Week 17

High levels of progesterone and oestrogen put a high demand on your circulatory system. Blood volume and flow increases, and this can cause dizziness and headaches.¹ Paracetamol is fine to take during pregnancy, but do not take ibuprofen as this has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and developmental defects.²

• Back ache
• Headaches
• Increased appetite
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Dizziness
• Round ligament pain and possible stretch marks
• Gums bleeding
• Skin changes (such as stretch marks, spots on your face, and darkening moles)

Weighing 140 g, your baby should now measure around 12–13 cm.¹

At this point in their development, your baby can now suck and swallow.^1,3 But most importantly, they are starting to accumulate more fat, which will help provide energy and warmth once they are born.¹

• Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,⁴ or if you haven’t already, consider taking a prenatal supplement that has the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium,⁵ which will also help support your oral health⁶
• Book your routine dental check up to help support your oral health during pregnancy⁶
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁷
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage^8,9
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods (if nausea and morning sickness allow). Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹⁰
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹¹  
  As a guide:   
  1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine    
  1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine    
  1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine    
  1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine