Welcome to the 17th week of pregnancy! Depending on your own body composition, you are likely beginning to share you expected miracle with the rest of the world. A tell tale bump may be visible now, so be prepared for lots of unsolicited advice and belly rubs. Enjoy it! You are the center of the show for the time being, so take advantage of it whenever you can.
What you may be experiencing
The second trimester systems should be in full force now. Increased blood volume may lead to increased nasal secretions and nosebleeds. Your growing uterus may leave you feeling floated and constipated. And much of your wardrobe will be rendered obsolete for the next few months. You may also be noticing tan spots on your face- which is due to fluctuating hormone levels. While bothersome, they are nothing to be concerned about. Make sure to apply sun block when going outside- and you can cover them up with makeup if they bother you.
Your baby
Your baby is now fine tuning its organs and systems- getting ready for their birthday. Meconium, which is your babies first bowl movement, is beginning to form in the colon now. Their ears now stand out from their head- which varies depending on genetics. Measuring in at 12cm from crown to rump, your little one is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with! They are also starting to deposit fat underneath their skin, giving them the cherub look of a newborn. In fact, you may start to feel a few bumps and flutters indicating that your baby is active. Don’t stress if you haven’t yet- some moms don’t experience flutters for another month or so.
Concerns or points of interest
Are you worried about stretch marks? Well you aren’t alone. As your belly begins to expand, these unsightly tears in the skin may begin to appear. While most believe that there is a genetic component to it, there are some creams that promise to eliminate unsightly marks. So who to believe? Good skin care overall, is a good idea. A healthy diet and lots of water may help improve your skins elasticity, and loading up on creams and lotions will help improve the condition of your skin. At the very least, it is soothing as most pregnant bellies are dry, itchy bellies!
If you do end up with a few marks or tears, don’t despair. There will lighten over time as your body returns to it’s pre-pregnancy shape.