What to expect at 7 weeks pregnant

Dr Christine Catling

Dr Christine Catling, a midwife for over 25 years, is the Director of Midwifery Studies at UTS. She believes research, innovation and good quality midwifery are pivotal to the well-being of mothers and young families. Christine has extensive experience in antenatal education, policy development and research, and has published on workforce issues, homebirth, vaginal birth...

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Created on Oct 11, 2023 · 2 mins read

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In this article

This week your baby is about 1.2 cm long and still hasn’t quite hit the 1 gram mark yet but it has almost doubled in size in just a week. The little face is also continuing 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 starting to form their functions that will keep your baby alive and healthy.

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How you’re feeling

Whilst you’re still most likely not showing from the outside yet, your uterus has actually doubled in size by now. This also means you’re probably needing to pee ALL THE TIME. This is thanks to your kidneys working overtime for your baby, your wonderful hormones as well as the increased blood flow going on inside you right now.

This should ease off somewhat in the second trimester but it will definitely come back in the third as your baby grows and puts pressure on your bladder.

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, which is again very common, but do let your doctor or midwife know so they can monitor it as it can also be a sign of something more serious.

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Weekly tip

If you are suffering from morning sickness then you’ll likely be struggling to eat healthily – if at all. There are a number of 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 that 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 have been vomiting, so get in the habit of always taking a water bottle with you when you’re out and about.

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