Week 17

Your baby

• The baby’s internal organs, such as the digestive system and lungs, are developing and maturing
• The head is now more in proportion with the body
• Baby’s eyes are still closed but the mouth opens and closes
• The baby already has tiny individual fingerprints and a firm grip

This is a really special time during your pregnancy, when you are likely to be feeling fit and well, healthy and active. You’ve got a definite bump and are beginning to believe you really are pregnant (you may even have to start wearing big jeans!).

Have you felt the baby move?

It’s a magical moment when you first start to feel the baby move (somewhere between 16 and 22 weeks). It feels just like a little flutter at first, but it won’t be long before movements and kicks are much more definite. Record this milestone in your helpful handbag-sized HiPP Pregnancy Record Book. Click here to request your copy.

Your heart and kidneys are working harder, pumping extra blood around. Your digestive system becomes more sluggish and this can result in heartburn, indigestion or constipation. See indigestion in the HiPP A-Z of Health.

Keep your fluids up

Make sure you are drinking enough fluids and eating plenty of fibre. Remember, organic fruit and vegetables are really good for you, with lots of fibre but no harmful pesticide residues. For more information on healthy eating in pregnancy please click here.

Eat healthily to avoid getting ill

During your pregnancy your immune system is also under extra pressure. If you do become unwell try to avoid taking any unnecessary medication and if you are uncertain whether something is safe to take or not, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

It is also a good idea to avoid contact with children who have Chickenpox (if you haven’t had this virus) and measles (if you haven’t been immunised). If you do come in to contact with either virus contact your GP for information, advice and support.

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