17 week ultrasound: Is it a common timing, and what can you expect from it?

17 weeks is the final week in the first month of your second trimester. This is an exciting stage in pregnancy, associated with many important milestones. Yet, there are still many unknowns at this time, which can cause anxiety. And a 17 week ultrasound might be one of them.

Generally, it’s fair to say that it’s not very standard to have an ultrasound 17 weeks pregnant. Often, a second-trimester screening is scheduled later, after 18 weeks. However, it’s possible to have an additional scan at 17 weeks for the following reasons:

• To do a reassurance scan
• To follow up on previous tests
• To perform an early anatomy scan

A normal 17 week ultrasound is usually performed transabdominally. During it, you should be able to see a well-developed baby and notice the first facial expressions, movements, reactions to noises, and more.

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17 weeks is the final week in the first month of your second trimester. And it’s an important and exciting milestone to go through in your pregnancy journey.

By this time, your morning sickness and other unpleasant early pregnancy symptoms should finally fade away. The majority of mothers-to-be report feeling significantly better and more energized, which is one of the exciting news from this period. At the same time, it’s common to start experiencing new symptoms and sensations, such as the first fetal quickening, which may begin between 13 and 16 weeks.  

While there might be many exciting things coming at you at 17 weeks of pregnancy, one thing you could not be expecting is a 17 week ultrasound. Although it doesn’t fit into a standard schedule, it’s possible to have an ultrasound 17 weeks pregnant. But it shouldn’t be a cause of concern. In this article, we’ll help you figure out what to expect from it, so that you don’t feel stressed or anxious before the procedure.

Is a 17 Week Ultrasound Common in Pregnancy?

It’s fair to say that a 17 week ultrasound is not the most common scan in routine prenatal care. In many pregnancies, there are two primary scans:

• A first-trimester ultrasound, also known as a viability and dating scan. Typically, it’s performed between 6 and 9 weeks to locate the fetus inside the uterus and estimate the due date.
• A second-trimester ultrasound, often referred to as an anatomy scan. It’s usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks to check the baby’s major organs and systems for any abnormalities.

As you can see, a 17 week ultrasound doesn’t really fit into the standardized schedule. However, it’s not that uncommon to have it. It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. Furthermore, every healthcare provider’s practice is different. That is, it’s possible to have more screenings at different stages of your pregnancy, starting as early as 5 weeks.

Why You Might Have an Ultrasound 17 Weeks Pregnant

So, while it may not be very typical for doctors to check on your baby at 17 weeks ultrasound, there might be a few reasons to do so:

• To do a reassurance scan. This kind of screening is also known as a fetal well-being scan, meaning that its primary goal is to check your baby’s health and ensure that everything is progressing healthily. This kind of ultrasound is not a part of routine prenatal care. However, it’s often performed to give mothers-to-be peace of mind and help reduce anxiety.
• To do a follow-up. Sometimes, your earlier screenings may not provide exhaustive information on your baby’s health and development. This can happen if you had the earliest possible ultrasounds, such as at 5-6 weeks. At this time, the major organs and systems of the fetus may not yet be completely visible. It’s also possible to have a follow-up screening if your previous tests, such as an amniocentesis, were inconclusive and require a more detailed analysis.

• To have an early anatomy scan. Often, a routine anatomy scan is held at 20 weeks. However, your healthcare provider can schedule you for this screening earlier, for example, at 17 weeks. This can be done for a number of reasons, such as:
  
  • When there is a family history of fetal abnormalities.
  • When there were complications in previous pregnancies.
  • When there are certain maternal conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and others.
  • When previous tests or scans have shown an abnormal result.
  • When there is a suspicion of an abnormality.

Nevertheless, there are no reasons to worry yet. Even if you were scheduled for an early anatomy scan. It’s important to remember that most often this type of screening is done to detect any anomalies early and be able to address them in a timely manner. This type of ultrasound can give you many benefits and, most importantly, help support your baby’s health.

What to Expect From Your 17 Week Sonogram

If you’ve been scheduled for an ultrasound 17 weeks pregnant, it’s natural to wonder how it will go. The good news is that it’s just a regular screening like those you’ve already had before. So, there is not much you should prepare for.

Typically, a 17 week ultrasound is done transabdominally. If you had your previous ultrasound early in pregnancy, this might be a new procedure for you. But we bet that you’ve seen it a lot on TV.

The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, unless a more detailed analysis is required. The sonographer will apply some gel to your belly, which might feel a bit cold. Then, they will move the transducer around your abdomen to receive an image. At some points, the doctor may apply extra pressure on your belly or gently poke you to assess fetal movement. So, don’t be surprised if this happens.

What Does a 17 Week Ultrasound Look Like?

Now that you know how the process goes, you might also be wondering what you will see during this ultrasound.

Generally speaking, your baby is already big and developed enough to look like a baby. This can be especially exciting if your previous ultrasound was performed much earlier, when you couldn’t see much. This time, you will see a clear baby shape with its head, torso, limbs, fingers, and toes. You will also be able to notice some facial features and expressions that your baby does.

Some of the most exciting things you may see in a 17 week ultrasound include:

• Baby moving their eyes, though they are still shut for now.
• Reactions to loud noises.
• Movements and physical responses when the doctor pokes your belly.
• Thumb sucking.
• Baby opening and closing their mouth.

Another new thing you might be experiencing around 17 weeks is Braxton Hicks contractions. It’s normal for “practice” contractions to appear occasionally at different stages of your pregnancy to ensure better blood flow to the fetus. Your doctor might also check contractions and the placenta during a normal 17 week ultrasound.

What Is the Size of the Baby at 17 Weeks Ultrasound?

By 17 weeks, your baby should be about 12 cm long, from head to bottom. This is approximately the size of a pomegranate. So, it’s much bigger and more well-developed than it appeared in your earlier screenings.

This time is also associated with several exciting development milestones:

• Your baby’s fingerprints are now forming.
• The fetal heart rate becomes more regular. You should be able to hear it using a Doppler device.
• The baby’s sucking and swallowing instincts are becoming stronger as they prepare for feeding.

FAQ

Should I worry if the doctor wants to see my baby at 17 weeks ultrasound?

No, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Healthcare providers adjust the prenatal care schedule to their practice and your specific needs. A 17 week ultrasound, albeit not very typical, can be done for reassurance, follow-up, and anatomy-testing reasons. Regardless of your reason, having an ultrasound at this time can give you many benefits, including the ability to detect anomalies early and address them in a timely manner.

Can I learn the gender yet?

Yes, it is possible. By 17 weeks, your baby is already grown enough to let a healthcare provider assess their development and make an informed suggestion of their sex. Generally, it’s believed that the most accurate timing for gender detection is after 18 weeks. However, with a clear image, it’s possible that your doctor makes an accurate prediction already at 17 weeks.

Is it possible to have a transvaginal ultrasound 17 weeks?

Generally, a 17 week ultrasound is performed transabdominally. However, you shouldn’t get worried if your doctor recommends that you have a transvaginal probe. A transvaginal ultrasound can be performed during an early second-trimester anomaly scan. This approach is usually chosen when there is a need for a clearer image of the fetus. And it’s completely safe both for you and your baby.

Conclusion

Although a 17 week ultrasound isn’t the most typical time for a second-trimester scan, it’s not very uncommon. Healthcare providers can perform this procedure for a number of reasons. In particular, it can be done for reassurance to help you confirm that your baby is developing well and gain peace of mind.

After reading this article, you should have a better idea of why this ultrasound can be done, how it goes, and what you’ll be able to see. Use it as a roadmap to your pregnancy visits

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