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At A Glance
From tadpole to human
The embryo continues to develop rapidly. The tadpole shaped embryo is now taking the shape of a human. The little blueberry-sized bean is starting to form limbs and facial features.
Appetite increaces
Have you been noticing that you are eating far more than usual or eating strange food combinations? As your body creates more hCG hormone, the cravings continue to increase. Some of the most common cravings include pickles (and pickle juice!), carbohydrates, ice, and a lot of sweets.
Is it you or is your bra tighter?
At this point, it is possible that your breasts have increased a cup or two in size. Your breast might also start feeling itchy because of the continuous growth. Your breast will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.
Limb formation
The embryo continues to develop rapidly. It is now 10,000 times larger than at the time of conception. Until now, the embryo resembled a tadpole. Now it is increasingly taking the shape of a human. Until this week, nodules could be seen in the place where the limbs should be. After week 7 of your pregnancy, arms and legs start to grow there. The hands will slowly take shape and within a few weeks, the elbows, knees and feet will also become visible.
Nostrils formed
Did you know that the embryo already has very small nostrils after 7 weeks of pregnancy? However, they don't have the rest of the nose yet, nor can they smell.
Brain and spinal formation
Also, the first synapses in baby’s spinal cord form during this week. Approximately 80% of the nerve cells of the brain and the spinal cord are created, marking week 7 as one of the most important periods of baby formation.
Baby’s heartbeat
Did you know the baby’s heartbeat is very fast? You can now verify the beat of your baby’s heart using ultrasound. The heart rate is about 2 times faster than adult’s, reaching up to 150 beats/minute!
Your Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 7
Changing hormone balance
At 8 weeks pregnant, your weight will likely increase by about 1.5 to 2.5 kg compared to before pregnancy. it’s common that you may start to feel some abdominal pain as baby and the womb are growing. However, if you experience sharp pain with vaginal bleeding, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Hormones
As your pregnancy hormones increase early in pregnancy, your breasts may swell and your nipples and areolas may become darker and more sensitive.
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal milky white discharge (leucorrhea) will also increase. This protects the vagina and fetus from pathogens.
Other pregnancy symptoms
Expectant mothers may also experience a series of pregnancy symptoms during this week. The pregnancy symptoms include:
- Severe nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Bloated
- Bleeding gums
Pay special attention to vaginal bleeding
If there is virginal bleeding during early pregnancy, you need to seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis. The doctor will take a detailed medical history of the woman and perform a pelvic ultrasound scan to check the baby's heartbeat to identify the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
