7th week of pregnancy

How big is your baby

By the end of week 7 your baby is approximately 11-13 mm in length and weighs about0.03 ounces.

Baby’s growth and development

By week 7 of pregnancy your baby has some amazing growth developments.
The arm and leg buds are longer and have divided into potions where the hands and fingers and feet and toes will begin to be formed.
Your baby’s trunk becomes longer and straightens.
The heart is formed and developed into the right and left chambers and has started pumping fluid and your baby’s first red blood cells are formed.
Eyes look like dark spots and eyelids begin toform.
The nose continues to develop and tongue begins to form.
The brain hemispheres continue to develop and the pituitary gland is being formed in the middle of the brain.
Also the cerebral cortex , which is the brain’s part directing intellect and motor activity, can be visible now.
The stomach and digestive tract begins to form.
The ducts to the liver and spleen are forming.
The kidneys begin to form, baby’s abdomen is developing fast ,pancreas and appendix are also formed.
The umbilical cord is clearly visible.

MOTHER’S DEVELOPMENT

(a) How you may feel

The cervical mucus is becoming thicker and it will form a plug in the cervical canal. This plug seals the cervix throughout your pregnancy and will be expelled just before you deliver the baby, when the cervix begins to dilate.

(b) Common Problems

Your pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, breasts tenderness, mood swings continue to be with you.

(c) Weight gain

You have not gained much weight – around only one or two pounds. You really don’t look pregnant yet, but some mothers may just notice a small pooch in their lower abdomen.

TIPS

(a) Safe exercises

Walking is the best activity for you as it is safe, easy to do, and improves your cardiovascular fitness.
Low-impact aerobics classes which are for pregnant women.
Swimming is a good exercise as it uses your entire body and puts less strain on your joints.
Prenatal yoga and stretching help in easing your tension and keep you flexible and strong.

(b) Activities to avoid

Please avoid high-risk sports, such as scuba diving, and other activities which could lead to hard falls, such as waterskiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and horse riding.
Bike riding, should also be avoided, especially during your second and third trimesters. Experts say that during this time your balance isn't what it usually is, making falls more likely.
Don’t run, although slow jogging is still fine.
Avoid sit-ups and other exercises in which you have to lie flat on your back, as they could make you feel dizzy and could also decrease the blood flow to your baby.
Also avoid weight lifting and other exercises that make you stand in one place for long time, as these can also decrease the blood flow to your baby. So keep moving around by changing your position.
Prenatal visit to your Doctor at Week 7 of Pregnancy
Your doctor will check your blood pressure, weight, measure your abdomen, check your baby's heartbeat, position of the baby, and look for any complications if you have.
Your doctor may explain you the expected changes and the warning signs to look for in your pregnancy before your next visit.
Your doctor will ask you to have a balanced diet which gives you and your baby good nutrition.
He would also discuss about some optional tests you may go for.