You’re now more than a month and a half along and starting to really feel your pregnancy. Unless you’re one of the rare moms who make it through with no symptoms, you’re probably dealing with some signs at 7 weeks pregnant.

At the same time, you’re starting to get involved in some of the fun and exciting parts of preparing for a new baby, like oohing and aahing over tiny socks and looking up the meanings of all the baby names you and your partner like.

Meanwhile, your baby is growing and developing, preparing for the day when it will be time to see you face-to-face.

Your Baby’s Development At 7 Weeks Pregnant

Last week, your baby had the first hints of nostrils and eyes in the form of darker spots where they will develop. Now, these are becoming a bit more defined as your baby’s face begins to develop. If you have an ultrasound now, you won’t be able to tell if your baby has his grandma’s nose, but you’ll probably be able to tell he has a nose.

He may be around half an inch long, and those little bumps that emerged last week to become arms and legs are eventually beginning to stretch out and resemble actual arms and legs. His arms and legs are developing little flat parts that will soon become hands and feet!

Less visible but equally exciting, his spine and brain also develop at an amazing rate. The UK’s National Health Service says he’s developing about 100 brain cells per minute. That adds up to more than a million brilliant little brain cells this week!

A transvaginal ultrasound at this point will likely show the pulsing of the structure that will soon be recognizable as a heart.

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 7 Weeks Pregnant:

• Facial features are becoming more defined, with nostrils and eyes taking shape.
• Your baby now has a visible nose, though details like resemblance aren’t clear yet.
• Size is around half an inch long, continuing rapid growth.
• Arm and leg buds are stretching out, beginning to resemble limbs.
• Hands and feet are starting to form, appearing as small flat areas.
• The spine and brain are developing rapidly, with about 100 brain cells forming per minute.
• A transvaginal ultrasound may now show the pulsing of the developing heart structure.

Mother’s Symptoms At 7 Weeks

You may be dealing with morning sickness (or all-day sickness). This goes away for many moms by the 14th week. In the meantime, if it’s severe enough to disrupt your ability to obtain nutrients for you and your baby and to stay hydrated, you should speak to your doctor.

You may have gained a few pounds at this point, but it’s still normal to have no pregnancy weight gain yet. On the other hand, especially if it’s your first pregnancy, you may feel like all the weight gain is in your breasts. Ouch. If you buy new bras to accommodate swelling and growth, seek out comfortable, supportive ones.

You may notice some digestive changes. During pregnancy, you may need to urinate more frequently. You may also notice increased saliva production. If it annoys you, try chewing gum or holding a hard candy in your mouth to combat it. You may also suffer constipation. Milk of magnesia is typically considered safe in pregnancy, but you should check with your doctor before using any laxatives.

Heartburn can also begin being intense at this point in pregnancy. Antacids can help, as can avoiding the foods and drinks that heighten heartburn. If it’s disturbing your sleep, try propping yourself up more.

If you’ve been feeling fatigued, unfortunately, you can probably expect this to continue for a few more weeks, at least.

Your skin and hair may change, becoming oilier or more dry. You may break out with acne, but you’ll want to check with your doctor about safe treatments. You should also avoid trying new skincare regimens because you may have reactions during pregnancy that you would not have otherwise. However, you may prefer to be more proactive with sunscreen and protect your face.

If you notice a milky white vaginal discharge, don’t worry — it’s normal, and helps protect your uterus from infection.

7 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Morning sickness, which may last all day.
• Possible weight gain, but some may not gain weight yet.
• Breast swelling and tenderness, sometimes feeling like all weight gain is in the breasts.
• Frequent urination due to pregnancy-related digestive changes.
• Increased saliva production, which may feel excessive.
• Constipation, a common pregnancy symptom.
• Heartburn, which may become intense at this stage.
• Fatigue, which is likely to continue for several more weeks.
• Skin and hair changes, becoming oilier or drier, possibly leading to acne.
• Increased sensitivity to skincare products, with a higher chance of reactions.
• Milky white vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), which is normal and protective.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have severe pain that comes on suddenly or cramping that isn’t alleviated by pain meds or changes in position.

If you have bleeding that is heavier than spotting, call your doctor immediately. If spotting is ongoing, you should also let your doctor know.

Dizziness, fainting, and vision changes are all significant factors that could indicate a serious condition. They warrant immediate medical attention.

Water retention and resultant swelling are common in pregnancy. Still, sudden swelling, swelling that happens more in one leg than the other, and facial swelling could be signs of a serious complication, and you should contact your doctor.

Contact your doctor if your nausea prevents you from taking nutrients or holding down liquids for a long period, or if you see signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination.

You should also contact your doctor if you see significant mental health changes.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 7 Weeks?

Stay active, but don’t overdo it! Don’t add new exercises or strenuous activities to your schedule without consulting your doctor.

Prepare for your first prenatal appointment. If your doctor allows you to fill out paperwork (family health history, etc) through an online portal, get this done.

Protect your body and your baby by avoiding alcohol and tobacco and reducing or eliminating caffeine. If you need help to make these changes, be honest with your doctor!

If you haven’t started taking a multivitamin, consider whether you should start one. Many have a strong odor and may be more palatable with food.

If you have a cat, you should pass litter box duties to your partner for the remainder of the pregnancy. Cat poop can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes Toxoplasmosis, and it’s extremely dangerous in pregnancy.

You’ll also want to avoid overheating your body, so saunas and hot tubs are out for now.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 7 Weeks Pregnant:

• Stay active, but avoid adding new or strenuous exercises without doctor approval.
• Prepare for your first prenatal appointment, including completing any online paperwork.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, and consider reducing or eliminating caffeine.
• Be honest with your doctor if you need help making lifestyle changes.
• Consider starting a multivitamin, especially if you haven’t already.
• Avoid handling cat litter, as it can expose you to Toxoplasmosis.
• Avoid overheating, meaning saunas and hot tubs should be avoided.

What To Look Forward To

You’ve got your first prenatal appointment and an ultrasound ahead of you. Soon, you’ll get to take a peek at your developing baby and hear their heartbeat!

You’ll also soon be able to mark off two months of pregnancy! The milestones are flying by!

You may not be showing yet, but most moms will be soon after this point! If you haven’t found your favorite maternity jeans yet, now’s a great time to start looking!