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Women’s Services   

  Women’s Services

Your Pregnancy at Week 7

This week, your baby is as big as a blueberry.

Explore your pregnancy at Week 7

Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11

33 Weeks to go!

The following information was reviewed by Dr. Cheng Ka Ning, Katherine

At A Glance

Week-7

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. 

Baby Development at 7 Weeks

limb formation

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

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

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.   

heartbeat starts

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.

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Advice from OT&P Obstetricians

Although you can go earlier, many pregnant women attend their first check-up between weeks 8 and 10. Usually, obstetricians will conduct an ultrasound scan to: 

  • Confirm you are pregnant
  • Confirm the embryo implanted successfully in the uterus to rule out ectopic pregnancy
  • Check the fetal heartbeat
  • Check embryo size, determine gestational age and correct due date 

You will also learn about the schedule and details of the upcoming prenatal check-ups, such as prenatal blood tests (blood type, haemoglobin, platelets, and infectious disease screening), NIPT test, preeclampsia screening, structural ultrasound scanning, gestational diabetes testing, and Group B streptococcus test, etc. 

After confirming the fatal heartbeat, the chance of miscarriage is greatly reduced (from 15% to 3-5%), but pregnant women should still pay attention to prevent miscarriage.

Pregnant women are suggested to take supplements like folic acid (up to 12 weeks) , multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA. Pay attention to a healthy diet and avoid uncooked food, such as raw fish, oysters, raw/soft-boiled eggs, soft-boiled beef, etc. 

Slight changes in the smell of your vaginal discharge may be noticed in early pregnancy due to heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. In case of brown discharge, strong stench, or yellow-green vaginal discharge, itching, and pain in the genitals, you should consult your obstetrician as soon as possible.

Tips for 7 Weeks Pregnant

  • Do more stretching exercises as advised by Women’s Physiotherapist to relieve stress and avoid standing for a long time
  • Get enough sleep every day. If you have insomnia problems, you can seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist at our Mindworx
  • Shop for maternity clothes
  • Seek treatment early if you have dental problems
  • Continue to take folic acid supplement until 12 weeks, and add multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D and DHA
  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid uncooked food, such as raw fish, oysters, raw/soft-boiled eggs or soft-boiled beef. You can also consult our nutritionist to customise a recipe that best meets the nutrition of pregnant women.

 

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