GUIDE
Your baby can now hear your voice — and if this isn't your first pregnancy, you might feel those first magical flutters.
At the size of an avocado, your baby's ears are developed enough to pick up sounds, and the anatomy scan is just a few weeks away.
Be prepared from day one
Your baby is now about the size of an avocado — approximately 4.5 inches long and weighing around 3.5 ounces. Their tiny body is becoming more proportional as the legs and arms continue to lengthen.
The biggest milestone this week is hearing. Your baby's inner ear structures have developed enough to begin detecting sound. Right now, the loudest thing in your baby's world is your heartbeat, followed by the whoosh of blood through your vessels and the gurgling of your digestive system. But your voice also travels through — and it is the sound your baby will recognize most clearly after birth.
Muscles are getting stronger, and your baby is moving frequently — kicking, stretching, and even making facial expressions. If you have been pregnant before, you may start to feel these movements as light flutters or bubbles, a sensation called quickening. First-time mothers typically feel it a bit later, around 18-22 weeks.
Your baby's eyes are becoming sensitive to light and are slowly moving from the sides of the head toward the front. The patterning on the scalp is established, though hair may not be visible yet. Since last week, the skeletal system continues to harden, and the circulatory system is now fully functional.
Your uterus is growing steadily and is now about the size of a small melon. You may have a more noticeable bump this week, though it varies a lot from person to person. The ligaments supporting your uterus are stretching to accommodate this growth, which is why round ligament pain — those sharp, sudden twinges in your lower abdomen — is so common right now.
Many women notice their hair looks thicker and shinier during the second trimester. This is not because you are growing more hair — it is because pregnancy hormones slow down the normal rate of hair shedding. Enjoy it while it lasts (postpartum hair loss is a different story for another day).
Your blood volume continues to increase, and your heart is pumping significantly more blood than it was before pregnancy. This extra workload can sometimes leave you feeling slightly breathless, even during normal activities. It is generally nothing to worry about, but mention it at your next appointment if it concerns you. Back pain may also be emerging as your center of gravity shifts — staying active and maintaining good posture can help keep it manageable.
If the nausea of the first trimester has subsided, you might be making up for lost time with a healthy appetite. Cravings can be strong and specific — that is normal. As long as you are eating a balanced diet overall, indulging a craving here and there is perfectly fine. If you have not already, it is also worth starting to think about maternity leave planning while you have the energy and focus to research your options.
Every pregnancy is different. Some symptoms may come and go, and new ones can appear at any time.
With your energy returning and the anatomy scan on the horizon, this is a great week to take care of some planning.
Your mid-pregnancy ultrasound is coming up in the next few weeks. Write down anything you want to ask — whether you want to know the sex, whether there are any concerns to follow up on, and what to expect from the appointment.
Your baby can hear you now. Talking, reading aloud, or singing are all wonderful ways to bond. Your voice is the clearest sound your baby hears — it travels through your body, not just through the air.
The second trimester is when many women start feeling connected to their pregnancy. Jotting down how you feel, what cravings you have, or when you first feel movement creates a record you will treasure later.
Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga — gentle exercise is good for you and your baby. It helps with back pain, improves sleep, and boosts your mood. Aim for 30 minutes most days, and listen to your body.
When in doubt, call your provider. It is always better to check than to worry.
At 17 weeks, your baby will be the size of a pomegranate. A layer of fat is beginning to develop under the skin, and the skeleton is transitioning from cartilage to bone. You may also start to notice round ligament pain more frequently as your uterus continues its rapid growth.
The anatomy scan is getting closer — if you have not scheduled it yet, now is a good time.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
