7 Weeks Pregnant

What Happens During the Seventh Week of Pregnancy?

As you already know, your body and your baby are both undergoing a lot of changes. They include the development of your little one's brain to increase the size of your uterus.

Hormonal Changes

Similar to the previous week, your hormones could take you on a ride. The rise in HCG hormone would result in frequent urination because of the increase in the blood flow to your pelvic area. Since your body is busy creating the placenta, it could result in fatigue, and you might feel tired. Hence, it is best to have small meals more often. Other than that, your breasts would feel tender, and you might sense pain in your breasts. It is also a result of the hormonal changes taking place in you.

You might notice blue veins on your breasts. They act as agents of transferring the nutrients required for your little one after delivery. Here, the hormones estrogen and progesterone come into play.

Other than that, you might feel a sense of excessive salivation, and your mouth would have a metallic taste. Salivation happens as a way to protect your mouth from the increase of stomach acids. However, it would subside as you step into the second trimester.

During this time, you might feel heartburn and indigestion as well. It occurs due to the increase in the production of relaxin and progesterone. These hormones can relax the smooth muscle tissues, which include those present in the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, when you have specific food items that are spicy or caffeinated, it would result in a burning sensation in your stomach.

Apart from this, you might feel bloating, have headaches. Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day, could impact you these days. However, these issues would start to pass by as you enter into the twelfth or fourteenth week. You can always speak with your OB-GYN or midwife if you find it challenging to get around your day. They could guide you in reducing these concerns, either via medications or by bringing in lifestyle changes. In a nutshell, hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and HCG can play a drastic role during your seventh week of pregnancy.

Bodily Changes

Even though you are pregnant, you may not notice any specific bodily changes. During this time, your baby bump may or may not be visible. It is because, in most cases, you would start showing your belly only when you reach your twelfth week of pregnancy. Hence, it is normal. But, if you were pregnant previously, you would start showing a belly because of the stretching of your uterus. However, internally, there are a lot of transformations happening during the seventh week of pregnancy.

The size of your uterus would have doubled, which is a drastic change taking place in you. Other than that, the umbilical cord will be forming, which would help in transporting the required nutrients to your baby. It will also assist in removing waste materials and keep your little one nourished. As mentioned above, these bodily changes coupled with the hormones could lead to nausea, fatigue, and other pregnancy symptoms.

In this week, your breast would grow, and fat would be building up as well. Due to this, you would notice that your nipples are sticking out. Other than that, there would be growth in the areola, which would start to gain a deeper color. Here, you might see little spots too. The sebaceous glands would be providing the required lubricants to the areola. These changes are ways of preparing yourself when your baby is born.

Fetal Development

As you step into the sixth week of pregnancy, your baby is 10 mm long from its head to bottom. During this time, your baby's brain is developing at a rapid pace. Because of this, the head is larger than the other body parts of your child.

Here, the nose, ears, and eyelids would also be growing. Other than that, your baby's limb buds would develop cartilage, which will help in the formation of your kid's legs and arms.

Earlier, there was no rhythm in your baby's heartbeat. However, now, this has changed, and your baby's heart would be beating rhythmically. Besides that, your kid's liver is in its early stage of formation, and your baby would start producing RBC as well. With the permanent kidneys developing in your little one, your baby would soon form urine.

The pee from your child would become a part of the amniotic fluid. It would get removed from your body over the span of the upcoming months. Even though it is early for an ultrasound, you can get one if your doctor recommends it. If you have one, you could notice tiny fingers and toes forming in your bundle of joy.

Tips to Take Care of Yourself During Your Seventh Week

Every week of pregnancy is significant, and you have to take care of yourself. As part of doing it, you would have to focus on your diet and your lifestyle. Here are a few tips that can help you during your seventh week of pregnancy.

Having a Healthy Diet

One of the myths associated with pregnancy is stating that the mother has to eat for two. However, it is wrong and can be dangerous as it can lead to health issues, such as high blood pressure. Hence, it is best to stick to a balanced diet, which includes fruits and vegetables. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of fluids and water to reduce the chances of getting dehydrated. Since you could be nauseous, avoiding processed and salty food items can also be beneficial for you.

Other than that, you have to take 400 mg of folic acid every day in your diet. You need to do so till your 12th week of pregnancy as it might help in reducing the chances of developing conditions like Spina Bifida. You should have prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your medical practitioner. Ensure that you have your daily intake of Vitamin D as well.

You would have cravings, which is something you might find challenging to control. However, it will be beneficial for you if you have healthy cravings for things like fruits and vegetables. But, if you have cravings for an unhealthy food item, you can opt for a healthy item close to your craving.

If you crave substances other than food, it is best to speak with your medical practitioner. They can include ashes, clay, or any other materials, which happens due to nutrient deficiency. You must take care of this issue with the guidance of your medical practitioner.

Exercising

The recommended duration for exercising is 150 minutes per week. However, you can reduce it based on your health condition. By the seventh week, it is best to avoid exercises that focus your back. Other than that, if poses affecting your balance are there in your workout, it can be risky for your abdomen region. Besides that, it will be helpful for you to stay clear of exercises that involve holding your breath.

When it comes to exercises that you can do, brisk walking is an excellent option. If you are into intense workouts, you can speak with your doctor and include them accordingly in your routine.

Pampering Yourself

Since you would be suffering from morning sickness and creating another human being, taking care of yourself is essential. You can always seek help from your loved ones and even take naps when you feel tired. You have to take care of your dental health as well. Hence, don't forget to visit your dentist and take the necessary assistance.

There are chances of feeling anxious, stressed, or low during your pregnancy. You can always seek professional help by speaking with your OB-GYN or midwife. You can gain support from your partner, family members, or friends as well. Spending quality time with them could help you with the challenges you have.

Speaking with Your Doctor

Getting an appointment with your medical practitioner and meeting with your doctor can be helpful in many ways. You can receive expert advice, which would assist you in staying healthy while you are pregnant. If you have any other medical conditions, you have to provide the details to your doctor.