Welcome to Week 17 of your pregnancy. An interesting week awaits you; you may even work up a sweat by just thinking about it, Mom!
MOM
If you feel that you’re breaking out in a sweat at the thought of housework or a walk to the fridge, don’t despair – this is just another side-effect of pregnancy. Increased sweating, a runny nose and higher volumes of vaginal discharge can be expected and are all completely normal. These symptoms are a result of your increased blood volume, which in turn means that your body will produce higher than normal amounts of fluid.
By Week 17 of your pregnancy, you might find yourself raiding your partner’s wardrobe for some slightly roomier clothing. Perhaps it’s time to start investing in a few items of maternity wear? Purchase clothes that you can grow into as your pregnancy progresses and your belly expands. A little retail therapy never hurts, so go on and enjoy it!
BABY
If you love Heavy Metal, you may want to start turning down the volume a little. Your baby has started to respond to loud noises – even slamming doors can cause him or her to flinch.
In Week 17 your baby weighs in at approximately 140 grams, which is – believe it or not – more than the placenta weighs at this stage. Your baby has also begun to develop fat deposits below the skin, which will regulate the body temperature once he or she is born.
DAD
If you would like to be more involved, a good idea to keep in mind is taking on the responsibility of noting down the date, time and type of movement of a quickening. At the next practitioner appointment, which should be scheduled some time between week 17 and 20, give your doctor or midwife all this information to help estimate the due date of your baby. At the same time enjoy the opportunity to see him or her moving about and hear the heart beat once again.
Now that we’ve come to the end of Week 17 of your pregnancy, we have some time to relax. Next week we take a look at sleep problems for Mom and another “first” for Baby – related to the digestive system…
Try to do some stretching exercises daily - it's important that you stay supple until the end as you will experience aches and pains in places you weren't aware off. Check with your gynae before you start an exercise routine.
If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," then you must be the grandma." Theresa Bloomingdale
Pilates for Pregnancy by Jan Endacott From the author of the best-selling "The Pilates Difference" comes this gentle exercise program designed to keep women fit and healthy throughout pregnancy. With its focus on strengthening the back and building abdominal and pelvic muscles, pilates is one of the best ways to make labor more comfortable and recover more quickly. The easy-to-follow, fully illustrated exercises are designed to suit bodily changes from the first to the ninth month, and even continue into the post-natal stages to help women regain their figures. Also, learn breathing techniques to aid relaxation. With these calming workouts plus tips on nutrition and safety, maintaining a toned body while expecting has never been easier.
Girls:
Jasmin
Jazelyn
Jenna
Jenni
Boys:
Jamison
Jaron
Jayce
Jaylin
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