Overview of Week 7 of pregnancy
During week 7 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 1/2 inch long
- You are in trimester one
- 33 more weeks to go
- The umbilical cord is formed
You just found out you were pregnant not that long ago and already so much is happening in regards to your baby’s development. The umbilical cord is now formed, and your baby’s face, limbs, and organs continue to develop. If you were to look at an ultrasound, you would see that your little one is looking more and more baby-like.
How many months pregnant is 7 weeks?
You are approximately 1.5 months pregnant during your seventh week. You are still in trimester one and you have just over 7 months left until your baby enters this world.
How big is baby at 7 weeks pregnant?
At just a half inch, your little embryo is the size of a blueberry this week. Although still very small, your little one has grown 10,000 times bigger than when you first conceived!
Baby development during week 7 of pregnancy
Umbilical Cord
This week, the umbilical cord is formed. The function of this important structure is to deliver oxygen nutrients from the placenta to your baby. It will also remove waste into your bloodstream.
Brain
The neural tube is formed and now closed on both ends. Remember, the neural tube is what forms your baby’s spinal cord and brain. The brain is now separated into three main areas: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Brain cells are developing at a rate of around 100 cells per minute.
Eyes
The eyes of your baby are starting to form this week. The cornea, iris, and pupil are developing; however, it will be a few weeks until they are fully formed.
Limbs
Your baby’s arms and legs continue to develop this week. They still look like little paddles; however, they are segmented into different sections. The legs are segmenting into leg, knee, and foot; while the arms are segmenting into the arm, elbow, and hand.
The feet and hands are starting to develop little webbed toes and fingers.
Kidneys
This week, the kidneys are developed. They will soon begin to function to remove waste. Yes, that means your baby will start to produce urine soon.
Pregnancy Week 7 Symptoms
Nausea
More than 50% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs anytime throughout the day. It is caused by the sudden increase in pregnancy hormones in your body and can be triggered by certain foods, smells, or even for no reason at all. This symptom usually only lasts until the end of the first trimester; however, some women may experience morning sickness throughout the whole pregnancy.
Fatigue
As hormones, particularly progesterone, surge in response to pregnancy, you are sure to feel more tired than usual. Your body is starting to work overtime to grow a new human so it is normal to feel a bit fatigued. Your heart will also pump faster as blood volume increases to supply the developing placenta and the developing circulatory system of your embryo. This increase is also a culprit for this new tiredness you are experiencing.
Frequent urination
You may find yourself running to the washroom a bit more often nowadays. This is due to the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone increases blood flow to your pelvic region, causing your need to urine more often. Your growing uterus will also start to put more pressure on your bladder, which in turn, will cause your bladder to empty more frequently.
Food cravings
Ever wanted to try pickles and ice cream? That combination may have sounded gross to you before, but now that you’re pregnant, you may be asking your partner to go out and buy exactly that. Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes food cravings in pregnancy, but 50-90% of women will experience them at some point in their pregnancy. You may crave sweets, salty foods, spicy foods, or even foods that you dislike. Many women have experienced loving food during their pregnancy that they hated while not pregnant. Whatever your craving, give it a shot but remember to keep a balanced diet.
Acne
The higher levels of hormones in your body during pregnancy often cause increased cases of acne. If you are one of the many women experiencing acne during your pregnancy, continue to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes and be careful about what things touch your face. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying any over-the-counter or prescription products for acne.
Pregnancy week 7 tips
Start a prenatal vitamin
Starting a prenatal vitamin is recommended as soon as you decide to start trying to conceive and even more important once you become pregnant. Making sure you have sufficient vitamin intake is important in the beginning stages of baby development. Most importantly is folate intake. Adequate folate levels can decrease your growing baby’s chances of developmental defects.
Decide on prenatal tests
In a few weeks, you will have a chance to do a prenatal screening test on your baby. Typically a blood test is done to check if there are any defects or possible problems with your baby. Defects that are looked for include down syndrome and trisomy 18. Ultrasounds may also be done to check for these conditions. Now is the time to think about whether or not you would like to participate in these tests. This decision is up to you to make.
Avoid certain foods
Pregnancy comes with a list of foods to avoid and limit. On the top of the list are obvious substances such as alcohol and drugs, but there are also a bunch of foods you may not have thought would be harmful.
Here is a list of some common foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- fish with high levels of mercury, such as tuna
- raw or undercooked fish & meats
- caffeine
- unpasteurized milks and cheeses
- soft cheese
- deli meats
Take pictures
You may not have a baby bump yet, but I recommend you start taking progress pictures now. These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.
