Your Pregnancy Week 7

Your Baby

This week your baby is undergoing some extraordinary changes and developments. The head, heart, spinal cord, and some of the larger blood vessels begin to form. As these blood vessels form, the heart begins to pump fluid through them, and your baby's first red blood cells are created. Your baby is about 7 - 9 mm or 0.27 - 0.35 inches in length, (approximately the size of a grain of rice), and weighs about 1/30 of an ounce - less than a breath mint

Your baby's brain, bladder, tongue and esophagus are all developing and transforming, while his eyes are moving to the front of the face and his tiny eyelids are forming. The bones of his tiny limbs have started to form and all of your baby's major organs - heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas -- are forming and growing. In fact, your baby actually goes through 3 sets of kidneys during development with this week's development, being the second set.

Both the hand plates and the genital tubercle are present this week, but you can't tell whether it's a boy or a girl by sight at this point. Nasal pits are also forming. In your womb, your baby has already become active swimming around inside the amniotic sac and kicking. However, as he's much too small and well-cushioned by the uterus and the new amniotic fluid you won't be able to feel him yet. But don't worry. In a few months you'll be able to feel him constantly.

Your Body

If you've ever had facial breakouts or acne, I'm sorry to say that you may get to experience this again. Due to the hormonal changes in your body, you may end up with a few breakouts over the next few weeks. It's okay though. Using a good, gentle facial cleanser and hypoallergenic make-up will keep these to a minimum. And these breakouts will go away either when you enter your second trimester or when you deliver. You may have either gained or lost a few pounds, but are not showing yet. The good news? Your pregnancy symptoms may start to decrease. While the heartburn, morning sickness and breast tenderness may continue, the backaches and headaches usually do subside at least a little after this week.

Pregnancy Symptoms You May Experience

Cramping: You may experience slight menstrual type cramps around the time you would normally be expecting your period. They should only last a day or so, and are usually moderate in nature. If the cramping should become severe, or if you have spotting, be sure to call your doctor and let them know.

Tender Breasts: Your nipples may appear darker, and more prominent. Be sure to wear a good support bra. You may require a larger cup size as your pregnancy advances.

Frequent Urination: You may find that you are making very frequent trips to the bathroom. This will continue throughout your pregnancy, but is usually not as bad during the 2nd trimester.

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