A milestone in the 7th week: the embryo makes its first movements. In this article, we will tell you whether you can already feel them. The small face of the embryo forms in the 7th week of gestation. Also find out why fatigue is your constant companion.
This stage is also called the “gummy bear stage” because the facial features, extremities and other organs are developing – the embryo looks a bit like a gummy bear.
Table of contents
This happens with you
You have probably already noticed that you are constantly tired. The hormone progesterone is responsible for this. But why is it like that?
Progesterone is a sex hormone that is mainly produced in the female body. Among other things, it is important for the preparation and maintenance of pregnancy.
Your body works at full speed during the 7th week of pregnancy. Circulatory problems are completely normal. From time to time, the facial features of the small embryo become more and more pronounced. The first beginnings of arms and legs can also be seen.
Important facts about the 7th week: What you should know
You should not take any medication during your pregnancy without consulting your doctor. This also applies to homeopathic remedies.
Furthermore, stay away from alcohol and nicotine. A healthy diet is important in the 7th week of pregnancy to ensure a good foundation for your pregnancy. Also important: Look out for a midwife now.
Light exercise through walks, bike rides, yoga or aqua gymnastics will help your body relax and keep you fit.
Tip for fathers-to-be
Talk to your wife about worries, fears or problems. Since the pregnancy is often kept secret at the moment, you are her only contact person. Radiate calm and support her with her complaints.
Symptoms, signs, changes in the body in the 7th WOP
When the bra starts to tighten
The body is now already preparing to supply the baby with breast milk
, which is why the mammary glands grow – and so do the breasts. At the first moment there is a pulling or tight feeling, then the favorite bra no longer fitsBut do not worry: this process is completely normal and the pain also stops after a short time, only the size of the breasts will remain for some time.
Sensitive nose
An altered sense of taste, as well as a particular sensitivity to certain smells, is a natural defense reaction of the body against foods that are bad for the baby. This reflex ensures that the body defends itself from bad nutrients and prefers to consume good nutrients.
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge that is not bleeding is completely normal during the 7th week of pregnancy. However, if the discharge smells funny or shows other abnormalities, there is no way around a visit to the gynecologist. In the case of bleeding that is not spotting, a doctor should generally be consulted!
This helps against morning sickness in the 7th week of pregnancy
The anticipation of your baby is enormous – if only there were not these annoying pregnancy discomforts. What you can do against nausea, we tell you in this section.
Your favorite food suddenly causes nausea? In fact, about 50-75 % of women suffer from nausea during their pregnancy.
Doctors explain the phenomenon of pregnancy nausea as follows: It is believed that your immune system is struggling with that of the embryo. The result of this can be nausea. This is particularly common in the morning, which is why it is often referred to as morning sickness.
The symptoms usually disappear on their own between the 14th and 20th week of pregnancy. We have tips for you on what you can do against these annoying complaints.
Drink plenty of tea
Moms-to-be should drink a lot – at least 2 to 3 liters per day. Still water helps with discomfort. Herbal teas are also effective against nausea. Peppermint tea, lemon balm, chamomile, fennel or anise are particularly helpful.
Ginger
Ginger is a proven home remedy for morning sickness. There are also ginger drops or tablets in the pharmacy. However, ginger should only be used in the first two trimesters.
Caution: At the end of pregnancy, caution is advised – ginger can induce labor.
Relaxation
Make sure you have enough breaks or take a nap. Your body is working at full speed at the moment, so give it some rest. Yoga and meditation exercises also help you to relax.
Fresh air
A long walk in the fresh air helps against nausea and headaches and is good for your soul. That’s why you should get out and enjoy nature as often as possible.
Many small meals
The body “forgets” about nausea as soon as it is busy digesting. So give your body something to do and eat 5 to 7 small meals instead of 2 to 3 large meals a day. Generally, you will get hungrier as the pregnancy progresses because you have 2 people to feed. This is not yet very pronounced in the 7th week, but will become more.
What can be seen on the ultrasound in the 7th week of pregnancy?
In the 7th WOP, the embryo is about 5-10 mm in size. This is about the size of a peanut.
You can already see your baby’s facial features on the ultrasound in the 7th week of gestation. The nostrils and a small mouth are already formed.
The eye sockets are also becoming more and more visible. Your baby can’t see or hear anything yet, but the facilities for the later development of these senses are already present.
What is the risk of miscarriage in the 7th week of pregnancy?
The first third of pregnancy is particularly important for the development of the embryo. About 80% of miscarriages occur before the 12th WOP. Some of them so early that it even goes unnoticed.
The reasons for a miscarriage can be many and varied. Fertilization, implantation and the formation of the placenta are extremely complex processes.
If complications occur during implantation, this can lead to a miscarriage. With each increasing week of pregnancy, the probability of an abortion – the scientific term for a miscarriage – decreases.
You can recognize a miscarriage by these symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms, we advise you to contact your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible.
Suffering a miscarriage is a tragic loss. If you find that you are at a loss or feel lost, it is always advisable to talk about it. You can share your worries with your partner, family or friends. Professional help can also be very helpful in this situation.
What happens with the baby
In the 7th week of pregnancy, the embryo is about 5 to 10 mm in size and thus as big as a peanut. The little one’s facial features are already developing
During the 7th week of gestation, the embryo develops mainly in the head region. This is due to the rapid development of the nervous system.
The face begins to form slowly, eye cups and eye vesicles as well as nose and ear dimples develop. The spinal cord closes completely.
The sexual organs also begin to differentiate – until now, both were still present in the embryo, even if it was already genetically determined whether it would one day be a girl or a boy.
7. WOP: Your baby is already this far developed
The development of the embryo is progressing steadily. In the 7th week of gestation, the large internal organs – such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys – are already developed. The brain is also beginning to grow.
It will continue to develop long after birth, but the foundations are now being defined. During this week of pregnancy, the organ divides into forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain.
The forebrain is responsible for thinking and judgment, problem-solving, and building and storing memories. In the midbrain, all stimuli and signals are detected and transmitted to the appropriate parts of the brain.
The hindbrain takes care of regulating bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate and muscle movement.
This is important now
Here’s how you can support your body in the 7th week of pregnancy
To create a good foundation for your pregnancy in the 7th week of pregnancy, you can do a few things. We have summarized for you what is particularly important now.
The right diet
A healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is important, because vegetables, fruits, proteins and proteins support your body during this exciting and exhausting time.
For the development of the nervous system, the embryo needs especially much folic acid in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Doctors and midwives recommend about 550 mg of folic acid per day during pregnancy. These foods contain particularly high levels of folic acid:
- Cabbage
- Spinach leaves
- Salads
- Tomatoes
- Fruits (e.g. oranges)
- Whole grain products
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Sprouts
- Wheat and soy germs
- Dairy products
Since the required amount can hardly be ingested through food, many doctors and midwives advise folic acid supplements.
Sports
Sport during pregnancy keeps you fit, relaxes you and can relieve pregnancy discomforts. Safe sports include:
- Swimming and aqua fitness
- Cycling
- Yoga and Pilates
- Nordic walking
You should avoid these sports, for example, as there is a particularly high risk of falling and injury:
- Squash
- Tennis
- Handball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Skiing
- Horse riding
- Martial arts
In general, very strenuous sports or sports that can lead to injuries should be avoided.
Midwife tip
Throughout your pregnancy, a lot is happening to you physically and emotionally. For this reason, it is important to have regular appointments where you can check the development of the embryo.
I recommend a preventive care schedule. This usually includes appointments with your gynecologist every four weeks. At the end of pregnancy, appointments are even once a week. With a mother’s passport, you can also keep track of everything.
However, these are only recommendations. Did you already know? By the way, your midwife can also take care of preventive care – with the exception of ultrasound examinations. The advantage is that you don’t have to wait until you’re in the delivery room to get to know your midwife.
FAQ
In the 7th week of gestation, the embryo is about 5-10 mm in size.
The amniotic cavity is about 25 mm in size in the 7th week of gestation.
In the 7th week of pregnancy, the embryo moves for the first time. However, it is still so small that you cannot feel the movements.
The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are unfortunately particularly delicate. In the 7th week of pregnancy, there is a risk of about 9-10 % of suffering a miscarriage.
In the 7th week of gestation, the large internal organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are already developed. The brain of the embryo also begins to mature.
Obwohl sich in der 7. WOP die Gesichtszüge bilden, ist auf dem Ultraschallbild noch nicht viel zu erkennen. Die Fruchthöhle ist allerdings deutlich zu sehen.
Nausea in the 7th week of pregnancy is completely normal. Ginger, relaxation and a walk in the fresh air can work wonders.
The embryo is between 5 and 10 mm in size and already has its first facial features, such as eyes or nostrils. Other limbs can also be recognised in their basic form, even if the baby is only as big as a peanut.
A miscarriage in the 7th week of pregnancy can be recognised by conspicuously heavy bleeding, abdominal pain or fever. A miscarriage can have many causes – if you notice anything unusual, see a doctor immediately who can tell you about your pregnancy.
The embryo is about 5 to 10 millimetres in size in the 7th week of pregnancy. This is about the size of a pea.
Video about the 7th WOP
Join Susie through her 7th week of pregnancy.