Seventeen Weeks Pregnant
At this point in your pregnancy, you and baby are both piling on the ounces and pounds, growing together in preparation for this intimate partnership.
There is no doubt that you are a pregnant woman to the outside world. That tummy of yours is rounding and growing; your hips are widening; your breasts are becoming heavier; and as your ribs expand, so does your bust line. Now is the time to prepare for the next 23 weeks by investing in maternity clothes that will grow with you (and baby). Belly bands that go over jeans, maternity bras that double as nursing bras, and flexible tops are a necessity for comfort. Another item to think about purchasing may be compression socks. Pregnancy can increase the risk for a blood clot (although not common); however, compression socks/stockings are also a great way to relieve those aching legs and feet.
Another change that you may notice this week is an increase in bodily fluids. Because of your increased blood production, your body has also increased other fluid production, including sweat, mucus, saliva, and vaginal discharge. All is normal, but you may want to prepare by keeping appropriate sanitary products on hand.