One month and two weeks have passed by since conception. The anticipation is only on a steady rise for the couple. To-be moms, welcome to the seventh week of your pregnancy! Keep up the excitement, because your baby’s development has pretty much doubled. Let’s take a look at what week 7 is all about.
7 weeks pregnant - Signs and Symptoms
In addition to the symptoms that you’ve been experiencing in week 6 of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, reduced bladder control, headaches, mood swings, dehydration and so on, you will also experience a sharp craving or aversion for specific foods.
Your uterus has doubled in size, but your baby bump still isn’t visible. Although, at this stage your belly looks bloated.
Your skin will appear to be glowing and your hair more lustrous. This is due to the increase in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is a sex hormone that promotes growth and development of the breasts, endometrium, reproductive system, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Your breasts will appear larger and feel tender, and your nipples will grow darker. The blue veins around your breasts will appear more prominent. It’s not a cause for worry – your body is just preparing itself for the baby’s arrival.
Hormonal changes will start to cause acne breakouts all over your face. Before you reach out for any anti-acne medication, check with your doctor first. Fluctuation in hormone levels will also cause production of excess saliva, which really is nothing to worry about.
You will continue to experience mild spotting and cramping. However, keep an eye out for sharp abdominal pain and a sudden heavy bleeding. Should you experience this, make sure you call your doctor immediately.
What is happening to the baby in your 7th week of pregnancy?
By now your baby has grown to the size of a blueberry. It has doubled in size from week 6 and now measures up to 0.51 inches. Your baby’s brain cells are developing at a rate of 100 new cells per minute. Its brain is dividing and developing into the two hemispheres. The heart is further developing into a complex organ too, along with the liver, appendix and pancreas.
The face, mouth, nostrils, ears and eyes have grown more defined. The shoulders, arms and legs will start growing out.
By week 7, the baby has developed fully functional kidneys!
The baby will also start making tiny movements which you won’t notice, but can be easily picked by the ultrasound. (Please note: sex determination of the baby is illegal in India)
What should I be doing in my 7th week of pregnancy?
Week 7 is the time for your first prenatal visit to the obstetrician. You might be asked to undergo a variety of blood and urine tests along with a pap smear test to check if the baby is safe and healthy. Your doctor will also give you an estimated due date. Go prepared, when you visit the doctor – list down all your medications and supplements, especially pain-killers that you’re likely have in case of headache and body-ache. Don’t hesitate to have even your smallest doubts cleared by your doctor.
Load up on ginger candies, vitamin B6 supplements and even acupressure wristbands to ease your nausea problems.
It’s okay to indulge in your food cravings occasionally, but remember to not go overboard.
Eat well. Hydrate well. Sleep well.
Focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Continue with moderate exercises up to 5 times a week. Don’t worry about weight gain– unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Check your skincare products and cosmetics, and swap them for pregnancy-safe options. Stay away from products that contain parabens, artificial colours, phthalates and formaldehyde; these compounds could interfere with your baby’s growth and development. If you plan to colour your hair, opt for a formaldehyde free hair dye or put it on hold until after the baby is born. Stay away from synthetic perfumes too.
What should the expecting mother be doing in the 7th week of pregnancy?
He should definitely be joining you in pursuing a healthy, wholesome lifestyle.Men, help your wives through nausea and be ready to take care of her food cravings.
It is important that you accompany your pregnant partner for the prenatal check-up and ask any questions that you may have in mind or know that she is too nervous to ask.
Share your excitement with the to-be mom, and be ready to love and support her throughout the rollercoaster of emotions she’s experiencing. Don’t express annoyance or frustration at her mood swings – she can’t control them herself, it’s the hormones!Keep a notebook handy to jot down any questions, changes and doubts you may come across over the course of the day, regarding the to-be mom’s health or the pregnancy. And run it by the obstetrician at the next check-up.
All the best! If you have any questions regarding your pregnancy, feel free to ask us!