So – how is it all going? Has it sunk it yet? Yes, you’re really pregnant!
There’s not much to show for it yet – when you’re 7 weeks pregnant your baby is less than 2cm long. And at this early stage you might not even be having morning sickness or many of the other early pregnancy signs and symptoms.
But don’t worry – loads of stuff is happening – to your baby and to your body. The placenta is active and the umbilical cord has formed. Together they are busy supplying your baby with the nutrition it needs to grow and grow and grow.
7 weeks pregnant – development guide
Your body
You may start to notice, and feel, that your breasts are becoming swollen and for some of you, tender. Hormonal changes have started the milk glands to grow in preparation for the production of milk and breastfeeding. Throughout your pregnancy, your areolas (the coloured skin surrounding the nipple) will darken in colour and you will see an increase in size, along with more pronounced veins on your breasts.
Your blood pressure can be low this week so take it easy if you feel dizzy to avoid fainting.
The placenta is active and you may begin to experience bouts of constipation due to an increase in your progesterone levels. A healthy, well-balanced diet with good fluid intake will help you to combat this throughout your pregnancy.
Your baby
Sized at approximately 1cm in length at the start of this week (from head to rump), your baby’s heart is beating at approximately 140 beats a minute.
The umbilical cord linking the baby to your womb has developed and is busy working to supply your baby with all that it needs for growth and development.
3 things to do when you’re 7 weeks pregnant
Learn about pregnancy nutrition and foods to avoid
There’s no better time than when you’re pregnant to make sure you’re eating a healthy diet. Aim to eat a wide range of nutritious foods as part of a balanced diet.
You’re also probably aware that certain foods are best avoided in pregnancy. Mostly, this is because there is an increased risk of them being contaminated and the consequences are more severe when you’re pregnant.
For example, listeria is a bacteria that can cause an infection called listeriosis . It is uncommon and will cause little or no symptoms in healthy people but in pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Lower your risk by practicing safe food hygiene and avoiding high-risk foods such as soft cheeses, soft served ice-cream and cold meats. Read this article for more details about nutrition and food safety in pregnancy.
Work out your baby’s star sign
Not sure if your baby will be a little Leo or a cutie Capricorn? Use our Baby Star Sign Calculator to find out your baby’s star sign – and Chinese Horoscope – plus a little insight into which personality traits you might expect!
Find a local pregnancy exercise class
There are a number of exercise classes specifically for pregnant women. They offer many benefits of having specially trained instructors and pregnancy-safe exercise as well as the opportunity to mix and chat with other pregnant women in your community.
This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.