7 weeks pregnant: Baby’s development, symptoms, and tips

Your baby is growing so fast! It’s still an embryo and not yet a foetus at 7 weeks but it has more than doubled in size since last week and is now 10 mm long, or 1 cm. Its brain is growing faster than the rest of its body for now, which means its head is disproportionately large. In fact, your tiny embryo is generating about 100 new brain cells every minute. Isn’t that incredible?

Those limb buds are still developing – the arms will grow before the legs because babies develop from the head down. Little dimples show where the nose and ears will be, and eyelids are beginning to grow and cover the eyes.

The framework for other organs is being put in place but it will be a while before the umbilical cord is readily discernible. In the meantime, your baby is suspended in a bubble filled with fluid, which will become the amniotic sac. The mucus plug that prevents bacteria entering your womb is already in place. This glutinous layer of mucus also prevents early labour, so it’s important (though also a bit gross!).

If you haven’t experienced any symptoms so far, this might be the week you discover what the first trimester has in store for you.

Morning sickness at 7 weeks pregnant

Morning sickness sadly is not restricted to the mornings and can affect people at any time of day, or even – for some poor souls – all day long. While some women get very sick during this phase of their pregnancy, others just feel nauseous, dry-mouthed, or even have excessive saliva. Feeling and being sick can really sap your energy, so make sure you try to eat well when you can, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. This is the time to really take care of yourself and let other people take care of you too. We've compiled a list of tried-and-tested tips to help calm pregnancy sickness to help get you through this bit.

Cravings and aversions in the first trimester

It’s not just morning sickness kicking in. You might find you’re suddenly craving specific foods or strange combinations. Try to let common sense rule and keep to a balanced diet as much as you can, allowing yourself occasional treats as you would normally. This early in the pregnancy there’s no reason to be eating for two. If you’re craving particularly odd things – like coal – it could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, so talk to your health professional.

Your tastes may change during pregnancy. Foods that you didn’t previously like might become appealing, while favourite foods might be off the menu. It’s very common for people to develop aversions to certain smells during this first trimester, or to develop a strange taste in their mouths that might make it difficult to enjoy food. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do except roll with it, eat as well as you can, and wait for this phase to pass.

Other uncomfortable symptoms

Other uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion may indicate that certain foods won’t sit well during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing a lot of digestive symptoms, you could try keeping a food diary to work out if there are any specific foods you should avoid for the time being.

You might also find your breasts are very sore and/or tender – to the point that even a hug is uncomfortable! Your breasts are beginning to grow and change in preparation for feeding your baby. Make sure they are well supported with a bra during the day – and you may also need to invest in a sleep bra at night

Bleeding and cramps

If you’re still experiencing light bleeding at 7 weeks, try not to panic. Spotting in the early stages of pregnancy is quite common. However, if bleeding is heavier or you feel worried, talk to your GP or midwife. At this stage you can have a transvaginal ultrasound, which might help to put your mind at ease.

Likewise, light abdominal cramps are usually just a sign that your body is adjusting to pregnancy – your uterus has now grown to the size of a lemon. If you’re uncomfortable, it is safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy. But if you’re in severe pain, talk to a health professional.

Pregnancy weight gain

Some women are concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. If you want to see what your expected weight gain throughout the course of your pregnancy, you can use this personal weight chart.

Of course, your weight gain will also depend on what you’re eating throughout pregnancy. It’s important to follow a healthy balanced diet so that you’re getting the nutrition you need to support your body and your baby through pregnancy and beyond. It can be easy to fall into bad habits when ‘the baby wants ice cream’, but try to keep the treats occasional rather than a regular feature of your diet. Read our guide to maintaining a balanced diet throughout pregnancy for more information.

Don’t forget to keep taking your folic acid supplements throughout the first trimester and Vitamin D through the entire pregnancy.

Coping with skin problems

There’s more blood pumping through your body now, which can contribute to that pregnancy glow you may have heard about. However, some women find they break out in spots around this time of their pregnancy, as their increased hormone levels causes their glands to secrete more oil, which can lead to build-up and breakouts. There is no special advice to deal with pregnancy acne – only the same advice as for pre-pregnancy breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser, don’t over-wash your skin, and avoid squeezing those spots. Hopefully the breakout will be short-lived, and your skin will settle when your hormones do.

What should I expect at 7 weeks pregnant?

It’s difficult to know how your body will react to pregnancy, though if you have been pregnant before you might have some idea of whether or not you’ll experience any of those uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms.

It’s important to remember that morning sickness is not necessarily a sign of a healthy pregnancy – meaning, if you continue to feel well, you don’t need to worry that something is wrong. One thing that hits almost everyone, however, is the emotional ups and downs as you, your body and your partner adjust to impending parenthood. Keep the lines of communication open and share any worries you have with your partner. No doubt they will have worries of their own, and it’s important they feel able to share those with you.

Are cramps at 7 weeks pregnant normal?

It’s not uncommon to experience abdominal twinges at this stage of pregnancy. Your body is changing, and most likely there will be occasions when those changes make themselves known as little tugs or pulls in your abdomen. However, more severe pain and cramping can be an indication of a miscarriage, so if you are worried, see your GP or midwife.

Can I sleep on my back at 7 weeks pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to sleep on your back throughout the first trimester and even into the second trimester of your pregnancy. Back sleeping only becomes an issue when the baby is bigger. From 28 weeks, side sleeping is recommended to reduce the risk of stillbirth.

Do pregnancy symptoms disappear at 7 weeks?

Pregnancy symptoms can come and go. Some people don’t experience them at all. Some only have them for a few weeks. Some have them well into the second trimester. Everybody is different. However, sometimes when pregnancy symptoms disappear it can be a sign of a problem. If you’re worried, talk to your midwife or GP.

Can you hear the baby’s heartbeat at 7 weeks?

You won’t be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat yet, but if you get a private ultrasound scan at 7 weeks you will probably be able to see the pulsing of a tiny developing heart. You will probably hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time at your 12-week dating scan. Don’t be tempted to buy a home Doppler – it’s best to leave Dopplers to the experts, who will be able to tell which is your heartbeat, which is the baby’s, and if everything sounds ok.

Got questions? At the HiPPBabyClub, we bring you real-world advice and support from HiPP parents, midwives, nutritionists and more. Join our Baby Club to find out more.