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Sign InWeek 17 — Baby's Getting Chunky
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
pear
Your baby is about 13cm long and weighs around 140 grams — roughly the size of a pear. Toenails start developing, and your baby is becoming noticeably more active: rolling, flipping, and changing positions regularly. Fat is beginning to accumulate under the skin for the first time, which will eventually help with temperature regulation after birth. The sweat glands are also forming this week.
Your own body is working harder than ever — your heart is pumping about 20% more blood per beat than pre-pregnancy, and your total blood volume has increased by roughly 40–50%. This can cause dizziness when you stand up too fast, so take it slow. Iron needs are increasing, so keep eating iron-rich foods like lean meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Your baby may already be hiccuping regularly — you might feel these as tiny, rhythmic, repetitive movements once you start feeling movement in general. Hiccups in the womb happen when the diaphragm gets stimulated, just like in adults. Scientists still debate exactly why hiccuping happens, but in the womb, it's thought to help the baby practise the muscle contractions they'll need for breathing after birth.
Start moisturising your bump, hips, thighs, and breasts daily if you haven't already. Stretch marks are largely genetic — moisturiser won't prevent them entirely — but keeping the skin supple can reduce itchiness as your skin stretches and may reduce severity. Oils like coconut or almond work fine. Consistency matters more than the product.
Vitamin D is often deficient in pregnancy — most people need a supplement of 400–600 IU daily in addition to dietary sources. Check your prenatal vitamin covers this.
Dizziness when standing up is common now — be nearby when your partner gets up quickly from sitting or lying down, especially in the morning.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer