Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pregnancy at week 17

5-minute read

Your baby

Your baby is growing quickly and might be bigger than their placenta now.

They are now developing a layer of fat called the adipose layer. This helps them to gain weight and will define their features. Their external sex organs are now fully formed. This means by the time you have your 20-week ultrasound, your doctor might be able to see the sex of your baby and share this with you if you are wanting to know.

Your baby's taste buds are working and they can tell the difference between sweet and bitter. There are also tiny lines on their fingers that will develop into their unique fingerprints.

Your body

As your baby and uterus moves up in your abdomen you probably won't need to go to the toilet as often, and if you had nausea, it is hopefully now a thing of the past.

Increased hormone levels are causing changes to your body. You might notice a dark line forming from your belly button to the top of your pubic bone, this is called the linea nigra.

Changes to your hormones may also mean you have a stuffy nose and you might start snoring at night. You can use a saline spray, but talk to your doctor before you use antihistamines to clear your nose while you're pregnant.

You might notice more vaginal discharge, which you can manage by using panty liners. If the discharge changes colour or is smelly, see your doctor or midwife as this could mean you have an infection.

Things to remember

Now might be the time to start thinking about antenatal classes. These are designed to help you and your partner get ready for labour and birth as well as learning about breastfeeding and how to care for a newborn baby. Classes are also an opportunity for you to discuss your feelings and meet other people who are going through the same experiences as you.

Antenatal classes are usually offered by hospitals, community health centres or through private organisations. Your doctor or midwife will be able to suggest antenatal classes in your area. Some are free, while for others you may need to pay a fee. There are also antenatal classes online if you can't travel to one.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

NEXT WEEK...YOUR PREGNANCY AT WEEK 18 — Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Pregnancy Options | 1800 My Options

Explore all your pregnancy options with 1800 My Options. Find detailed information and support to help you make informed choices about your pregnancy, including resources for counseling and care.

Read more on 1800 My Options website

Early Parenting After Pregnancy | 1800 My Options

Get essential resources and support for early parenting after pregnancy with 1800 My Options. Find guidance and services to help you through the initial stages of parenthood.

Read more on 1800 My Options website

8 Benefits Of Seeing A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist In Pregnancy | Birth Trauma Australia

Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy can help with pregnancy discomfort, birth preparations, preparing for postnatal recovery and much more....

Read more on Birth Trauma Australia website

Get Healthy in Pregnancy » Get Healthy NSW

Get Healthy in Pregnancy is a free NSW Government service for all pregnant women in NSW.

Read more on Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service website

Influenza and Pregnancy - Immunisation Coalition

Pregnant women and newborn babies are especially vulnerable to influenza. Vaccinating against influenza can be life saving for both the mother and child.

Read more on Immunisation Coalition website

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Support | Pink Elephants - The Pink Elephants Support Network

Find support and guidance for recurrent pregnancy loss with Pink Elephants. Access resources to help you understand, cope with, and heal from multiple pregnancy losses.

Read more on The Pink Elephants Support Network website

How to Support a Loved One Through Pregnancy Loss | Pink Elephants - The Pink Elephants Support Network

Learn how to support a loved one experiencing miscarriage or pregnancy loss with empathy and understanding. Pink Elephants offers resources, peer support. and community connection

Read more on The Pink Elephants Support Network website

Research on Pregnancy Loss & Miscarriage | Pink Elephants Support Network - The Pink Elephants Support Network

Explore the latest research on pregnancy loss and miscarriage by Pink Elephants Support Network. Stay informed on studies and findings that help improve support and understanding.

Read more on The Pink Elephants Support Network website

Find Support for Pregnancy Loss & Miscarriage | Pink Elephants - The Pink Elephants Support Network

Get the support you need after miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Pink Elephants Support Network offers compassionate resources, peer support, and a caring community.

Read more on The Pink Elephants Support Network website

Online Communities for Pregnancy Loss Support | Pink Elephants - The Pink Elephants Support Network

online communities pregnancy loss support

Read more on The Pink Elephants Support Network website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.