There is no denying it any longer – you’re 7 weeks pregnant and can definitely start to feel the effects of your pregnancy. You have made it through the initial stages of your baby’s development in your womb, and you might even be quite pleased with how you cope with the many changes in your life. Nonetheless, at 7 weeks pregnant, your belly is still not growing, so you don’t have to tell any of your loved ones about your exciting news.
Early signs of 7 week pregnancy
Time is flying by! You have now reached the seventh week of your pregnancy, and many women start to feel the early signs of pregnancy. As hormones become more active to ensure the pregnancy continues, various changes in the body take place – this includes changes in weight, mood, appetite and feeling in the abdomen.
Development of fetus at 7 week pregnancy
The news of your expecting a baby might be unknown to your friends and family, and even for the dad-to-be. But within your body, a new life is forming. Even though during 7-8 weeks of pregnancy, there is no evident growth of the abdomen, the fetus is quickly growing in size during the early stages. Let us now discuss the progress of your baby.
At this stage, baby does not look like a human being. The head is significantly bigger than the body and the limbs are still developing. The face only had the basic features drawn on, like the nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Laying of the nervous system of the embryo—parts of the brain, the spinal cord.
- Nerve cells are formed, and primary neural connections are formed.
- The skeleton’s bones are laid.
- The main blood vessels are formed.
- The digestive system is developed.
- Rudiments of teeth appear in the mouth.
- The kidneys are included in the work.
- Lungs and bronchi continue to form.
- The formation of the chambers of the heart is complete.
- The first blood cells are formed in the liver—erythrocytes and leukocytes.
- A tubercle is included in the perineum, from which the genital organs will develop.
Baby size at 7 week pregnancy
By now, your tiny fetus has increased to approximately 1cm in length. Doctors measure the coccyx-parietal size of an infant, as it is not yet possible to measure the length to the tips of the feet. Although the baby’s growth may not seem very large, keep in mind that it was the size of a poppy seed not so long ago. It has more than doubled in only a week.
So we know how big the fetus is at this stage, but what happens to its development?
At this point, the brain is going through a very significant growth and differentiation phase—so important that its head grows faster than the rest of the body. The embryo now has a large forehead.
At the same time, the eyes and ears of the fetus are also undergoing a period of accelerated development. Although the inner ear (the part responsible for hearing and balance) is on its way to completion, the outer ear, visible from the side of the head, will take several weeks to develop.
What else happens to the fetus externally?
The fetus still has no arms or legs, but the rudiments of the limbs have already begun to form – cartilage is formed in them. The bones of the arms and legs will eventually form. At the same time, the rudiments of the upper limbs lengthen and flatten at the end – these fine structures eventually form handles. Meanwhile, a similar process occurs in the lower extremities as the leg buds develop into what will soon become the thighs, lower legs and feet. But the baby still looks very unusual in the photo of the fetus and video at 7 week pregnancy. It has a huge head and a very small body.
In addition to what we have mentioned, the heart, lungs, digestive system and other fetus tissues are also developing rapidly.
What happens to mom during 7 week pregnancy?
The external changes of a pregnant woman at the seventh week are almost imperceptible. However, the expectant mother notes the changes in her body. The main changes at this stage occur with the uterus and hormonal levels.
Change in body weight: Most women have a slight weight gain of 1.5–2 kg. It is not associated with the embryo’s growth but with hormonal changes. In women with severe toxicosis, body weight may decrease by 1.5–2 kg. A more pronounced decrease in body weight is an unfavorable sign. In this case, you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo an additional examination.
Slight enlargement of the abdomen: noticeable only in thin women. The growth of the abdomen is not related to the growth of the uterus; it is still very small. Slight bloating is associated with increased body fat and increased gas formation in the intestines. This is due to hormonal changes. A pregnant woman may notice her abdomen growing due to ill-fitting clothes.
Increased fatigue: The expectant mother notices that she gets tired faster than usual and often wants to sleep. The developing embryo takes a lot of energy and nutrients, so a state of fatigue occurs. Many pregnant women exhibit excessive emotionality, such as irritability and tearfulness.
Increased appetite: The increased need for food is the same. The embryo needs a lot of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Therefore, the expectant mother often experiences a state of hunger if she does not have severe toxicosis. It is important not to overdo it so as not to gain excess weight.
Pain in the chest: The mammary glands are the first to respond to pregnancy. They are slightly enlarged and compacted. The areola of the nipple becomes more pigmented. This is due to hormonal changes. Light pain is not dangerous.
Uterus growth: The woman herself does not feel it, and outwardly it is also not noticeable. Since the embryo is only 1.2 cm, the uterus does not enlarge significantly. It becomes looser and softer. The cervix, which is filled with blood, acquires a bluish color. A gynecologist can only see these changes during a vaginal examination.
Frequent urination: A woman goes to the toilet more often than usual because blood flow to the pelvic organs increases. In addition, the expectant mother drinks more fluids. This is a normal condition if, during urination, there is no burning sensation and no pain in the abdomen.
Acne eruptions: A pregnant woman’s skin becomes oily, and blackheads and blackheads appear. This is due to a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in progesterone. On the skin of the face and chest, some expectant mothers have age spots.
Hair loss, and increased fragility of nails: The embryo takes a large amount of calcium from the mother’s body. Because of this, the nails break and the hair roots weaken. There may also be pain in the bones and joints. In some pregnant women, the opposite situation is observed: the hair becomes more lush and thick and the nails are strengthened.
Nausea: Toxicosis occurs in more than half of women. As a rule, it takes a mild form. Nausea worries the expectant mother in the morning and arises from strong odors and certain foods. If vomiting appears, this is already severe toxicosis, requiring medical correction.
Chair disorder: Many women in the 7 week pregnancy have loose stools and bloating. This is due to hormonal changes and the reorganization of the digestive system. The condition is not accompanied by pain in the abdomen or fever. Treatment is not required; it is enough to adjust the diet.
Headache: associated with vascular spasm due to redistribution of blood flow. It usually occurs in the evening, is bright, and of low intensity. It goes away on its own and does not require medical treatment.
Pulling sensation in the lower abdomen: Associated with blood flow to the uterus is its growth. They do not cause significant discomfort and do not require treatment.
Abundant discharge: More abundant discharge than usual appears from the vagina. This is the mucus that the cervical canal produces to protect the fetus. Normal discharge is clear or whitish, with little or no odor.
Change in taste preferences and smells: At 7 week pregnancy such changes rarely occur. They are associated with hormonal disorders and are expressed in an aversion to smells or foods previously loved. Even less often, there is a need for things not usually used in food. A change in taste preferences is typical for later dates.
Edema on the legs and face: They are minor and occur in the evenings or mornings. Puffiness is associated with the restructuring of the hormonal background and an increase in the amount of fluid consumed. A woman can recognize puffiness by how difficult it is for her to put on shoes.
Instability of blood pressure: It changes from low to high during the day. Instability is associated with the adaptation of vessels to a new type of blood circulation. This condition does not require treatment.
7 week pregnancy symptoms
At this point in your pregnancy, your uterus has grown to the size of a lemon. This may not seem like a lot, but it’s approximately twice as large as it was before you became pregnant. Even though the strain on your body is still relatively small, it’s not unusual to feel increasingly exhausted during this period. Tiredness is likely to be one of the most noticeable signs of the changes occurring within you, so be prepared to accept it and adjust your routine as needed.
You may experience heaviness and tenderness in your breasts and the urge to urinate more often than normal. Morning sickness, a common symptom among pregnant women, may become more noticeable at this stage, although it can strike at any time of day, usually subsiding by the 12 to 14 week mark. Lastly, if you are not experiencing nausea, don’t worry—it is perfectly normal and does not indicate any issues with the baby.
On a note: Some moms-to-be manage to alleviate stomach problems with ginger, vitamin B6, and dietary modification. Moms who are 7 week pregnancy with twins may be more likely to have nausea and vomiting as they are likely to have elevated levels of hormones that cause morning sickness.
Some women may experience sore or bleeding gums during pregnancy. It is always a good idea to practice strict oral hygiene, especially during pregnancy. If you haven’t done so already, talk to your dentist to check the general condition of your mouth and teeth and make recommendations about oral care products.
Food craving or food aversion
You may desire to eat certain or even unusual foods or a reluctance to approach certain foods that you previously thought were good (or even tasty!). Food aversion is a natural way to keep you from potentially dangerous food. It is usually associated with morning sickness. Treat yourself occasionally, but choose healthy food whenever possible.
Frequent urination
If it seems that you constantly want to go to the toilet, it is not your imagination. Although outwardly, you do not yet look pregnant, the uterus has already doubled in size, and blood flow to the pelvis has also accelerated.
Acne
Hormonal fluctuations in your body cause acne. Before utilizing any acne products, it is advisable to seek medical advice to guarantee they are secure to use while pregnant.
Increased salivation
You may not have anticipated it, but an excess of saliva can result from hormones and be linked to feeling sick.
mood swings
In addition to your hormone levels likely being out of balance and your adjusting to the reality of being pregnant, your unique condition may cause you to experience heightened emotional responses.
Cramps in the lower abdomen
It is perfectly normal to experience cramping during the early stages of pregnancy. As the baby grows in your uterus, you will soon begin to feel the movement inside of you. However, you may experience some spasms and tension at this point in your pregnancy. This is due to the stretching of the uterine ligaments as a result of the baby’s growth.
At 7 week pregnancy, you may not feel any symptoms. If this is the case, then you are fortunate! Some expecting mothers may be anxious that the lack of pregnancy symptoms may denote an issue, though this is not necessarily true. Take into account that all women go through pregnancy in their own way. If you have any worries, make sure to discuss it with your OB/GYN, but if the symptoms are not extreme or uncomfortable, you should be okay.
Ultrasound at 7 week pregnant
7 week is a little earlier than the standard term for the ultrasound. In most clinics, the first scan of a pregnant woman is done between 8 and 14 weeks. A new scan usually follows it at 18–21 weeks. If the doctor needs any additional information, clarification of the term or confirmation that you are carrying twins, he will prescribe an ultrasound at the 7 week pregnancy. In addition to the fact that the doctor will evaluate the development, measure all sizes and specify the gestational age, he will take a photo of the fetus for you as a keepsake. It can be placed in an album with photos and videos of your changes during the waiting period.
Lifestyle at 7 week pregnancy
Even if you do not suffer from toxemia, pregnancy can still be a difficult period. However, try to maintain a sound lifestyle that will bolster both you and your baby throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Eat foods from all food groups and make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Drink 8-10 glasses of water, juice, compotes, and other drinks that do not contain sugar, dyes, or preservatives.
Do not overly dwell on the “eat for two” mentality; you only require 300 extra calories daily to provide for the baby’s needs. Also, if you experience nausea and vomiting early on, do not worry excessively as long as you have been eating healthily before that period.
Sex at 7 weeks pregnant
Unless your doctor has prohibited intimacy for certain reasons, your sex life can remain unchanged throughout your pregnancy.
Do’s and Don’ts of 7 week pregnancy
In the 7th week of pregnancy, it is especially important to lead a healthy lifestyle. At this stage, the laying of all organs occurs, marking the most rapid development of the embryo. Any harmful effects can lead to malformations or miscarriage.
Do’s of 7 week pregnancy
- Continue to work, excluding heavy lifting and the inhalation of harmful substances.
- Walking in the forest or park, chatting with friends—pregnancy does not mean complete isolation from society.
- Reading classical literature and listening to calm music help distract from possible stresses and troubles.
- Take special vitamin complexes for pregnant women; a developing embryo needs a lot of vitamins and trace elements, and there are not enough in food.
- Participate in sports, excluding running and power loads.
- Take care of yourself; use decorative cosmetics.
- Read special literature for pregnant women describing the intrauterine development of the child and the process of childbirth.
- Do household chores, excluding the use of particularly toxic household chemicals.
- Have sex with caution.
Don’ts of 7 week pregnancy
- In the 7th week, smoking and drinking alcohol pose the greatest danger to the developing fetus.
- Lifting weights and doing strength exercises—an increase in intra-abdominal pressure can provoke a miscarriage.
- Wearing tight, squeezing clothes on the stomach disrupts blood flow in the uterus.
- Take any medications without urgent need; at the 7th week, even paracetamol can adversely affect the development of the fetus.
- Communicate with infectious patients, and visit crowded places—almost all infections are dangerous for the fetus in the early stages.
- Contact with stray animals—they are also carriers of dangerous infections.
- Nervous—stress can provoke a fading pregnancy.
- Dye your hair with ammonia paint—toxic substances penetrate the blood and the embryo.
- Drink a large amount of coffee and strong tea; caffeine increases vascular tone, which can provoke placental abruption.
- Overheating in a bath or sauna—heat causes vasodilation, which can cause uterine bleeding.
Proper nutrition for 7 week pregnancy
Food is the main source of vitamins and minerals the expectant mother and baby need. Therefore, nutrition should be as complete and balanced as possible. The diet is also important since the digestive function of a pregnant woman changes under the influence of hormones.
At the 7 week pregnancy, it is recommended:
- Eat small meals but often—5–6 times a day.
- Limit the consumption of fatty, fried, and smoked foods; these foods disrupt digestion, and the absorption of nutrients into the blood worsens.
- Drink about 2 liters of water per day; an increased volume of the mother’s blood is needed for a developing embryo.
- Use fresh fruits and vegetables daily—they are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, which aids digestion.
- The embryo’s primary source of protein is daily meat consumption.
- Eat dairy products daily, which are a source of calcium.
- Limit your consumption of peas, cabbage, and black bread, all of which cause flatulence and stomach discomfort.
- Consume cereals and pasta are high in slow-releasing carbohydrates and a good energy source.
- Eat fish, nuts, and avocados; these products contain fatty acids important for developing the fetal nervous system.
- Replace sweets and pastries with sweet fruits, honey, and jam.
- Consume butter and olive oil daily.
- Boil and fry food well, especially meat and fish.
- exclude the use of thermally unprocessed river fish.
Checklist for the 7 week pregnancy
- Register with the antenatal clinic if this has not already been done.
- Pass all the necessary tests.
- Undergo an ECG and ultrasound.
- To be examined by all narrow specialists.
- Give up bad habits, if any.
- Establish a diet and rest.
- Daily walks in the fresh air.
- Eliminate harmful factors in the workplace.
- Visit a dentist to get rid of caries.
- Start taking prenatal vitamins.
- Keep a pregnancy diary.
- Eat a meat dish daily and drink a glass of kefir.
- Purchase a scale to track weight gain.
- Buy a book for future parents.
- Avoid stress.
- Develop the habit of weighing yourself every morning and evening.
- Purchase an album for the future baby and paste the first ultrasound image.
- Rest for at least half an hour during the day.
- Buy natural cotton underwear.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Refuse shoes with high heels or platforms.
- Make a weekly menu based on the needs of the fetus.
Helpful advice for expectant mothers
In the 7 week pregnancy, special attention should be paid to a healthy lifestyle. You should give up all bad habits if any. It must be remembered that passive smoking, the inhalation of tobacco smoke, is no less dangerous than active smoking. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid close contact with smokers and exclude smoking by relatives at home.
