Week 7 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 7

• Now that you're 7 weeks pregnant, you go about your days knowing you're expecting, but no one else can tell. And, by now, you're probably thinking what it'll be like once everyone knows you're pregnant.

• The baby's umbilical cord now connects the embryo to the placenta, providing oxygen and necessary nutrition while also eliminating waste.

• Your baby's hands and feet are now webbed, but the fingers and toes are still developing.

• 10,000 times the size: That is how much larger a baby is from conception.

• A little set of nostrils is developing.

• If you are in Week 7 of your pregnancy you are in your first trimester and in the Second Month.

• 33 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy.

Baby's Development at Week 7

At 7 weeks, the baby begins to resemble, well, a baby, with the appearance of arms and lower leg buds, as well as a less paddle-like appearance with webbed hands and feet that will later develop into separate digits. To take things a step further, the baby's elbow and knee joints are beginning to form this week.

Baby is developing distinct facial characteristics like ears, nose, mouth, and tongue, all of which are getting more defined. Eyelids and lenses are also developing, and, although they cannot see yet, their little retinas are beginning to grow and prepare for a lifetime of witnessing the magnificent world around them.

• Baby Weight: Too small to weigh (1 gramme)
• Baby Length: Very Small (.25 and 1 inch)
• Baby Size: Comparable to a blueberry

Pregnancy Symptoms This Week

During week 7 of pregnancy, your body is rapidly changing. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• Nausea: Morning sickness may be in full swing by week seven of pregnancy. Stay strong and look for methods to cope. Ginger, Vitamin B6, and acupressure bracelets have helped some expectant mothers with belly discomfort. When your hormones return to normal in the second trimester, the nausea should subside or even vanish. Moms-to-be who are pregnant with twins may experience nausea and vomiting because they have higher amounts of the hormones that trigger morning sickness.

• Food desires or aversions: You may find yourself craving certain or even strange things, or you may find yourself avoiding items you previously enjoyed. Food aversions are nature's method of keeping you away from potentially harmful foods, and they often coincide with morning sickness. It's good to indulge in your urges from time to time. However, try not to overeat and make healthy eating choices whenever possible.

• Frequent urination: If you feel the need to urinate all the time, it is not your imagination. Even though you don't appear to be pregnant, your uterus is fast expanding, and blood flow to your pelvis has risen.

• Acne: Acne breakouts are caused by hormonal changes in your body. Before using any acne-fighting treatments, see your doctor to ensure they are safe to use while pregnant.

• Extra saliva: This is a symptom you never imagined! Excess saliva is most likely hormonally induced and may also be associated with nausea.

• Mood swings: Not only are your hormones out of whack, but you're probably still adjusting to the notion of being pregnant, which may make you overly emotional.

• Cramping or spotting: Cramping throughout early pregnancy is typical. After all, there is a lot going on within your uterus, and although it may be some weeks before you feel the baby move, you will undoubtedly experience cramping and tugging at this stage of your pregnancy. If you have stomach discomfort worse than ordinary menstrual cramps or heavier-than-normal bleeding, you should contact your doctor straight once.

Your Body at Week 7

Whether you have no pregnancy symptoms or every pregnancy symptom on the list, you're certainly feeling a little off. Even if you're as delighted as you can be, adapting to the thought of a pregnancy and the lifelong responsibility that comes with it might be overwhelming. It's alright if you're overwhelmed or scared, or if you're simply feeling meh. You've got plenty of time to adapt.

Every mother-to-be is unique, but many report beginning to "show" toward the middle of the second trimester when the uterus outgrows the pelvis. Moms-to-be who are pregnant with twins can anticipate showing sooner, although, at this time, everyone is experiencing bloating.

The potent pregnant hormones oestrogen and progesterone continue to generate a variety of both good and negative symptoms.

By week 7, you'll most likely have moved up a bra size. Switching to a maternity bra might help with aches and discomfort as your breasts develop into a food source.

7-week Ultrasound

At 7 weeks pregnant, you're getting ready for your first prenatal appointment with your doctor, and you definitely want to know what to anticipate. Prepare to provide a variety of samples (blood, urine, and cervical cells for a pap smear), receive an ultrasound to check the baby's health, and obtain an estimated due date.

An ultrasound is uncommon since many obstetricians do not examine low-risk pregnant patients until weeks 8 to 10. It depends on your health history and your doctor's choice.

You may even be wondering whether you are expecting more than one baby. In addition to spotting two gestational sacs on an ultrasound, twin pregnancy symptoms exist.

You can see an embryo on an ultrasound, and the sensors can frequently detect a heartbeat at this stage. However, since identifying a heartbeat at this early stage is not certain, most physicians wait until at least the eighth week of pregnancy to do an ultrasound. However, if you do get an ultrasound, it will most likely be a transvaginal ultrasound, which involves inserting a wand-shaped probe into your vagina.

Tips for Week 7

Being 7 weeks pregnant is a critical period for you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

Exercise Dos and Don'ts: Exercise is crucial at this point, but it may be time to start researching what activities you should and shouldn't perform as your stomach grows.

Your body is working so hard: Over the next three months, your baby will generate 100 billion neurons (information-transmitting cells in the brain and nervous system) at an incredible pace of 250,000 neurons each minute!

Your skin may be acting up right now, but now is not the time to start a new, rigorous skincare program. To fight acne, wash your face twice a day with a soft cleanser and use a light moisturiser. If you have chloasma (dark areas on your face), use SPF 50+ daily and wear a helmet anytime you go outdoors.

Checklist for Week 7

• Read up on what prenatal testing you may anticipate
• Invest in some pregnancy-safe skincare and beauty products (time to change your regimen!)
• Consider purchasing a belly band to get more mileage out of your existing outfit
• Begin using a pregnancy-safe moisturiser or body oil to help soften your skin as it expands
• Call your doctor and inquire about any over-the-counter or prescription meds you're taking

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 7 of Pregnancy

1. Is acne common during early pregnancy?
   Acne during early pregnancy is quite prevalent. Pregnancy hormones cause your body to create extra oil, which might result in the blemishes you observe. But everyone is different. Some women have troubled skin and increased acne, while others may get a radiant glow.
2. How often is a miscarriage at 7 weeks pregnant?
   Throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, miscarriages often occur. Early pregnancy loss is frequent, occurring in around 10% of all clinically diagnosed pregnancies. If you're worried, go to your doctor—and know you're not alone.