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17 to 20 weeks pregnant

Week 17 of pregnancy

At 17 weeks your baby is growing quickly and now weighs around 150g. They are about 13cm long and could still fit in the palm of your hand.

The face begins to look much more human. Eyebrows and eyelashes are beginning to grow. The eyes can now move, but their eyelids are still shut. The mouth can open and close and their milk teeth are developing.

The lines on the skin of the fingers are now formed. They have their own fingerprints and a firm hand grip. Their fingernails and toenails are growing.

Week 18 to 19 of pregnancy

At 18 weeks, the ears are fully formed. They move regularly. They may respond to loud noises from the outside world, such as music. You may not feel these movements yet, especially if this is your first pregnancy. If you do, the movement may feel like a soft fluttering or rolling sensation.

They are putting on weight, but still do not have much fat. They look wrinkled. They will continue to put on weight for the rest of the pregnancy and will 'fill out' before birth.

Week 20 of pregnancy

By 20 weeks, their skin has a white, greasy substance called vernix covering it. This helps protect the skin in the amniotic fluid. Sweat glands are also forming beneath their skin.

They will have periods of sleep and being awake. Week 20 is usually the halfway point of your pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 23 September 2022
Next review due: 23 September 2025