If you're 17 weeks pregnant, you're in month 4 of your pregnancy. Only 5 months left to go! Still have questions? Here's some more information on how weeks, months, and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy.

How big is my baby at 17 weeks?

My, how your baby has grown! Your little one weighs about 5 or more ounces and is the size of your palm, or around 5 inches long. Body fat (baby's, that is) is beginning to form and will continue to accumulate through the end of your pregnancy — join the club, baby!

Baby's practicing sucking and swallowing

Since practice makes perfect, your baby is sharpening his sucking and swallowing skills in preparation for that first and second…and third suckle at your breast or the bottle. 

In fact, most of the survival reflexes your baby will have at birth are being perfected in utero right now.

Fingerprints are forming

Here's some proof that your baby is truly one of a kind — as if you needed any! Within the next week or so, the pads on your baby's fingertips and toes will become adorned with completely individual swirls and creases, aka fingerprints.

Fetal cardiac activity is more regular

Baby's heart is now regulated by the brain, so no more random beats, and is churning out 140 to 150 beats per minute — about twice as fast as yours.

Here come the tummy touchers!

Now that you're starting to show, chances are that friends, coworkers, and even strangers may feel the urge to reach out and touch your tummy. If you don't mind, that's fine. But if you do, speak up kindly but firmly.

Your growing appetite

Remember when you were so queasy you could barely stomach ginger ale and a cracker? Happily, your toilet-hugging days and nights are probably over. These days, it's more likely that you can't get enough to eat.

For most women, the second trimester not only brings relief from morning sickness but also a hearty appetite. Don't be surprised if you suddenly feel hungry enough to polish off a sizable cut of steak or a whole tray of baked ziti at 17 weeks pregnant.

What's behind your increase in appetite? Simple — you're taking signals from your baby, who's getting bigger and hungrier. Not sure exactly how much weight you should gain during pregnancy? Talk to your practitioner, who will be able to help you maintain a healthy weight gain. Your doctor or midwife can also help you play weight gain catch-up if you didn't gain enough or lost weight during the first trimester. 

Stop snoring

One inexplicable pregnancy symptom? Snoring! But take heart: The stuffiness that often triggers world-champion snoring is common — and temporary. That's right, even your nose is affected by pregnancy hormones!

Try putting a humidifier in your bedroom, using one of those nasal strips on your nose to open up your nasal passages, or sleeping on a couple of pillows to keep your head slightly elevated. And if your partner complains? Banish your sweetie to the sofa for the night — it's more important that you get a good night's sleep.

Heightened symptoms

More new developments with your body may be on tap this week: an increase in vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) and a greater sensitivity to allergens. Both are totally normal!