your baby will also continue to gain weight and the umbilical cord will also grow, thicken and strengthen. Your baby's facial features will now becoming more prominent, with her ears having moved to the sides of her head, her eyebrows form and her eyes, nose and lips will all be in place.
2. Brain development: This week onwards your baby's brain will take over control of your baby's heart functions which will make her heartbeats and the pumping action more synchronized. You baby's heart rate would be almost double of yours.
3. Fingerprints appear: The most crucial development of the week is development of the fingerprints. The fat tissue present under your baby's skin keeps growing and helps her stay warm. Your baby also develops a protective covering all around her body called the vernix.
4. Development of senses: With her senses also developing now, your baby will be able to hear you and be responsive to various sounds in the environment. Remember that a loud thud or harsh sound can make your baby startled or scared. This is also the right time to start talking to your baby-bump and connect with your unborn child. Also read about the benefits of talking to your baby-bump.
What you should be doing
If you wish to know what happened to your body while you reached week 17 of your pregnancy, you could read:
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