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Pregnancy

      7 Weeks Pregnant: Pregnancy Symptoms & Baby Development

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      7 Weeks Pregnant: Pregnancy Symptoms & Baby Development

      Read time: 4 minutes

       

      7 weeks pregnant is how many months?

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      Month 2 (Trimester 1)

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      Baby development at 7 weeks

      Your baby’s arm buds are emerging and flat, paddle-like hands are forming. 

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      Iodine

      Discover why you might want to consider taking a daily Iodine supplement. 

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      Eat well

      Feed your baby's future with a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet.

      Baby development at 7 weeks

      Foetus Pregnancy Week 7

       

      What does my baby look like? And, what size is my baby?

      At 7 weeks pregnant, your baby measures anywhere between 4mm and 10mm long and is roughly the size of a  blueberry. They are developing a more baby-like appearance, with arms buds becoming longer, and flat, paddle-like hands emerging.

      At this stage, your baby’s head is growing faster than their body; a reflection of the rapid and intense brain growth that’s happening. Their heart is also developing, and has divided into distinct right and left chambers. At the same time, air passages are starting to form within the lungs – these will eventually grow into a more complex network of bronchi.

      If you were able to see your baby’s face, you’d be able to spot two tiny nostrils. Their mouth is taking shape too, with lips, a tongue and tooth buds appearing. Meanwhile, their eyes and inner ear structures continue to develop, although it will be some time before these function properly.

      Pregnancy at 7 weeks (first trimester)

      What’s happening in my body?

      While it’s common to feel a little bloated at 7 weeks pregnant, it’s unlikely that you’ll look pregnant, or see any signs of a bump yet. 

      Early pregnancy symptoms at 7 weeks

      Hyperemesis Gravidarum

      Early pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person. At 7 weeks, you may experience any of the following signs of pregnancy, or no symptoms at all:

      Your breasts may become larger and feel sore. You may also find your nipples stick out more than usual and darken in colour as your body begins to prepare for breastfeeding. 

      During the first 12 weeks, hormonal changes can leave you feeling tired or exhausted. 

      Morning sickness affects up to 80% of mums-to-be in the first trimester. It can strike at any time of the day or night and varies from mild nausea to sickness throughout the day.

      The pregnancy hormone progesterone slows down your digestion which can lead to bloating and excess gas.

      Light cramping and spotting are common in the early stages of pregnancy. If the pain becomes severe (stronger than period cramps) or if bleeding becomes heavy, you should talk to your GP.

      Frequent trips to the bathroom are one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy, as your growing uterus begins to put pressure on your bladder.

      Pregnancy hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, soar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, affecting how you’re feeling emotionally. Get plenty of rest and light exercise to keep you feeling like yourself.

       

      Focus on iodine

      Iodine is a trace mineral found in foods like fish, milk and cheese and is important for healthy brain development. Despite being present in many foods, a scientific study found that iodine deficiency is a public health concern. If you’re not sure you’re getting sufficient levels of iodine, talk to your GP or midwife about taking an iodine supplement.

      If you're not sure you're getting sufficient levels of iodine, talk to your GP or midwife about taking an idodine supplement.

      Blackberry Raspberry Yoghurt Pots

      Replacing your regular salt with an iodised version is a great way to increase your iodine intake. You can also boost your iodine levels by including the following foods in your diet.

      • Haddock
      • Cod
      • Prawns and other pregnancy safe seafood (make sure they are cooked)
      • Milk
      • Yoghurt
      • Seaweed
      learn more about iodine

      THE
      SCIENCE
      BEHIND

      IODINE

       

      Iodine helps make the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones assist in regulating your metabolism and keeping cells healthy. Iodine has also been shown to contribute to normal cognitive function. Scientific studies have led experts to believe that iodine may be more important in pregnancy than was previously thought.

      The current recommended daily intake (RNI) of iodine for women during pregnancy  is 0.13mg. Maintaining an adequate intake during pregnancy will support normal growth in your baby, as well as helping to regulate your own thyroid hormones.

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      How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

       

      Weight gain during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, and varies a great deal from mother to mother. Most women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22–28lb) while pregnant, some of which is the weight of the growing baby. Learn everything you need to know about weight gain in pregnancy.

      LEARN MORE
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      Your baby's future health begins here

      Your baby's future health begins here

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      each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your
      baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one
      round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

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      Questions about feeding and nutrition?

      Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.

      Your baby, this week

      Discover the science behind your baby's developments, week-by-week

      Join now for free

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