Pregnancy Week 7
Baby’s Growth During the 7th Week of Pregnancy
The only thing getting smaller on your baby these days is that tail on what is still considered to be an embryo. This “tail” is really just an extension of the tailbone which will disappear within a few weeks.
Your baby has doubled in size this past week and is about the size of a blueberry – about half an inch long. Hands and feet are emerging though they probably look more like a paddle than the chunky arms and legs you’re dreaming of holding soon.
Little eyes, which already have colors, are now partially covered by eyelid folds. Both the right and left hemispheres of your baby’s brain are growing and his or her liver is creating red blood cells until bone marrow forms and takes over.
A small loop in your baby’s intestines is starting to bulge into the umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry nutrients and oxygen to and from your baby’s tiny body. An appendix and pancreas is now present which will eventually produce insulin to aid in digestion.
Just think – if you carry your baby for a full term of 40 weeks, in exactly one year, your baby will be 20 weeks, or almost 5 months, old!
Body Changes in the 7th Week of Pregnancy
In the last five weeks, your uterus has doubled its normal size – but that doesn’t mean you’re showing yet. Eating may now feel like a chore, since morning sickness may now be in full swing. If you’re feeling fine, consider yourself lucky! Your uterus will continue to grow, and as it does it will place pressure on your bladder which will have you visiting the restroom more frequently.
For some expectant moms, at this point, you may notice that your breasts have grown a full cup size. Pregnancy hormones, an increase of blood flow, and a buildup of fat have already begun for the after delivery job of breastfeeding your baby (if you so choose).
By now you have about 10% more blood than you did before you were pregnant and by the end of your pregnancy, you’ll have up to 50% more blood running through your veins to meet the demands of your full term baby.
Pregnancy Tip for Week 7
Make sure that by now you’ve scheduled your first prenatal visit with your doctor or midwife. Make sure you what to expect during your first prenatal checkup, and prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about your pregnancy.
