Pregnancy Week 17
Your baby is the size of a Turnip - 13.0 cm, 140 g
Your Baby at Week 17
Development highlights
- Fat begins forming under the skin - Critical for warmth and metabolism after birth
- The umbilical cord thickens and grows stronger
- Sweat glands are developing
- Baby can respond to loud sounds with a startle reflex
Source: WHO Child Growth Standards; embryology references from Moore & Persaud.
Your Body in Week 17
The second trimester is often called the "golden period" of pregnancy - Nausea usually fades, energy returns, and your bump becomes joyfully visible. Your baby is now moving, and the anatomy scan gives you a detailed look at development. See the Second Trimester Guide →
Common symptoms this week
Week 17 Checklist
- If applying for an HDB flat, check if the new baby affects your eligibility or priority
- Start thinking about birth preferences - Natural, epidural, water birth, or elective C-section
- Research Singapore's paid maternity leave (16 weeks) and paternity leave (2 weeks) entitlements
- Ask your hospital about hypnobirthing or Lamaze classes
Your baby is building muscle tissue at pace from here on. Aim for 70–100g of protein daily. Eggs, fish, legumes, chicken, and dairy are ideal protein sources.
Baby's Body Systems Development
How far along each major system is at week 17. Development is continuous - The chart shows when each system is actively forming and when it reaches maturity.
Second Trimester: The Golden Period
Weeks 14–27 are often the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. Nausea typically fades, energy returns, and your baby's movements become a daily joy. The 20-week anatomy scan is the highlight - A detailed check of all major organs. Gestational diabetes screening happens at 24–28 weeks.
Checks all major organs, amniotic fluid, placenta position, and cervix length. Discuss 3D/4D imaging with your OB.
Gestational diabetes affects up to 20% of pregnancies in Singapore. A glucose challenge test identifies those who need management.
Quickening begins 16–20 weeks. By week 24, start tracking patterns. Report any significant change in movement to your OB immediately.
The safest travel period is weeks 14–28. Most airlines allow travel. Check Zika risk areas on MOH Singapore's advisory before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions - Week 17
Most women first feel movement (called quickening) between weeks 16–20. First-time mothers often feel it closer to week 20, while those who've been pregnant before may notice it as early as week 14–16. The sensation starts as a gentle flutter - Like bubbles or a butterfly - And becomes stronger and more distinct over the following weeks. By week 24–26, kick counting is recommended.
The anatomy scan (also called the morphology scan) at 20 weeks is a detailed ultrasound that checks all major fetal organs: brain, heart, spine, kidneys, stomach, and limb lengths. It also assesses the placenta, amniotic fluid levels, and cervix. In Singapore, this is offered at all major hospitals and most private OB clinics. Ask about 3D/4D imaging if you'd like to see your baby's face.
The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is generally the safest time to travel. Most airlines allow travel up to 28 weeks without a medical certificate, and up to 36 weeks with one. Long-haul flights carry a small increased risk of deep vein thrombosis - Wear compression socks, stay hydrated, and walk regularly. Always check your destination's Zika status on MOH Singapore's website before travelling.
Week 17 at a glance
Pregnancy Tools
Singapore Resources
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