Preg Med

Pregnancy Articles

7 Weeks Pregnant

Development of Your Baby during Pregnancy Week 7

The baby still looks like a tadpole as a tiny tail (extension of the tailbone) is still there; but, it is retrieving fast and will disappear within a few weeks [3].

Sensory organs and facial development: The lens and retina attaches themselves as the eyes develop. The jaw, mouth, lips, teeth, tongue [4] and the tip of the nose also begin developing at this stage while tiny veins start to grow beneath the thin skin layers [3]. The inner ears continue their development from the previous week.

Internal organ and system development: This is also the week when the liver begins producing red blood cells until the bone marrow is mature enough to take over the job. The appendix and pancreas begins to form, which will later produce insulin hormone to help in digestion. A part of the growing intestine connects to the umbilical cord for carrying oxygen and nutrients through the blood vessels in the area [5]. The sex glands also start to form; however, it is still too early to see whether it is a boy or girl on an ultrasound picture [4]. The kidneys are already in place and will soon begin to produce urine which will form a significant portion of amniotic fluid.

week 7

Growth of the arms and the legs: The limb buds start to flatten and form cartilage (which will later turn into bones) [1], preparing to grow the hands, foot, fingers and toes. The elbows start to develop with the lengthening of the limb buds or arms [2].

Nervous System Development: Your baby’s nervous system continues to grow [1] as about 100 nerve cells are developing every minute [4]. The forebrain divides into two parts which will later form the cerebral hemispheres [6]

How Big is the Baby?

At the seventh week of growth, the embryo is about 1.25 cm long (crown-rump length) [1] – almost as big as a cherry [2].

What Happens in Your Body during Pregnancy Week 7?

Most women are likely to gain some weight by this time while those suffering from severe morning sickness may even lose some weight. Your clothes may start getting a bit tight [7], especially around the waist. Although, it is too early to start wearing maternity clothes, you may pick some loose clothing to stay comfortable. Fuller legs and breasts are other body changes occurring during the seventh week (the breasts become larger as the body prepares to produce breast-milk for the future baby) [8]

Another major change occurring during this period is the formation of the mucus plug in the cervical canal opening to keep the uterus safely sealed. This mucus plug automatically dissolves when you approach labor and childbirth [9]

What Does 7 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

A pelvic exam will show an increased size of the uterus [10] but, the baby is still too small for you to start showing. However, some women may have increased belly size due to extreme bloating.

Pregnancy Week 7 ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound scan performed during this stage shows two black dots partially covered by folds of eyelids, which will later form the baby’s eyes [11]. Your doctor may be able to hear and see the heartbeat on an ultrasound and show it to you as well [3].

7 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound Picture

You may be asked to have another test in a week in case of irregular or no heartbeat. Ultrasound pictures also show the head to be disproportionately larger compared to the body due to the rapid brain development [6].

What are the Symptoms of being 7 Weeks Pregnant?

Most women continue to experience the common early pregnancy symptoms while it is also normal to have few or no symptoms [3]. The emotional symptoms (depression and mood swings) may worsen during this week. The symptoms of nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), heartburn, gas, menstrual-like mild abdominal cramping, diarrhea/constipation (due to high progesterone levels), queasiness [12], food aversions or cravings, headache, dizziness and lower back pain may be accompanied by:

  • Extreme exhaustion or fatigue [13]
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling out of breath
  • Excessive thirst [14] and dry mouth [15] (may indicate gestational diabetes)
  • Frequent urination (as the high hCG levels increase the blood circulation to the pelvic area, requiring the kidneys to work extra-hard)
  • Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Clear mucus discharge
  • Excessive saliva production [19]
  • Hot flashes (due to the additional blood circulation) [4]
  • Trouble sleeping (usually due to the pregnancy hormones leading to restless leg syndrome)
  • Leg and joint pain [18]

The symptom of morning sickness is likely to be comparatively severe in women carrying twins due to higher pregnancy hormone levels.

When to Call the Doctor?

Watch out for the following symptoms as they may indicate certain complications such as a yeast infection, kidney infection, ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Passing blood clots
  • Severe lower abdominal cramping (on one or both sides)
  • Sharp lower back pain
  • Vomiting more than 3 times a day [20]
  • Fever running for more than 24-36 hours
  • Yellow or brown mucus discharge [16]
  • Rapid weight loss [20]

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy and Baby