7 Weeks Pregnant: A Time of Transformation
Lucy Woodbridge
Reading Time: | Word Count:
Seven weeks pregnant
At 7 weeks, your baby is about the size of a blueberry – tiny but mighty! Measuring around 10mm from head to bottom, your little one is hard at work growing and developing.
7 weeks pregnant: when are you actually due?
Due dates are only an estimate. Statistically, 96% are incorrect. If you are currently 7 weeks pregnant then you are due in approximatley 33 weeks or 231 days. Due dates are calculated on 40 weeks of pregnancy but your baby might be born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Some are born earlier and some later. Put simply, labour happens when your body and baby are ready!
Use our pregnancy calculator to work out when you might be due.
Your baby’s development at 7 weeks
Organ and system development
This week, your uterus is like a tiny construction site. Your baby’s facial features are developing fast; you might not see them yet, but those tiny nostrils and the beginnings of eye lenses are taking shape.
Their brain is also evolving – in fact, it’s growing so quickly that your baby’s head is a bit out of proportion compared to the rest of their body. And although the outer ears aren’t yet visible, the inner ears are starting to develop.
Your baby’s gender will have been determined at conception, but there’s no way of knowing just yet. Meanwhile, their heart is already beating and a tiny face is starting to appear!
Limb development
Your baby’s arms and legs are making progress, too. Cartilage is forming in the limb buds, which will eventually turn into bones. The arm buds are flattening out into small paddles that will evolve into hands by around week 8.
At this stage, your baby’s nervous system is developing fast, with nerve cells multiplying and connecting with their brain. These connections are essential for future brain activity, supporting everything from basic reflexes to more complex thoughts and emotions. The foundation for your baby’s senses, including sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing, is also starting to form.
Heartbeat
One of the most thrilling milestones this week is the detection of your baby’s heartbeat. With a rate about twice as fast as yours, it might even be visible on an early 7 week ultrasound!
Your body at 7 weeks pregnant
Physical changes
By week 7, your uterus has now grown to the size of a lemon, and you might notice some bloating or discomfort. While you won’t be showing yet, you might feel more tired and experience some nausea. Your breasts may also be feeling a bit tender.
Hormonal changes
The increase in hormones like hCG and progesterone is essential for maintaining your pregnancy, but can bring on a range of side-effects. In these early weeks be sure to listen to your body and give yourself permission to rest.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 7 weeks
Nausea and morning sickness
Even though it’s called “morning” sickness, it might surprise you by showing up in the afternoon or evening. Try eating small, frequent meals and sipping ginger tea or nibbling ginger biscuits. They might not be a total cure, but they can help!
Fatigue
Feeling unusually exhausted is pretty common during week 7. Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and this can make you feel like you need a nap every few hours. It’s okay to take it easy – self-care is your friend right now.
Breast changes
Tender, swollen breasts are part of the package deal at this stage. Hormones are preparing your body for breastfeeding, and a comfy bra can make a huge difference. Consider investing in one that makes you feel secure and supported.
Food aversions and cravings
You might find that your taste buds are acting out at the moment! Cravings or aversions to certain foods are really common. Eat what feels right to you – there’s no need to force something down that you don’t fancy.
Frequent urination
With your growing uterus putting pressure on your bladder, you might find yourself needing to wee a bit more often than usual. This is a normal part of pregnancy, albeit rather inconvenient. Try to stay patient with your bladder and remember that this phase will pass.
Emotional changes
The surging hormones can bring on some emotional moments, but remember that it’s all part of the process. Be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or a counsellor if necessary.
Managing symptoms at week 7
Diet and hydration
Eating small, frequent meals and staying hydrated can help manage nausea. Ginger biscuits and plenty of fluids might provide some relief. Remember, it’s okay to indulge in what helps you feel better.
Rest
Take note of your body’s signals and get as much rest as you need. If you’re feeling particularly tired, it’s perfectly fine to tweak your daily routine and talk to your employer about reasonable adjustments at work.
Emotional support
Seek out support from your loved ones or a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Pregnancy can be a lot to handle, and having a support network can be a total game-changer when it comes to your mental health.
In conclusion
Week 7 is a period of big change for both you and your baby. As your little one continues to grow and your body adapts to keep up, make sure that you’re checking in with yourself regularly. It’s important to recognise and manage any new symptoms and feelings that come with this stage. Support is available whenever you need it!
Be sure to check out the Butterbean knowledge hub for your week by week guide to pregnancy plus lots more from birth to babe in arms. Did you know we also have courses? Check out our multi award-winning hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga courses today!
for birth!
You play a key role in birth, no matter how you plan on doing it. Don’t go in blind, prepare for birth with our multi-award-winning birth prep course ‘Prepare my Mind’. We offer a no strings attached taster that you can try in your own time – for free!
Sign up below to get started today if you want to understand the process of labour and how it might feel so that you can give birth with confidence!