Image: Shutterstock
Key Pointers
- At seven weeks, the fetus is developing features such as face, skin, mouth, and limbs, and is the size of a blueberry.
- Symptoms include morning sickness, weight loss, acne, breast tenderness, frequent urination, food cravings and aversions, cramping, and nasal congestion.
- Breast size increases, skin glows, and blue veins become visible in the breast and pelvic area, causing physical and emotional changes.
- To alleviate discomfort, the mother should eat small meals, drink water, avoid caffeine and alcohol, rest, and take prenatal vitamins.
How Many Months Is Seven Weeks Pregnancy?
The seventh week of pregnancy means that you are in the second month and the first trimester.
By now, your pregnancy test is positive, your pregnancy is confirmed, and you are gearing up for the coming months. MomJunction tells you what happens to your baby and you in this week, the care you should take, and more. Read on.
How Big Is Your Baby At Seven Weeks?
The baby is about the size of a blueberry this week. Babies usually measure around 0.15 to 0.3 inches (5-5.5mm) in length.
Baby Development In The Seventh Week
The embryo is developing to attain a human-like structure. Here are the fetal developments happening during this week.
| Body parts | Development stage |
|---|---|
| Face (1) | Distinct with features like mouth, eyes, ears, and nostrils |
| Skin | Thin and translucent |
| Eyelids | Developing and remain closed |
| Brain |
|
| Mouth | Tongue and tooth buds are distinct |
| Limbs | The leg and arm buds are distinct and developing, and look like a paddle. The fingers and toes will remain webbed |
| Nervous system (3) | The neural tube develops and starts forming the brain and spinal cord |
| Kidney (4) | Nephrons and basic filtration units begin to form |
| Liver | Produces red blood cells until the bone marrow is in place |
| Intestine (5) | Developing and starts the digestion process |
| Pancreas | Starts producing insulin that helps in digestion |
| Umbilical cord | Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the baby |
When the embryo is gradually turning into the fetus and eventually a baby, your body is bound to show out some symptoms as a result of the happenings within. So, what do you have to deal with in the seventh week?
Tips for mom-to-be
Here are a few tips you can follow for a healthy pregnancy:
- Eat small meals at regular intervals.
- Nibble crackers before getting up from the bed in the morning. This will help ease the discomfort of morning sickness to some extent.
- Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated.
- Follow a healthy diet of lean meat, cereals, pulses ,dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
- Stay connected with family and friends for emotional support.
- Take enough rest.
- In the case of nausea, drink lemonade, eat watermelon or sniff a lemon.
- Chew ginger to get relief from nausea.
- Do not skip meals or lie down immediately after having meals.
- Avoid uncooked, spicy, deep-fried, and fatty foods.
- Take the vitamin supplements (folic acid) every day.
- Do not take medicines without your doctor’s permission.
Tips for dad-to-be
Here are some tips for the soon-to-be dad, who is eager to help his partner:
- Be with her during the prenatal visits.
- Lend a helping hand in the daily household chores.
- Accompany her during the walks or exercises.
- Plan a day out and make her feel happy.
- Start finding the names for your child.
- Discuss your plans for welcoming the newborn.
- Go shopping for maternity wear.
- Capture her pregnancy developments in videos and pictures.
Quick tipPregnancy Symptoms In The Seventh Week
Here are some 7-week pregnancy symptoms you should look out for.
- Morning sickness will continue to be there for a few more weeks.
Christine Keys, a mother of three, shares about nausea during the seventh week of her third pregnancy. She says, “My nausea is okay, but as soon as I start walking around and I start moving, it (nausea) just gets much worse, and I can’t do stuff. It just comes and goes throughout the day. So, I just stay in bed and rest. She adds, “Something that I think is helping is protein shakes in the morning and a couple of crackers. That seems to help my stomach for the rest of the day (i).”
- Weight loss because you might not want to eat much due to morning sickness; also vomiting will not allow you to gain much weight.
Image: Shutterstock
- Acne and darkening of skin due to the changes in hormonal levels.
- Swollen and tender breasts due to pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow.
- Frequent urination.
- Pregnancy fatigue and dizziness because your body is working extra; a drop in blood sugar level can also make you feel dizzy.
- Excessive saliva due to morning sickness and heartburn.
- Pregnancy cravings or food aversions.
- Cramping, especially during the night time.
- Spotting (if you experience it, consult your obstetrician).
- Nasal congestion as the hormonal changes soften the nasal membranes. Also, the increased blood supply makes the mucus membranes swell causing extra secretion of the mucus.
- Headaches triggered by morning sickness, fatigue, and emotional or physical stress.
- Bleeding gums due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.
- Emotional changes such as heightened anxiety, mood swings, and occasional feelings of sadness or irritability, often influenced by hormonal fluctuations and physical discomfort.
It is not necessary for you to have all these symptoms. Some women might not have any signs, which is normal. Still, if you have any concerns, get in touch with your doctor.
But sometimes, you may also have some weird symptoms. Malinda Rocha, a mother of two, experienced an abnormal symptom during the seventh week of her second pregnancy. She shares, “I’m getting a lot of pimples around my hairline. I was getting pimples on my chest and my back, and I had that with Felicia (her first child) also. But, this time, right beyond where my hair is, I have so many pimples, and my hairline is inflamed (ii).”
Point to considerTwin Pregnancy At Seventh Week
In a twin pregnancy, the symptoms are same as that of singleton pregnancy but the intensity might be more. The vomiting sensation is heightened and abdominal distension will be more. Also, the pregnancy symptoms will start earlier than in a singleton pregnancy.
Changes In Your Body During The Seventh Week Of Pregnancy
You will undergo both physical and emotional changes. Here are a few you can expect in this week:
- The breast size increases. The areola gets larger and darker and shows off some spots, which are the sweat glands.
- You will begin to have the pregnancy glow. The estrogen hormone can bring about brightness to your face, make your hair thicker, and skin softer.
Image: Shutterstock
- Blue veins are visible near the breasts and the pelvic area due to the increased blood flow in these regions.
- Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations..
- Strange dreams due to anticipation and fear of pregnancy.
The most prominent change in pregnancy is your swelling belly. Let’s see if it shows already.
What Does A Seven-Week Pregnant Belly Look Like?
There is no visible change in the belly size during this week because the baby is still tiny and inside the pelvis.
However, in the second pregnancy, some women start showing the baby bump early because the abdominal muscles get stretched and weaker during the first pregnancy. Also, the uterus doesn’t shrink back to its original position.
If you haven’t seen an OB/ GYN yet, you may do it this week but do some homework before making an appointment.
How To Prepare For The First Appointment?
This is what you can do:
- Take all the medical records, including those related to the medications and supplements you are on. It will help the doctor to evaluate the risks of taking those medicines during pregnancy.
- If you are pregnant for the second time and had any complications in your first, then share your concerns with the doctor.
- Make a note of the LMP (last menstrual period) to help the doctor calculate your due date. If you forget or could not track your LMP due to irregular periods, then the doctor will go for an early scan to determine the age of your pregnancy.
- Pregnancy can be an emotional journey. Reach out to your loved ones for support. Join local prenatal classes or online communities where you can share your experiences and receive guidance.
Here are some questions you should ask your doctor during your prenatal visits:
- What prenatal vitamins should I take?
- Are there any specific tests I should expect in the coming weeks?
- How can I manage my symptoms effectively?
So, what do you see in an ultrasound scan this week?
Ultrasound Scan In The Seventh Week
An early scan between the sixth and tenth weeks is called viability or dating scan. The reasons for an early scan include:
- Ruling out any chances of ectopic pregnancy to confirm that the gestational saciThe first structure to form in pregnancy, containing amniotic fluid and surrounding the fetus is appropriately located inside the uterus.
- Confirming the number of sacs to know if it is a singleton or multiple pregnancy
- Checking the pregnancy viability by tracking the fetal heartbeat
- Tracking the fetal heart rate
- Assessing the gestational age
- Checking the viability of the fetus if the complaint is spotting or bleeding associated with any pain
Image: Shutterstock
A seventh-week ultrasound helps you see the heart of your baby flickering, indicating the heartbeat. The presence of heartbeat reduces the chances of miscarriage to 5%.
The separation between the embryo and the yolk sac this week can be clearly seen during the scan.
Your OB/GYN Visit
Your OB/GYN visit will include a check-up for
- Weight, height
- Blood pressure
- Blood investigations
- Any health issues, if you have
Your doctor will explain the importance of nutritional and physical care. They may also advise you to change your lifestyle if you smoke or consume alcohol.
Nutrition And Wellness At 7 Weeks Pregnancy
A healthy diet and regular exercising are essential during pregnancy
. Here are some wellness and nutritional tips you can follow during the seventh week.
Exercise
Image: Shutterstock
Seek your doctor’s approval before you begin any exercise during pregnancy.
- A daily walk for 30 minutes or more is a moderate physical activity you can start with.
- Yoga is beneficial, but do it under expert supervision.
Nutrition
- Increase iron rich foods: Due to the increased demand for blood supply, you can be at a risk of anemia (caused due to iron deficiency). Include iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beef, and nuts in your diet.
- Take some prenatal supplements: Take them as prescribed by your doctor. They help you meet the recommended daily allowance of essential nutrients such as folic acid, B complex vitamins and vital
Note: Prenatal supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet.
Quick factFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is toxoplasmosis and how can I avoid it?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection you might contract by eating undercooked or raw meat or by touching cat feces. Since the immunity during pregnancy is suppressed, you can get this infection easily. Therefore, eat well-cooked food and avoid cleaning your cat’s litter during pregnancy (7) .
2. Does doing too many activities lead to a miscarriage?
No, activities like exercises and sexual intercourse do not pose risk of miscarriage provided they are done safely and carefully and no added previous risks are present.
3. What are the risks involved during the seventh week?
Some pregnant women are susceptible to the below two risks:
i. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg attaches itself outside the uterus (8). The place of implantation can be the fallopian tube, cervix, ovary or the cornua. The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are almost similar to those of a normal pregnancy at the beginning but become severe later.
You are at the risk of ectopic pregnancy if you:
- had an ectopic pregnancy previously
- have pelvic inflammatory disease
- had surgery on your fallopian tubes
- had IVF treatment
ii. Miscarriage
During the seventh week, a miscarriage could happen due to any underlying health issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidismiOverproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland , hypothyroidismi A condition when the thyroid glands produce does not produce enough thyroid hormones or uterine problems, an unhealthy lifestyle or blighted ovumiWhen the fertilized egg doesn't grow into the embryo after implantation and causes a miscarriage in the first trimester .
An early miscarriage can take place even before the woman knows about her pregnancy. Around 10-20% of women are susceptible to early miscarriages (9).
4. How can I manage my stress levels during the 7th week of pregnancy?
Delegating tasks, practicing prenatal yoga or meditation for relaxation, and enrolling in childbirth education courses are ways to reduce stress. Taking a break from work to relax and seeking support from social workers to alleviate financial or other stressors may also help (10). Prenatal massage can also be helpful, but it should be avoided during the first trimester (11).
5. What is the average pregnancy weight gain during the 7th week?
Pregnant women usually put on 25 to 35 pounds. In the first three months, they gain about 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 2 kilograms). From then on, gaining 1 pound per week until delivery is considered normal. Nevertheless, the amount of weight gain varies among women (12).
The 7th-week pregnancy is when the embryo is about a blueberry size and attains a human-like structure. Mothers begin to experience pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting from the 7th week of gestation. It is the phase when you start to experience body changes such as pregnancy glow and increased breast size. The symptoms can be similar for twin and multiple pregnancies. There won’t be any visible increase in belly size at this time. Despite your pregnancy being in the early stages, remember to take good care of your health and eat well.
Infographic: Notable Aspects Of The Seventh-Week Ultrasound Scan
Being seven weeks pregnant means you’ll soon be entering your final month of the first trimester. You may also have your ultrasound scan this week. Look at the infographic below to know what the ultrasound scan may entail during the seventh week of pregnancy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: 7th Week Pregnancy Symptoms Baby Development And Tips
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Welcome to your 7th week of pregnancy! Learn about the exciting changes happening in your body and baby’s development, and what more can you expect during this week of gestation.
Personal Experience: Sources
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. 7 week pregnancy update | Baby #3;https://youtu.be/CCgSvLdfDM4?si=B3dELKJfFeucCX0T
ii. 7 week pregnancy update| New symptoms;
https://youtu.be/PS-19KDULBA?si=6wF_mHp7-3KIKPTd
References
- Week 7.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week7.html - Week 7 of pregnancy (Days 49-55).
https://www.thebirthcompany.co.uk/pregnancy-week-seven.php - Fetal Growth And Development.
https://doh.sd.gov/media/bnemplje/fetal.pdf - Prenatal Form and Function – The Making of an Earth Suit.
https://www.ehd.org/dev_article_unit8.php - Gastrointestinal Tract – Intestine Development.
https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Gastrointestinal_Tract_-_Intestine_Development#Week_7 - Nutrition During Pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy - About Toxoplasmosis
https://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/about/index.html - Symptoms: Ectopic pregnancy.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms/ - What are the signs of early miscarriage?
https://health.ucdavis.edu/obgyn/services/family-planning/early_miscarriage.html - Stress and pregnancy
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/stress-and-pregnancy - Is massage safe during pregnancy?
https://utswmed.org/medblog/massage-pregnancy-guidelines/ - Managing your weight gain during pregnancy
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000603.htm
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