What To Expect When You’re 17 Weeks Pregnant

Food Planning – Eating the right amount of food during pregnancy can get tricky. Some women overeat while others can seem to eat enough.

A recommendation from many moms is to chart your food intake. Make a chart of the food categories that you need to consume daily. Next to that list, write all the foods you enjoy that qualify for a particular category.

Remember that some qualify for more than one. Document the foods you eat during the day, so that you know what you still need to consume or cut back on as the day progresses.

Tracking it makes it easier to follow and keeps you healthier in the process. Plus, this will help your meal planning efforts, as well.

Exercise Routine – The second trimester is a time when most moms feel a sense of rejuvenation.

Your energy level has increased, and you feel much better than you did during the first trimester. It’s almost like you’re getting the hang of this pregnancy thing.

The only thing is that now your belly is starting to pop just a little and that might make exercising a little uncomfortable or even challenging. But, stick with your exercise routine, mama. Or come up with a brand new modified routine.

Your post-pregnancy self will thank you. Not only will your body heal faster, but exercise also helps you during labor and delivery.

Get Comfy – It can be tempting to wear regular clothes for as long as your belly will allow you. After all, most of the time a good rubber band will hold up a pair of your favorite jeans, right?

Take it from other moms: the first time you actually “let yourself relax” in a good pair of maternity pants, you’ll never look back.

The second trimester can feel like a transitional time of sorts. Your belly is growing but not quite huge just yet. Remember to dress for comfort.

Thankfully, fashion has accommodated expecting moms in both style and comfort. So, get creative!

Balance – Just because there isn’t a huge basketball-looking belly out in front of you yet, you might still feel your belly influence the rest of your body.

For instance, your balance might have started to feel off-kilter. This is completely normal, but it does take some getting used to. In fact, most falls during pregnancy happen in the second trimester.

Your muscle memory is still stuck on pre-pregnancy mode and you’re still not accustomed to controlling a body with loose ligaments.

Remember to move slowly and deliberately. No quick turns or movements. Just play it safe while you and your body work out the kinks of this new form.

Vivid Dreams – Dreams during pregnancy can take on a life of their own. Most expecting moms have very vivid dreams.

So, what’s the scoop on all this dreaming? Because your mental, emotional, and physical states are all connected, they often come together to reveal themselves within your dreams.

Not all women experience positive dreams. Some women have reported having nightmares, disturbing dreams, high-anxiety dreams, or nonsense dreams they simply can’t forget.

Because this is such a unique time for you, remember not to take every dream to heart.

Backaches – Is it any wonder that expecting women experience backaches?

Thankfully, this uncomfortable symptom typically waits until the 5th month to appear. At least, for moms carrying only one baby.

For twin moms, see below. Because of the weight gain, breast enlargement, and extra strain on your muscles, back pain during pregnancy is incredibly common.

Remember not to over-extend yourself, take frequent breaks, and keep your muscles stretched with prenatal yoga or by taking brisk walks.