Quick answer: At 17 weeks many mums-to-be feel their baby's first movements, known as quickening — a fluttering, bubbling or popping feeling low in the abdomen that is easy to mistake for wind. In a first pregnancy this usually happens between 16 and 24 weeks, and earlier, around 14 to 16 weeks, in later pregnancies. If you have felt nothing by 24 weeks in a first pregnancy, tell your midwife.
What parents need to know
Week 17 is one of the most magical weeks of pregnancy for many mums-to-be — it's often around this time that you might feel your baby move for the very first time. Known as "quickening," this sensation is one of the most memorable moments of pregnancy.
| Baby's size | About the size of a pear |
|---|---|
| Crown to rump | Roughly 13cm |
| First movements | 16 to 24 weeks in a first pregnancy |
| Later pregnancies | Around 14 to 16 weeks |
| Movement monitoring | Important part of care from 28 weeks |
How big is your baby at 17 weeks?
Your baby is now about the size of a pear — roughly 13cm from crown to rump. They're growing steadily, and fat is beginning to form under the skin.
What's happening with your baby?
Your baby is increasingly active this week, making squirming, rolling, and kicking movements inside the womb. The skeleton continues to harden from soft cartilage into bone. Your baby's sweat glands are developing. Myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibres, is beginning to form, which will eventually allow your baby's nervous system to transmit signals more efficiently.
Your baby's hearing is developing further, and they can now detect sounds from outside the womb. Talking, singing, and reading to your baby may sound fanciful, but there is good evidence that babies recognise voices they've heard in the womb. This can also be a lovely way for a birth partner to bond with the baby before birth.
What is quickening?
Quickening refers to the first movements you feel from your baby. In a first pregnancy, these are usually noticed anywhere between 16 and 24 weeks. In subsequent pregnancies, you may feel them earlier, from around 14 to 16 weeks, because you recognise the sensation.
First movements are often described as a fluttering, bubbling, or popping sensation in the lower abdomen — sometimes compared to the feeling of butterflies or gentle bubbles. They can easily be mistaken for wind or digestive activity at first. As your pregnancy progresses, these movements will become stronger and more distinct.
If you haven't felt any movement by 24 weeks in a first pregnancy, mention it to your midwife. From 28 weeks onwards, monitoring your baby's movements becomes an important part of your care.
What's happening in your body?
Your bump continues to grow, and you may find it's now unmistakably visible to others. Your body is also undergoing changes you might not expect: your sense of balance may shift slightly as your centre of gravity changes, so be mindful of this during exercise or when on uneven ground. Varicose veins can begin to appear, particularly in the legs, as blood volume increases and the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins. Wearing compression socks, elevating your legs when resting, and staying active can all help.
Heartburn and indigestion are common through the second and third trimesters. If they are troublesome, speak to your midwife or GP about safe antacids. Gaviscon is generally considered safe in pregnancy, but always check with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Maternity clothes and your changing body
As your bump grows, you may find your normal clothes becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Maternity jeans with soft, stretchy panels, loose-fitting tops, and maternity dresses can make a significant difference to your comfort. You don't need to spend a great deal — many women find that charity shops, online marketplaces, and maternity clothes swaps provide excellent options. Investing in a good maternity bra is worthwhile, particularly if your breasts have grown significantly.
Your week 17 checklist
This week:
- Pay attention to those first fluttering movements.
- Invest in comfortable maternity clothing if needed.
- Manage heartburn with small meals and safe antacids if required.
- Continue pelvic floor exercises.
- Keep up regular gentle exercise.
- Enjoy talking or singing to your baby.
Sources & further reading
- NHS — You and Your Baby at 17 Weeks Pregnant
- Tommy's — Week 17 of Pregnancy
- NCT — Week 17 of Pregnancy
- RCOG — Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.
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