7 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's DevelopmentAlthough your baby’s brain development will continue long after birth, the basic sections have formed. As the week progresses, the digestive system and lungs are also developing. Tiny facial features are also starting to take shape, and each little arm now has a paddle-shaped hand attached to it. Another important development this week is the formation of the umbilical cord. This cord creates a connection between you and your developing baby throughout your pregnancy that allows nutrients and oxygen to flow between you and also eliminates your baby's waste. If you have a prenatal checkup scheduled for this week or sometime soon, and have an ultrasound exam, you may have an opportunity to see and hear something amazing: a heartbeat! Don’t worry if this isn’t in your healthcare provider's plans quite yet. In the meantime, you can get an idea of when you'll meet your little one by using our Due Date Calculator. Show
The Size of the Embryo at 7 Weeks PregnantYour little one is growing fast! At seven weeks, the embryo is about the size of a small blueberry, about 0.3 inch long. For a visual idea of how things are developing inside your uterus this week, check out this illustration: Mom's Body at 7 Weeks PregnantThe pregnancy signs and symptoms you may have experienced in the past weeks will probably continue, and some of them may become more pronounced this week. Although these symptoms can be tiring and annoying, keep in mind that you're just a few weeks away from your second trimester, when many of these symptoms may subside. One symptom you may be experiencing around this week of pregnancy is frequent urination. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume are to blame for this. Now that there's more fluid in your system, it means more for your kidneys to process, and as a result, more urine is produced. Instead of cutting back on your fluid intake, stay hydrated by drinking more water than you did before you were pregnant. Experts recommend about 10 cups of fluids per day. Healthy habits should take center stage now. Your healthcare provider may caution you about the risks of contracting toxoplasmosis, an infection that’s passed through raw or undercooked meat and cat feces. To avoid coming into contact with the germ, order your meat well done, wash your hands thoroughly after preparing meat, and take yourself off kitty litter duty for the rest of your pregnancy, if you haven’t already done so. 7 Weeks Pregnant: Your SymptomsAt seven weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:
Read our A to Z on pregnancy aches and pains so that you feel more prepared for what you may experience during the coming months. 7 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
7 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your DoctorYour prenatal visits are usually scheduled about once a month until the last two months of your pregnancy, when they will become more frequent. These regular checkups give you the perfect opportunity to ask questions and bring up concerns.
7 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Can pregnancy symptoms disappear at 7 weeks?While it's true that a loss of pregnancy symptoms can happen with a miscarriage, it's also true that symptoms can fluctuate in a normal pregnancy. If your symptoms disappear entirely before the end of the first trimester, it isn't necessarily a sign of miscarriage, but do tell your physician to be on the safe side.
Should I be worried if my morning sickness goes away at 7 weeks?A lack of morning sickness is not a symptom of miscarriage or a sign of increased risk. However, if morning sickness and other symptoms of pregnancy suddenly go away, this could be a sign of pregnancy loss.
Can I still be pregnant if my breasts aren't sore anymore?Many pregnant women experience breast changes, but plenty of others don't – and that's normal, too. It's not necessary for your breasts to grow bigger, leak, or feel sore to indicate that you're having a healthy pregnancy or that you're ready to breastfeed.
Is it normal for early pregnancy symptoms to disappear?In many normal pregnancies, some of the most common symptoms tend to fade away after the first trimester. You can imagine how great this feels for pregnant women – actually, the second trimester is considered by many to be the most enjoyable part of pregnancy!
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