What happens at 7 week of pregnancy?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The 7th week of pregnancy indicates that the embryo is actively developing inside the female body. Its weight is about 0.8 grams, and the height is about 8-10 millimeters. At this stage of embryonic development, the future baby forms limbs, bronchi and lungs, the digestive system, the pancreas, the hemispheres of the brain grow and facial features begin to appear.
What happens at the 7th week of pregnancy with a woman's body? Many women may not notice anything, but for some, significant changes begin in this period, which manifest themselves both physically and psychoemotionally. There may be a slight increase in weight, or, conversely, weight loss due to severe toxemia. In addition, there may be changes in taste, a negative reaction to some smells. Often pregnant women are suffering from morning toxicosis, which can take place in a rather severe form - with nausea and vomiting.
At the physiological level, it should be noted the increase in the uterus in size, which is noticeable with gynecological examination. In its neck a slimy "cork" is formed, which performs protective functions and protects against ingress of pathogenic microorganisms and infection. A woman can notice swelling of the mammary glands, which is natural for the development of pregnancy.
It should be noted a possible increase in appetite, which is associated with the need for a pregnant body in more energy. It is important to assess the benefits of proper nutrition so that you do not gain weight in the future. In the diet it is recommended to include more vitamins (vegetables, fruits, berries, natural juices), dairy products, fish and meat.
Belly at 7 week of pregnancy
7th week of pregnancy is a very important period in the life of a future mother. Her body undergoes a number of changes, new sensations and symptoms appear. Some women seem to have a visual increase in their belly at this stage of gestation, and interpret it as one of the signs of pregnancy.
The abdomen at week 7 of pregnancy is not really growing, because the size of the uterus is quite small. Naturally, with each week it will increase in accordance with the growth of the fetus, as well as an increase in the volume of amniotic fluid, and for 4-5 months the "pregnant" tummy will become noticeable. An increase ("bloating") of the abdomen is most often associated with a decrease in its muscle tone and a violation of the activity of intestinal peristalsis under the influence of progesterone - so called. "Pregnancy hormone". Sometimes a woman may be bothered by intestinal colic, a feeling of heaviness in her stomach, heartburn. Often there are problems with the stool (frustration of the intestine or, conversely, its constipation). All these symptoms are also directly related to the "tricks" of the hormone progesterone. If problems with digestion and toxicosis strongly disturb the expectant mother, she needs a consultation of a medical specialist.
[1]
The size of the abdomen at week 7 of pregnancy
7 week of pregnancy is characterized by significant changes in the body of a woman. First of all, it is necessary to note hormonal reorganization, increase in the volume of circulating blood, gradual growth of the uterus, active development of the fetus, as well as increase in amniotic fluid and, as a consequence, the size of the stomach.
The size of the abdomen at week 7 of pregnancy usually remains the same, despite the fact that the uterus has increased 2 times since conception. In general, several factors influence the growth of the abdomen during childbearing: the intrauterine development of the fetus and its gradual increase in size, which, accordingly, affects the volume of the uterine cavity, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
The growth of the belly of a pregnant woman should strictly correspond to the rates of uterine enlargement and fetal development, since this is considered the main indicator of a healthy pregnancy. In the early stages (the first 10 weeks), when the uterus is still difficult to probe through the abdominal wall, the discrepancy between its size and the expected week of pregnancy can indicate an ectopic pregnancy, when the development of the fetal egg occurs in the fallopian tube.
The dimensions of the abdomen, in terms of parameters exceeding the gestational age, may indicate multiplicity. In this case, already at the 7th week the woman notices a significantly enlarged stomach. It should be noted that a multiple pregnancy is characterized by a number of all kinds of risks and complications.
Uterus at week 7 of pregnancy
7 week of pregnancy - a short period, but it is during this period there are many threats to the bearing of the baby. The future mother begins to notice changes in her appearance and faces many new sensations. What happens inside her body? First of all, it is necessary to note the strongest changes in the hormonal system. Naturally, the main organ - the uterus - is now constantly increasing in size and by the end of pregnancy will exceed its original size by hundreds of times!
The uterus at the 7th week of pregnancy is increased almost 2-3 times and takes the form of a large orange (in its original form the uterus has a pear-shaped form). Visually, the tummy of the pregnant woman remains unchanged (it will become visible only from the 12th week of pregnancy), but with gynecological examination it is already possible to identify the woman's pregnancy and determine its term.
It should be noted that in the first weeks, asymmetry of the uterus may occur. Thus, in a bimanual examination, a gynecologist palpates the protrusion of one part of the uterus. This is due to the growth of the fetal egg attached to a specific area of the uterus. With time, as the fetus develops, the asymmetry of the uterus passes. The process of growth of the uterus is carried out smoothly and gradually, so the future mother almost does not feel the changes in the size of this unique "house" for the baby.
Breasts 7 weeks pregnant
7 week of pregnancy - time for intensive changes and hormonal adjustment of the female body. At this stage of bearing the baby, the future mother notices various changes, both at the physiological and psychoemotional levels.
Breast at week 7 of pregnancy increases in size, it becomes even more sensitive and painful. A pregnant woman should take care of a quality bra made of natural material that will support the breast well, in no case squeeze it, and also make the mammary glands less sensitive. The bra should have wide straps and be pitted. The correct choice of this attribute of lingerie in the future will help to prevent stretch marks.
It should be noted that in the structure of the mammary glands of a woman who is "in position", cardinal changes begin practically from the first days of pregnancy. The increase in size and swelling of the breast is a consequence of the effect of HG (chorionic gonadotropin), which is called the "pregnancy hormone". On the surface of the mammary glands, you can also notice a venous mesh due to increased blood supply. The nipples change in color, they acquire a brownish hue. At later stages of pregnancy, the first drops of colostrum can be released from the nipples. Typically, the sensation of swelling of the breasts and discomfort, which is caused by changes in the breast of a pregnant woman, go to the end of the I trimester.
[2]