7 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, tips, and baby development

Time for your weekly uterus update! At 7 weeks pregnant, a whole lot is going on the inside. (And while big changes are happening in your womb, you may still not be showing.)

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But here’s a heads-up from the cosy confines of your uterus: your tiny tenant is settling in well.

They’re about 1.2 cm long and have almost doubled in size in just a week. The little face is starting to form, with lips and a tongue now visible and eyes appearing as dark spots under the translucent skin.

And remember those buds that were forming the arms and legs last week?

Well, they’re growing too and even starting to form the early stages of hands and feet at the ends.

The brain, liver, appendix, pancreas and intestines are all still growing and developing functions that will keep your baby alive and healthy.

Your pregnancy at 7 weeks

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While your baby may only be about the size of a blueberry, roughly half an inch long, they are growing rapidly. The heart is almost done and is now beating, along with the placenta and the amniotic sac.

Your baby-to-be is no less than a superhero with webbed hands and feet and limb buds, which will soon develop into proper limbs that can move about. The mucus plug also comes into place during this time, to protect your womb and your little berry against outside bacteria. (Think of the plug as a shield.)

Your growing baby’s hard at work: developing facial features, along with their tongue.

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How you’re feeling

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While you may look the same on the outside, your insides have changed quite a bit.

For one, your uterus has doubled in size, which explains that constant need to pee. You just went, well, it’s time to go again! It’s just that, with the increased blood flow and hormone levels, your kidneys are being forced to work overtime.

But. the good news is that this should ease down somewhat in the second trimester.

You might be now experiencing the full myriad of pregnancy symptoms and feeling quite rough – or you might not be experiencing any at all, which is completely normal too.

Some women also experience spotting or bleeding and/or cramping in these early weeks. While this is common, inform your doctor or midwife so they can monitor it.

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Week 7: Early pregnancy symptoms

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It’s best to get used to the lingering nauseating feeling in your first trimester since it probably won’t go away any time before the second trimester. While morning sickness may be your constant companion this week as well, here are a few other pregnancy symptoms that can take place at 7 weeks:

1. Nausea and morning sickness (thank the pregnancy hormone hCG)

With each passing week, your pregnancy hormones, namely hCG, surge in quantity, which leads to the resulting nausea. And while it is physically and mentally exhausting, normal nausea doesn’t impact the baby.

However, excessive vomiting can cause water loss and dehydration, and impact you and your baby’s development. So, if you are unable to keep food or liquids down, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

 2. Fatigue

Time to embrace that exhaustion—consider it a warm-up for the sleepless nights ahead. Now’s the time to catch up on your sleep and take advantage of the fatigue you may be experiencing, since you won’t get any when the baby arrives. Blame those pesky pregnancy hormones (looking at you, progesterone) for turning you into a nap-loving sloth.

But hey, your body is working overtime to support your baby’s development so reward it with good quality sleep and rest- and rest. (Sleep like it’s the last season of your favourite show—binge it while you can.)

3. Frequent urination

Your bladder’s getting cosy with your expanding uterus—hence the frequent bathroom trips. On the bright side, ultrasounds will be a breeze soon since you’ll be a pro at holding it. And hey, with all that extra blood flow to the pelvic area, your bladder’s getting the full VIP treatment!

 4. Food aversions and cravings

One minute you’re craving a beef burger, the next the smell of onions has you running. Pregnancy can mess with your taste buds, turning favourites into foes. And then, hello, incomprehensible food aversions and unexpected cravings. Certain foods may even become intolerable.

Blame the hormones for your ever-changing palette, but embrace the new and even weird food combinations you suddenly seem to crave.

Also, heads up, you might also expect some metallic taste and develop a super sharp sense of smell. Weird? Yes! But totally normal.

 5. Breast changes

Your baby might be blueberry-sized, but your breasts clearly have bigger plans. Most women jump cup sizes and sure, it’s fun—but then the tingly, itchy, and sore part kicks in.

Your swollen breasts are simply preparing for breastfeeding, which means they’re getting bigger and darker, all to help your future little one find their way. It’s the one ‘perk’ in a sea of pregnancy symptoms—enjoy it while it lasts!

6. Mood swings

Between your expanding chest and constant nausea, it’s no wonder you’re feeling cranky—growing a human is exhausting. Your hormones are on a rollercoaster, so mood swings are just part of the package. But if it all feels like too much, don’t hesitate to check in with your healthcare provider. After all, who knew creating life could be so glamorous?

7. Mild cramps and spotting

Mild cramping and spotting might send you into panic mode, but in the first trimester, it’s often just your embryo getting cosy in the uterine wall. Nothing to stress over—unless the bleeding lasts for a while.

In that case, you need to let your healthcare provider know ASAP.

8. Increased saliva production

Here’s a fun fact no one mentions: pregnancy can turn you into a drool factory. (Of course, hormones are the usual suspects.)

Around 7 weeks, you might notice you’re suddenly producing enough saliva to rival a St. Bernard.

7 weeks pregnancy tips

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1. Start tracking your weight

You might not see much difference yet, but go ahead and start tracking your weight—because, surprise, you’ve probably gained a few pounds. Most of this weight gain is due to increased blood flow, the expanding uterus and the developing placenta.

Your body’s also stashing away some extra fat, to support your whole ‘growing a human’ project.

 2. Tackle nausea

If you are suffering from morning sickness, then you’ll likely be struggling to eat healthily – if at all. Several natural and pregnancy-safe remedies like ginger (ginger tea, ginger beer, or fresh ginger), mint (fresh mint or peppermint tea), lemon, and apple cider vinegar might help.

Keeping some dry, salty crackers or nuts in your bag can also help when nausea strikes. Light exercise in the fresh air (although often the last thing you feel like doing) can work wonders too.

Staying hydrated is also really important, especially if you’ve been vomiting, so get in the habit of always taking a water bottle with you when you’re out and about.

If you’re struggling, you can also look at things like acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, or meditation. Speak with your doctor about some safe over-the-counter options, or in serious cases, your doctor may prescribe you something.

3. Opt for nutrition

What you eat doesn’t just affect you—it also impacts your growing baby’s brain and body.

So stock up your fridge with nutrient-dense foods, because you’re not just eating for you anymore. Think of it as feeding your baby’s future brainpower and aim for a colourful plate of mostly unprocessed goodies with high nutritional value. Remember, fruit and veggies are now your friends!

4. Soak up the sun

Go sunbathing (safely, of course). Not only does this multi-tasking miracle up your Vitamin D (and you need it for your baby’s bones, teeth, kidneys, heart, and nervous system development) but it also boosts serotonin which leads to better sleep.

Sunlight also regulates your circadian rhythm and supports skin health. Just don’t overdo it: 15-20 minutes tops, slap on SPF 50, stay hydrated, and aim for early or late sun to avoid looking like a lobster.

 5. Engage in activity

Yes, you’re tired, cranky, and just want to nap forever, but staying active in your first trimester is important. Opt for lightweight exercise, which may seem a big deal in the beginning. Just don’t do anything wild—early pregnancy is a high-risk sport. Stick to your usual routine and save the crazy moves for later

6. Prenatal visit

If you haven’t gone in for your first prenatal visit, now may be best to do so.

A prenatal visit is crucial for ensuring you’re having a healthy pregnancy discussing your health history, and symptoms, and getting your estimated due date.

Wrapping it up

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Ah, the joys of this pregnancy week!

Early pregnancy symptoms may begin to become more profound; more bathroom trips, nausea, and bizarre food cravings. This will ease off in the second trimester, though it might make a dramatic return in the third trimester.

Spotting or cramping? Just let your doctor know and keep an eye on it. To manage the chaos, keep track of your weight, fight nausea with ginger biscuits and mint tea, stay hydrated, and eat nice and clean. A bit of sun can lift your mood and help you hit the bed earlier and sleep better. Light exercise, like walking or swimming, can also boost your energy and confidence.

It’s still too early to have a visible baby bump, so you can go about keeping your growing baby a “little” secret and cherishing the new milestone in your life.

Sources

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Better Health Channel, Pregnancy – week by week, February 2012

Raising Children, 7 weeks pregnant, November 2023

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Pregnancy at week 7, August 2022