Week 17 of Pregnancy
Finally, your fetus's arms, legs, and torso have grown to the size of its head. This week, the fetus begins to gain weight as body fat deposits under its skin and sweat glands develop. It’s also worth noting that the placenta is nearly the size of the fetus and provides vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and oxygen while filtering out waste and carbon dioxide. A bit of fat is added to the fetus’s body, giving it a more defined shape. You may start to feel slight, irregular, and perhaps nighttime fluttering movements from this week. It’s time for the anatomy ultrasound. Inform your doctor of the ultrasound results to ensure the fetus is growing normally and there is sufficient amniotic fluid around it. You might naturally feel tired. This is clearly due to the increased weight of the fetus in the third trimester, but also because of hormonal fluctuations, increased breast and uterus size, and the energy the fetus draws from you, requiring more rest. So, take a break whenever you feel you need one.
Tests and Monitoring in the Seventeenth Week
In the seventeenth week of pregnancy, several routine tests and screenings, if not done in the previous week, are typically performed to assess the health of the mother and fetus. The most important biochemical and screening tests at this time include:
Biochemical screening, which includes the triple screen or quadruple screen, may be performed this week or in the following weeks (between weeks 15 and 20). These screenings measure alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the fetus, where abnormal levels may indicate neural tube defects or other issues. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), where high levels of hCG may suggest Down syndrome. Unconjugated estriol (uE3), a hormone produced by the placenta, where low levels may indicate chromosomal problems, and in the quadruple screen, inhibin A, which adds to the accuracy of Down syndrome detection.
Amniocentesis (if necessary) is usually performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy and is used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other genetic conditions. This test is generally recommended for mothers over 35 years old or if previous screening results have been concerning.
Routine blood and urine tests are conducted to assess the overall health of the mother and detect any infections or other issues. This includes tests such as hemoglobin and glucose levels.
A sonogram may be performed this week to check the growth and development of the fetus and to confirm the due date. This sonogram can also help identify structural defects.
These tests and monitoring help doctors better assess the health of the mother and fetus and take appropriate measures if necessary.
