Do you want to know what to do and what not to do during your seventh week of pregnancy, along with your baby’s activities? In this article, we cover complete details about baby development and maternal activities in Pregnancy Week 7.
Table of Contents
During the seventh week of pregnancy, the embryo is in its fetal state. It’s been over one month and two weeks since the start of pregnancy, or more precisely, the beginning of the second month. Let’s discuss the development of the fetus during the pregnancy seven week. The fetal embryo is in the fetal stage during the pregnancy week 7. In terms of size, it’s about the size of a blackberry. However, compared to the pregnancy week six, its size is now approximately doubled.
Baby’s Development: Insights into Pregnancy Week 7
A new bulge is formed near the head of the embryo, where hundreds of cells are multiplying every minute, which will later develop into the brain. At this time, the embryo’s brain develops very rapidly. Therefore, the head of the embryo becomes larger compared to other parts of the body. Approximately one hundred new brain cells are formed every minute during this time. The embryo in the womb is gradually transforming into a tiny human. Additionally, skeletal formation begins during this time. The embryo is now approximately one centimeter or 10 millimeters long.
Up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s legs remain in a folded position against its abdomen. So, during this time, the length is measured from the top to the bottom of the embryo for height measurement. This is called crown-rump length. Parts of the eyes that will help it see, such as the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and retina, begin to form during the seventh week. Over the next few weeks, they will be almost fully developed.
The formation of the embryo’s palate and intestines begins. Through the intestines or digestive system, food reaches from our mouth to the palate. The liver and pancreas of the embryo also begin to form, and this week marks the beginning of the embryo’s body formation. Approximately one hundred new cells are created every minute. While the baby’s kidneys begin to form at this time, they are not yet functional. Genitalia continue to develop gradually. But it’s still too early to determine gender through ultrasound. Beside the embryo’s head, parts resembling the lobes of an ear can be seen, and eyes will form in their respective sockets.
Additionally, various structures can be seen in different parts of the body, which will develop into muscles and bones. Furthermore, several more buds will form, known as muscle buds or limb buds. Slowly, the formation of cartilage will begin in them, which will later develop into the bones of the hands and feet. As the other parts of the body rapidly grow, the leg-like part at the back of the embryo will gradually fuse together.
Understanding Common Symptoms in the Seventh Week of Pregnancy
- During the seventh week of pregnancy, all the signs of pregnancy may be visible, including nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness.
- Many pregnant women may become sensitive to smells during this time and may not be able to tolerate the smell of certain foods. Even smells they previously enjoyed may now become irritating.
- Vaginal discharge may increase in volume. It’s quite common for the frequency of thick vaginal discharge to increase during the first and last three months.
- Due to increased estrogen hormone levels and blood supply during pregnancy, there may be times when vaginal discharge becomes whitish. It’s important to wear loose-fitting clothing and maintain proper hygiene. If there is any foul odor or itching along with white discharge, immediate medical advice should be sought.
- Some behavioral changes may occur, and mothers may become more emotionally sensitive during this time.
- Excessive release of progesterone hormone during this time can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort for pregnant women. They may also experience heartburn.
- Due to the increase in hormone levels and emotional stress during pregnancy, you may suffer from insomnia during this time. This lack of sleep and increased mental pressure can make you feel exhausted. However, as you progress beyond the first three months of pregnancy, improvements in your condition are natural.
What can be done During Pregnancy Seven Week?
It’s essential to include more protein, folic acid, and iron-rich foods in the mother’s daily diet than usual. These nutrients are much needed for the growing fetus. To avoid constipation, it’s necessary to drink plenty of water. It’s advisable to drink at least two liters of water per day.
Additionally, foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and cereals should be consumed. Oily and spicy foods should be consumed in moderation, while fried and heavily spiced foods should be avoided. Taking care of dental hygiene is crucial during pregnancy. Teeth should be kept clean during this time. Bleeding gums are common during pregnancy. Therefore, dental and gum care should be initiated from the beginning. It’s necessary to brush teeth every morning and night before bed. If there are any issues with teeth or gums, consult a dentist.