At seven weeks pregnant, your embryo grows quickly and is the size of a blueberry. The limbs are starting to grow and develop, with your baby’s brain cells developing and growing by the minute. While this happens, you will likely experience morning sickness, tiredness, and sore breasts.
But what else do you need to know about your seventh week of pregnancy? Well, that’s what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to find out everything that happens at seven weeks pregnant, including your common symptoms and if you can hear the heartbeat.
What’s Coming Up In This Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 7 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The embryo is 10mm long from head to bottom
- The embryo is the size of a grape or blueberry
- The baby’s brain is growing faster than the rest of the body
- The limb buds (arms and legs) begin to form cartilage
- The womb is the size of a lemon
- The common symptoms include tiredness, sore breasts, and more frequent urination
What Does It Mean To Be 7 Weeks Pregnant?
At seven weeks pregnant, you will be roughly three weeks late for your period, depending on your cycle length. A pregnancy test at this point would show you a positive test result.
Week seven is a big one in your pregnancy for your baby’s development! At seven weeks, they are still classed as an embryo. Your baby’s brain development is continuing, with its head and forehead being larger than the rest of the body.
The spinal cord is developing, too, with nerve cells multiplying at 100 brain cells a minute! We also see tiny facial features take shape, like your baby’s inner ears and dimples forming where the nose will be.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 7 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at seven weeks. Women with a typical 28 day cycle will be three weeks late for their period and can take a home pregnancy test. You can purchase a test from most drugstores, including early pregnancy tests, if you aren’t sure when your next period should be. These tests measure the Human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, levels in your urine. hCG is the pregnancy hormone that increases in your body when you expect. The test uses the high levels to determine whether you are pregnant.
You can also have a pregnancy test with your doctor. This is usually a blood test, where the hCG levels are measured to determine if you are pregnant or not. Your doctor might also give you a urine pregnancy test to confirm the pregnancy and, should the test be positive, put you in contact with midwives and even book your first ultrasound!
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You can have an ultrasound at seven weeks pregnant if you want, but it’s worth noting you might not see a lot! Typically, at a week seven ultrasound, you might see the general shape of your baby. You should see the yolk sac, the first thing to develop in the gestational sac.
The yolk sac provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients until the placenta develops. It will look like a bubble or small white ring in the sac. You will also see the gestational sac, the fluid-filled space around the embryo. This looks like a dark and clear circular shape.
You will also see the fetal pole. This is a thick, whitish shape attached to the yolk sac. It might be curved depending on how far along you are and is typically detected at week six, so you should see it at week seven and maybe hear the heartbeat, too!
Are There Any Other Tests Or Scans I Should Consider At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
In the first trimester of your pregnancy, there are a few tests you should consider. Doctors usually perform a blood test to check for your blood type and Rh factor if you have anemia, HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, are immune to rubella and chicken pox, and carry the risk for cystic fibrosis.
Other tests are offered, too, but you don’t have to accept them. Some of these tests will depend on your medical history and your family’s medical history. These include tests for thyroid disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and tuberculosis.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at seven weeks pregnant. Your baby’s heartbeat can be seen at seven weeks and usually ranges from 100 to 180 beats per minute (bpm).
Your baby’s heart has been developing since week five and is now developed enough for an ultrasound to detect the fetal heartbeat. Hearing the heartbeat for the first time can be emotional, so make sure you have the people you want to listen to it with you!
Sometimes, you might not see the embryo or hear the heartbeat at seven weeks. There is no cause to panic yet; let the sonographer explain to you the reasons why. Sometimes, you won’t be as far along in your pregnancy as you thought and will need a follow-up scan a week later. Things progress quickly at this stage of pregnancy, so a week can make a dramatic difference.
What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 7 Weeks Pregnant?
At seven weeks pregnant, the most common pregnancy symptoms include morning sickness, tiredness, and the urge to urinate more frequently. The symptoms vary from woman to woman, with some experiencing slight morning sickness and others severe cases.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The pregnancy hormone hCG levels continue to rise at week seven of your pregnancy.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Mild cramping can happen during week seven of the pregnancy. Your uterus is expanding, so discomfort and cramps are normal. You should consult your doctor or midwife if the cramping is severe or long-lasting.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you will likely experience morning sickness at seven weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, your breasts will likely feel tender or sore during week 7. Your breasts might also ache or feel full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point of your pregnancy, including week 7. You might notice food aversions, too, where foods you previously enjoyed make you nauseous.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You will likely pass urine more frequently in week 7. Hormonal changes in your body can increase how often you need to use the toilet, so it is completely normal to urinate more when pregnant.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Most women experience fatigue or tiredness at seven weeks pregnant. Some women might not realise they are pregnant at this stage and feel extremely tired and unsure why.
Will I Feel Bloated At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating can occur at seven weeks pregnant. It might give you the appearance of a pregnant belly as your womb grows.
Will I Get A Headache At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common during the first trimester of pregnancy, including week 7. Women who suffer from headaches often report bad headaches while they are pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You might have a heightened sense of smell at seven weeks pregnant. You might find that certain smells, like coffee, make you feel nauseous, or you might find you smell other smells you haven’t noticed before.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common at the start of pregnancy, including week 7.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath usually occurs later in pregnancy, towards the end of your second trimester and the start of the third.
Speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath at seven weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal during the early stages of pregnancy. It is not always linked to pregnancy and could be food poisoning, a tummy bug, or a food allergy.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout your entire pregnancy, including week 7. The discharge should be clear or milky white, with a slightly slippery consistency.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain is common during the early stages of pregnancy, including week seven.
Is Spotting Normal At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at seven weeks pregnant. You might notice some light bleeding, which can seem scary. You can speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or if the bleeding becomes heavy.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Other pregnancy symptoms at seven weeks pregnant include the following:
- Food aversions
- Thirst
- Constipation
How Big Is A Baby At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
At seven weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly 10mm long. The measurement is taken from the head to the bottom and is referred to as the crown-rump length. It is the size of a grape or blueberry and is growing and developing quickly!
Can You Feel The Baby At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
It is unlikely that you will feel the baby at seven weeks pregnant. The embryo is still incredibly small, so you will unlikely notice any movements. At this point, you might experience some mild cramping, but it is probably womb growing.
What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The common miscarriage signs at week seven of pregnancy are vaginal bleeding and cramping in your lower stomach. You might also experience fluid and tissue from your vagina. You will also notice that pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness and sore breasts, disappear.
While some light spotting is considered normal at seven weeks pregnant, heavy bleeding or any concerning bleeding should be reported to your doctor immediately.
What Are The Chances Of A Miscarriage At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of miscarriage at seven weeks is around 4.2%. According to Baby Center, the chances of miscarriage drop from 9.4% at six weeks to 4.2% at six weeks.
The chances of miscarriage vary depending on any previous pregnancy loss or complications and any health conditions you might have. You can speak to your doctor about this if you have any concerns.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date from seven weeks pregnant is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is how most due dates are calculated and your last period likely started around seven weeks ago, which will be day one of your pregnancy. Count 40 weeks or 280 days from this date to give yourself your estimated due date.
You can also use a due date calculator online if you prefer. These will ask you to input your last or missed period information to calculate your due date.
You can also have a doctor or midwife calculate your due date. At an ultrasound, your sonographer can measure the size of your baby to estimate how far into your pregnancy you are. The embryo will still be very small, but it can provide a rough idea of a due date, especially if you have a fetal heartbeat, as this would be undetectable before seven weeks.
It is worth remembering that a due date is a rough guide and that many women will give birth after their due date.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
At week seven, the biggest changes you should expect are morning sickness and tiredness. Your body is working hard growing a baby. You can also expect your breasts to feel sore and enlarged, and you might need to urinate more often.
Morning sickness can be a big change for some women, and the nausea surrounding sickness can disrupt your morning or entire day. Some women experience severe sickness; speak to your doctor or midwife if you are concerned about your morning sickness.
You might notice some abdominal pain, too, as your womb continues to grow.
What Is The Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is producing more pregnancy hormones, with your hCG levels rising this week! Your body will also notice increased blood flow that can raise your basal body temperature. You might see that you run hotter than normal, with sweating on your hands and feet. This is normal!
Your body is growing the embryo quickly, with facial features like the eyes and ears continuing to develop. The limb buds are beginning to form cartilage, getting longer with the ends flatting out to become the hands. All this requires a lot of energy; no wonder you are so tired this week!
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Below are several things you can do to maintain your health at seven weeks pregnant.
Listen To Your Body
At this stage of your pregnancy, it is important that you listen to your body and don’t push yourself. When you are tired, rest. Your body is working hard, creating a baby; let it rest! After all, those facial features won’t grow on their own.
You should also eat when your body is hungry and drink when thirsty. It will give you all the queues you need, be sure to listen to them.
Avoid Alcohol
You should stop drinking alcohol when you find out you are pregnant. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can impact your baby’s development and cause complications in pregnancy. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) shows that drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause developmental disabilities and birth defects.
They recommend that there is no guaranteed safe level of alcohol to consume while pregnant, and should be avoided. Reach out to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking.
Stop Smoking
Smoking while pregnant is also dangerous. It can damage your baby’s developing brain and lungs, with research by the CDC showing that the damage can last until their teens. They also found that smoking while pregnant doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and labour, which is incredibly dangerous for both mother and baby.
You can speak to your doctor if you need assistance to stop smoking.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
A prenatal vitamin should be taken once you find out you are pregnant to ensure your and your baby’s health. It takes a lot of nutrients to create a baby, so provide your body with what it needs. Folic acid should be taken throughout your pregnancy. You can purchase this as a single supplement or part of a prenatal multivitamin. Look out for multivitamins that include calcium and iron, too.
You can consult your midwife or doctor for guidance on which prenatal vitamins are best for you.
Follow A Healthy Diet
Where possible, try to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Alongside prenatal vitamins, they will help provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Your body will need energy over the coming weeks as your baby grows, so be sure to fuel it with the right foods. A balanced diet of carbohydrates, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and some healthy fats is ideal.
You can speak to your doctor if you are unsure of what to include in your diet.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The following foods should be avoided during the first trimester of your pregnancy:
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Raw fish
- Seafood with a high mercury content
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized dairy
- Soft cheeses
- Pre-prepared or unwashed fruit and vegetables
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
All alcoholic drinks should be avoided at seven weeks pregnant. You should also reduce your caffeine intake and stay away from sugary drinks. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking alcohol.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
All supplements that are not approved by your doctor should not be consumed. You should also avoid any supplements that are labelled as unsuitable for pregnant women to take.
Can I Exercise While 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise while seven weeks pregnant, but take care. You should avoid contact sports and sports where you could fall. These include horseback riding, climbing, rugby, football, and boxing.
Most women experience tiredness and fatigue at week seven, you might struggle to complete your usual exercises. Instead of forcing yourself to finish, allow yourself to rest instead. Working out for less time is better than pushing your body too far and injuring yourself or burning yourself out.
Is It Safe To Travel When 7 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to travel when seven weeks pregnant, but there are some considerations you should make. You should speak to your doctor about travelling if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. You should also check when travelling to another country if there are vaccinations that you need or any advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Activities I Should Avoid At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at seven weeks pregnant:
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Saunas
- Steam rooms
- Hot tubs
- Whirlpools
- Contact sport
- Cat litter box cleaning
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 7 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to have sex at seven weeks pregnant.
How Should I Sleep At 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You should sleep as usual at this stage in your pregnancy. You might sleep more than usual due to your tiredness, but this is normal.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 7 Weeks Pregnant?
You can sleep in any position that is comfortable for you at seven weeks pregnant. It is an excellent time to practice side sleeping, as this is the safe position you need to adopt as your pregnancy progresses.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are our best tips on preparing for pregnancy. Whether you are trying to conceive or in week seven of your pregnancy, these will be helpful!
Create A Support Network
Pregnancy can be lonely for some women, so surround yourself with the right people! Look to your friends, family, and partner for a support network to guide you through life as a new mother for the next nine months. Use those around you as a safe place to vent and share your worries, exciting milestones, and everything in between.
You can also look further afield too. Social media groups and apps are an excellent way to find other expecting or new mothers in your area. These women could become fast friends, offering you support and an understanding of being in the same situation as you. A good support network will make your pregnancy feel easier.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is an excellent way to prepare for pregnancy. Drinking more water daily, six to eight glasses gives your body the hydration it needs to function. It can also boost your health; a healthy body is the best for pregnancy.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Where possible, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet, too. This ensures that your body has all the nutrients it needs for pregnancy. Whether trying to conceive or are already pregnant, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet.
You should also avoid certain foods when pregnant, like fish with a high mercury content and pre-prepared fruit.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You will want to make some lifestyle changes to prepare for pregnancy. These include stopping smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illegal drugs. It would be best if you also spoke to your doctor about any medication you take to ensure it is safer for you to continue.
Final Thoughts On 7 Weeks Pregnant
At week seven, your embryo is growing quickly! With the baby’s mouth, brain, and spinal cord starting to take shape, it won’t be more than a few weeks before you get a good look at your growing baby. You might experience morning sickness and tiredness this week, so listening to your body and rest when needed is important. If you have not already, take a pregnancy test and book an appointment to see your doctor. Before long, you should see a little pregnancy belly appear!