17 weeks
17 weeks belly photo
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The Baby:
This week, baby is starting to develop fat layers. Did you know that by the time baby is born, fat layers will be about 3/4 of his total weight? Speaking of weight, our little one now weighs on the average 3.5 ounces and is almost 6 inches long, and should weigh more than the placenta from this point on.

Since hearing is more "fine tuned", baby may respond to loud noises.
Mom may feel movement at the sound of large trucks passing
or a slamming door.

Baby's fingernails are now well formed and his/her legs are longer
than his/her arms. The fine hair that previously covered baby's body
now also covers the head. Baby is moving his/her arms and legs more now.

Epidermal (skin) and fatty tissue are developing all over
the baby's body to protect him/her when he/she is no longer
growing inside of me. A substance called "vernix" is
beginning to form on the skin tissue to protect the skin
cells from the long exposure to amniotic fluid.

The baby is now beginning to slowly move it's eyes, although he hasn't begun blinking yet.
Mom:

I've been having trouble finding a comfortable way to sleep. It's a common complaint in pregnancy as it progresses. It's recommended that pregnant women not sleep on their backs. As my uterus grows, when I lie on your back, it puts pressure on several important blood vessels. This can decrease circulation to our baby, and me.

I have been finding it more comfortable to sleep on my side, with a pillow between my knees. This helps keep my hips in alignment. Some women find comfort with placing a pillow under their growing abdomen, or in using body pillows.

My uterus is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below my navel at this point.

I had some pain in the right lower side of my abdomen, they were sharp quick pains. After realizing they were coming real regular, we timed them, they were 1-7 minutes apart. Then I called the ER, and talked to a Doc. He said that I most likely pulled a ligament in my uterus, and am dehydrated. So I am to drink more water and just relax. I think I pulled it while picking strawberries at my parent's farm this last week. But am relieved to know it is just a pulled ligament and not premature contractions!

Other than that, all is well. I have a Dr. appt tomorrow with Dr. Weins. I will update you after the appt.