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Well there’s no doubt about it now…by 7 weeks you’re really feeling pregnant! Amazing things are happening with you and your baby.
Baby Growth at 7 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is now about the size of a blueberry, around 0.3 inches long!
Baby’s brain is developing quickly. As a result, their head is a little bigger than the rest of their body. Nerve cells continue to develop as the brain and spinal cord take shape.
As 7 weeks pregnant, your baby’s digestive system and lungs also develop. Tiny facial features start taking shape in the mouth and nose. Each little arm now has a tiny hand attached to it. Baby’s internal organs also take shape this week, including the lungs, kidneys, stomach, and bowels.
The formation of the umbilical cord is another important development in week 7. This lifeline connects the baby to the placenta throughout your pregnancy, allowing nutrients and oxygen to flow between you and your baby.
The anticipation of knowing what your baby will look like is probably in full force. You may wonder if he or she will be healthy, and you probably can’t wait for your first ultrasound. Well, it’s right around the corner! Most ultrasounds are done towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, but some early pregnancy ultrasounds are done around 7-8 weeks and a heartbeat should be visible.
You and Your Body at 7 Weeks Pregnant
The pregnancy signs and symptoms you experienced in the past few weeks will probably continue, and some may become more noticeable this week.
Feel like you need a nap? Fatigue is very common, and you may feel like you need more sleep this week. Rest as much as you need and head to bed a little earlier. Even if you can’t see it, your body is doing some pretty amazing work!
Bloating, gas, and constipation are common in early pregnancy thanks to an increase in progesterone. Try increasing your fiber and water intake to help combat this early on, and talk to your doctor about throwing in a probiotic and some magnesium to get things moving if you’re still stopped up.
You may have gained a couple of pounds or even lost a few from morning sickness, both of which are normal. However, if your morning sickness is severe, talk to your doctor to ensure your electrolytes are balanced and you remain well hydrated and well nourished. Your skin may glow and look flawless thanks to all of the estrogen coursing through your veins, or you may develop acne due to hormonal fluctuations.
No matter your appearance, there are so many amazing things happening on the inside!
Typical Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 7
As for mama, your nausea and fatigue may just be kicking in, or continuing on from last week. One common symptom you may experience during this week of pregnancy is frequent urination. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume are the main reason. Now that there’s more fluid in your system from your baby, there is more for your kidneys to process and produce more urine. That combined with increased blood circulation in your pelvis, you’ll find bathroom breaks more common.
Remember, every person and every pregnancy is different. You might experience none, some, many, or all of these symptoms.
Some other common symptoms at week 7 may include:
- Food Cravings: Sweet, salty, sour…which will it be, or all three?
- Nausea: You may be one of the lucky ones who has not had any nausea yet, or ever, but this may start this week or next.
- Spotting: Some light spotting is common in early pregnancy, but if you develop any bleeding or a heavier flow, always call your provider to be evaluated.
- Cramping: Your uterus is growing rapidly! Some mild cramping is common during this first trimester, but if you develop any pain, always call your provider to be evaluated.
Pregnancy Week 7 Tips and Advice
If you haven’t already, call your Midwife or OB/GYN and tell them the great news! You want to set up your first ultrasound appointment to confirm your baby’s heartbeat, which can be detected by now. First ultrasounds are typically done transvaginally (via your vagina), so it’s best to be mentally prepared for that. This type of ultrasound allows for a better look at baby since they usually can not be seen by a transabdominal ultrasound this early.
A healthy baby starts with a healthy mama! Make sure you eat well, even while managing the nausea. Also, make sure you drink lots of fluids, and rest when you need to. Discuss with your doctor a safe exercise routine for you during pregnancy so you can stay active and healthy for you and your baby.
Remember, while pregnant you need to stay away from these foods for safety:
- Raw, undercooked meats and fish
- High-mercury containing fish (the big fish, such as swordfish and tuna)
- Processed meats (like deli meats) which can carry Listeria
- Unwashed produce
- Processed foods and excess sugary sweets
- No alcohol
Don’t forget to also take some time for yourself, you’re growing a tiny human and deserve some rest! You won’t be exhausted and nauseated forever, in fact most women feel better by the second trimester and you’re already halfway there.
Click here to check your body and symptom at week 8.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002398.htm
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/first-pregnancy-ultrasound
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/7-weeks-pregnant/
