When you are pregnant, the initial development in your baby is very fast. Still it may take some time before you start showing. At 17 weeks pregnant, weight gain becomes a regular part of your life. Not only are you definitely looking pregnant now, you are going to keep increasing in size and become bigger as the baby grows. Most doctors would tell you that weight gain in pregnancy should be planned and healthy, especially if you are already overweight.
If you are overweight already and do not control your weight during your pregnancy either, you are susceptible to developing severe conditions such as preeclempsia and gestational diabetes. These conditions are not very common, but occur in 2% to 3% of all pregnant women. Having gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can cause complicated pregnancies and may even lead to birth defects and deformities.
At 17 weeks pregnant, the weight gain you will experience is steady, and your body will quickly change to accommodate a baby that is growing fast. Your skin will begin to stretch and the abdominal skin as well as your breasts will become extremely itchy. As your stomach grows, your posture will become a little different, and you may also have some discomfort in the back.
There are some online tools like the 17 weeks pregnant weight gain calculator, which can help you calculate the ideal weight gain during pregnancy. Your body will experience many other changes as well. Due to the weight gain at 17 weeks pregnant, your stomach will grow and the growing baby will make it cramped further. This could lead to indigestion, acidity, and heartburn. Increased flatulence is another side effect of pregnancy, and as your stomach increases in size, you will also experience bloating and increased burping.
Apart from your body and the 17 weeks pregnant weight gain, you will also experience some psychological changes as well. For instance, you will have a lot of mood swings, and as your hormones continue to rage inside your body, you may feel various different emotions within the span of a single day. Your fetus is not the only thing that's increasing your weight. The average weight gain at 17 weeks pregnant is about 25 pounds. Much of this weight can be attributed to the growing fetus, while the rest is usually associated with increased blood in your body and the increased tissue mass.
If you are wondering how much weight should you gain by 17 weeks pregnant, your doctor will be able to help you. Depending on your physical condition and your pregnancy, your doctor will suggest the normal weight gain at 17 weeks pregnant.
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