You are now in the 7th week of pregnancy and your baby is developing from day to day. Vital organs are forming and your baby's brain is also growing rapidly. Your body is slowly beginning to change and the first pregnancy symptoms may appear.
Many women in the seventh week of pregnancy now feel pregnant and can't wait to see their baby in the first ultrasound. We summarize for you how your baby's development is progressing in week 7 and how big it is now. In our pregnancy calendar, you can also find out what is happening in your body and what symptoms may occur now.
SSW 7: How your baby is developing this week
If you are in the seventh week of your pregnancy, you and your baby are going through an enormously important phase. Although you are still at a very early stage, important steps in your baby's development are taking place. We summarize for you what is happening in your belly right now:
The heart muscles are starting to work
Your baby's heart is starting to beat. At around 150 beats per minute, it beats remarkably fast and strongly to cope with all the processes your baby is currently going through.
Arms and legs are growing
Your baby's arms, hands and legs are slowly taking shape. The upper limbs develop much faster than the lower limbs. However, this is not yet visible on the ultrasound.
The first organs are forming
Internal organs such as the lungs, heart and liver have already been formed and are starting to grow. You should therefore take particularly good care of yourself during this critical phase.
The face is forming
Your baby's face is slowly forming this week. The eyes are still black dots, the openings for the mouth and the nostrils are also forming.
The brain begins to grow
Your baby's brain develops particularly quickly in the first few weeks, causing the forehead to bulge. It will continue to develop after birth.
Your baby goes through numerous important developmental steps in week 7. It is even moving already. You may not be able to feel it yet, but babies in the seventh week often have lively but uncoordinated movements.
The risk of miscarriage is particularly high at this stage in the first trimester. Important organs and even the brain are developing. If malformations occur, this can have serious consequences. If you have any concerns, pain or severe anxiety, you should contact your gynecologist. An expert will be able to answer all your questions and perhaps allay some of your fears.
This is how far your baby's development has progressed in the 7th week of pregnancy
In week 7, your baby is around 6 to 8 mm in size. It no longer looks like a tadpole. Your baby's current stage of development is also known as the gummy bear stage, as the beginnings of the limbs are very reminiscent of gummy bears.
Your baby is curled up in your belly. Therefore, the size is always measured from the crown of the head to the rump. The measured values are recorded in your maternity record.
This also applies to the weight, although this cannot yet be determined in week 7 of pregnancy. It is approximately one gram. Your baby is now the size of a pea or a blueberry.
How your body changes during this phase of pregnancy
Your body is changing rapidly due to the pregnancy hormones. It is already preparing for the birth by loosening your ligaments. This may make you feel more flexible than usual.
What's more, you may now also notice your pregnancy in everyday life. You will be out of breath more quickly as a new life grows in your body. Due to the improved blood circulation, your hands and feet may be warmer than usual. You may also feel less cold.
What you probably won't notice is your growing placenta. It continues to develop from week to week to meet your baby's increasing need for nutrients and oxygen. By the seventh week of pregnancy, the placenta is about half the size it was at birth.
These symptoms are typical for week 7 of pregnancy
Although your baby is only a few millimetres in size, your pregnancy is now manifesting itself through various symptoms. These can vary from woman to woman. However, it is also perfectly normal if you don't have any real symptoms yet: every pregnancy is unique.
We summarize for you which symptoms are typical for expectant mothers in week 7 of pregnancy:
Tight breasts
Your breasts are starting to grow and prepare for breastfeeding your baby later on. Many women find this uncomfortable and complain of sore breasts.
Sensitivity to odors
Many women experience a high sensitivity to odors, especially in the first trimester. This is triggered by an old reflex that prevents expectant mothers from eating harmful foods. This can also lead to nausea.
Increased discharge
Expectant mothers often have heavier discharge. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. If you experience bleeding, however, you should consult your gynecologist.
Pregnancy cravings
Many women experience intense cravings for certain foods, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. The exact cause of this is not known. However, research assumes that this is to cover the need for certain nutrients.
Increased urge to urinate
The pregnancy hormones greatly stimulate the blood circulation in your body. This also pumps more blood through your kidneys, which triggers a frequent urge to urinate. Later, when your baby is lying on your bladder, your urge to urinate may increase again.
Tiredness
The pregnancy hormone progesterone causes increased tiredness, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. As your metabolism is stimulated at the same time, your body burns more energy and you feel much more exhausted than before. Many pregnant women also have low blood pressure.
Your pregnancy can therefore manifest itself in a wide variety of symptoms. Many expectant mothers still experience abdominal pain from time to time in week 7. A slight pulling sensation is normal at this stage and nothing to worry about.
You should pay attention to this in the seventh week of pregnancy
Your baby is currently in a very important phase of development. That's why you should take particularly good care of yourself now. There are various recommendations for pregnant women in the first trimester:
Give yourself breaks
A lot is going on in your body at the moment. In order to cope with these efforts, you should allow yourself regular breaks. Whether you take a nap during the day or go to bed earlier in the evening - listen to your gut feeling and allow yourself to relax sufficiently.
Move lightly
Light exercise in the fresh air helps many pregnant women. This stimulates your circulation. However, light sports exercises or pregnancy yoga can also be useful.
Avoid certain foods
You should avoid certain foods until the end of your pregnancy. This includes raw milk products, for example, as these contain listeria, which can be a risk for your baby. Meat should also be cooked thoroughly.
Ask your partner to clean the litter tray
If you have a cat, you should not clean the litter tray during your pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through cat feces. This infection can be harmful to your baby.
Drink enough
Although you probably suffer from frequent urination, you should make sure you drink enough. We recommend 2 to 3 liters per day. It's best to avoid sweet drinks and coffee - instead, drink water and unsweetened fruit teas.
