Information About 7th Week of Pregnancy
You are seven weeks pregnant. You are half way through you first trimester. You probably haven’t started showing yet but your clothes may be getting a little less comfortable. At this point in your pregnancy you probably haven’t gained very much weight and unless you are underweight you really don’t need to. During the first trimester you only need to gain a couple pounds.
During the second and third trimesters you will be picking up weight at a much faster pace. You may be wanting to keep an eye on your weight during your pregnancy. Pregnancy is not the time to diet, but there are some things you can do to look and feel great during your pregnancy. This week’s newsletter will give you some tips for staying healthy as well as inspire you to love your pregnant body.
Baby’s Development
At week seven of pregnancy, the baby should be about 0.44 to 0.52 inches. In this week of pregnancy, the baby will start developing hair, nipple follicles as well as the eyelids and tongue. You will start to see the little elbows and toes starting to take shape. The placenta starts to become visible by now. The internal organs are already forming and the heart has started beating so on the sonogram you may be able to hear it.
The baby is now able to float around through the amniotic sac and the umbilical cord is starting to grow as well. The baby’s nerves and muscles will start forming and the reflexes are starting to show. The lungs are developing more and more everyday. These are great changes and developments but the baby can only grow with your help. Stay on the right path, eat right, take your vitamins and get plenty of sleep.
As the weeks go on, you will start to see the grow and the development of the baby and that is due in part to your good eating habits and also in the way you have been taking care of yourself.
How Your Life’s Changing
You may not look or even feel pregnant, but your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing baby. Before pregnancy it was the size of a clenched fist; now it’s as big as a grapefruit. As it grows you may feel some abdominal cramping and mild twinges.
In early pregnancy many women feel as if they are on an emotional rollercoaster – ecstatic to be pregnant one moment only to be in tears at the prospect of parenthood the next. The silliest things can set you off but you and your partner will be relieved to know that it’s very common to have mood swings at this stage. A combination of surging hormones and worries about pregnancy and parenthood can also result in vivid dreams or insomnia. Try to relax and take time to unwind – it’ll be good practice for the months to come. Though they’re unsettling, emotional ups and downs can persist throughout your pregnancy and well after your baby’s born so accept that you’re bound to feel fragile occasionally.
As many as two in five pregnancies won’t go much beyond this stage because they end in miscarriage: the first sign is usually vaginal bleeding. This can be devastating when you’ve got used to the idea that you’re pregnant. Your GP can deal with the physical aspects but try talking it over with your partner, who’ll also be deeply affected, and with other women – you’ll be surprised how many have had the same experience. Find out why miscarriage happens and talk to others who have been through it.
Tips For Looking During Pregnancy
Healthy Eating
Try to eat a healthy diet that contains whole grains, lean meats (or other foods high in protein), fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy items. Try to avoid processed foods, canned meats, and certain fish containing mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish). Exercise – Regular exercise will help you feel better and look better during your pregnancy. It will also help you to prepare for labor. Talk with your doctor about what exercises are safe during pregnancy. Walking and swimming are generally good for pregnant moms.
Rest
Make sure you are getting enough sleep. You will probably be more tired than normal during your pregnancy. Try taking a nap during the day or resting after you come home from work. At night try to sleep on your left side. This will help with blood circulation to the placenta.
Don’t Smoke Or Drink Alcohol
This might seem like a no-brainer but approximately 11% of women smoke during pregnancy and up to 12% of women have admitted to drinking at least one drink during pregnancy. Smoking increases your risk of having a low birth weight baby, placental problems, and premature labor. Alcohol is known to cause physical and mental birth defects. Even light drinking can be dangerous to your baby. It is best to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.
Don’t Be Afraid To Call Your Doctor
If something doesn’t feel right or you are worried, don’t be afraid to call. Your doctor’s office is used to answering questions.
Tips/Advice
You are still able to do everything you are doing now. There are really no restrictions at this stage of pregnancy. You will be getting ready for the next doctors visit. There will be blood tests that have to be performed to help monitor your pregnancy and your health.
Remember that your health and the health of the baby comes first. If you need to slow down and work less or sit down and eat a complete meal, then do so. Take your vitamins and drink plenty of fluids. Try to stay away from coffee or drinks with a lot of caffeine. Juices and flavored waters are ok. Cut back on snacking on heavy salted food like potato chips, they can actually contribute to the nausea.
If you need help in developing a meal plan or you want to know what are the right kind of snacks to eat. Ask your doctor to help you; there are plenty of websites online that can help you create your own plan if that is easier for you to stick to.
