Pregnancy Week 7
What to expect when you're 7 weeks pregnant
Baby development at 7 weeks pregnant
At seven weeks pregnant, you are almost at the two-month mark of your pregnancy. Only seven more months to go! You are likely not showing a bump yet and may have only told a select few people about your news.
This week, your baby has almost doubled in size since last week. Your embryo measures about 0.31 to 0.5 inches (7.87 millimeters), making it about the size of a sweetheart candy. Baby is developing quickly!
Your baby's major organs are starting to develop. Most of the growth is concentrated in the head and brain, but their heart, liver, stomach and kidneys are also developing. Those arms and legs that formed as little bumps during week six of pregnancy are now starting to develop joints.
Week 7 pregnant belly
At this point in your pregnancy journey, your body is showing the signs. Most people won’t be able to see any outward changes, but you are likely feeling the effects of pregnancy on your body by seven weeks pregnant.
Common pregnancy symptoms at 7 weeks
With the baby in full growth mode and your body starting to make changes, now is a good time to put your health front and center. This includes physical, mental and emotional health. The pregnancy signs and symptoms you experienced last week are likely still occurring. Early in your pregnancy is a good time to find ways to relax and remain comfortable.
- Frequent urination: That expanding uterus is starting to crowd your insides. During pregnancy, your bladder continues to have less and less room. This can increase the frequency of urges to use the restroom.
- Food aversion: The sight, smell or even thought of a certain food may send you over the edge. Whether you are hit with a wave of extreme nausea or sent running for the toilet, the rise in hormones is creating an uncomfortable, heightened sense of smell.
- Food craving: Conversely, you may find you are craving foods at unusual times or craving foods you’ve never been interested in before. In some cases, women crave nonfood substances like dirt, clay or paper. If you are craving any nonfood items during your pregnancy, call your health care provider. This can be a symptom of pica, which may indicate a lack of iron or zinc in your diet.
- Excess saliva: Excess saliva is another first trimester symptom that stems from the body’s response to a rise in hormones. It’s meant to protect the mouth and throat from stomach acids, but not all women notice or experience this symptom.
- Bloating: Increased progesterone in your body causes your intestinal tract to relax, which slows down digestion and can lead to bloating and gas buildup.
- Fatigue: While fatigue can plague you over the course of your pregnancy, it is most commonly felt in the first trimester — thanks again to those increased hormones, namely progesterone.
Pregnancy checklist at 7 weeks
Are you starting to feel pregnant yet? Now is a great time to purchase some comfortable clothing, perhaps with a little stretch or room to grow as you continue through your first trimester.
Reminders for
Week 7
- Prepare questions for your next prenatal visit. Do you love sushi? Are you an athlete? Now is a good time to ask what day-to-day activities you can maintain and which activities should be limited or cut out. Your first prenatal visit will take place between eight and 10 weeks pregnant.
- Drink lots of water. With the pressure on your bladder, it may seem like a good idea to limit the consumption of liquids — but that growing baby (and you!) need all the hydration they can get.
- Stop Googling. All of the answers are at our fingertips these days. However, when it comes to you and your baby, you should rely on your doctor for the answers. In most cases, a Google search can be more stressful than helpful. Jot down your questions and bring them to your next appointment.
- Practice self-care. Take care of yourself during this time. Taking a warm bath, giving in to the occasional (healthy) craving or taking time to meditate are all beneficial for you and your baby during this time.
Explore pregnancy by week
Week 6 | Week 8
