Pregnancy Week 7

Written by Lone Parenting Advisor

Pregnancy week 7 is 35 days after you have conceived and means that you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy. This is an exceptionally busy period for your body and your baby, although you cannot see pregnancy in a mirror at this stage you are now able to feel all the changes and movements going on inside your body.

During this first trimester of pregnancy most women suffer minor discomfort and anxiety due to morning sickness, which is due to increased hormones during pregnancy. Also during the first trimester of pregnancy the need to pass water increases and can be uncomfortable, this is due to the uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Regular and gentle exercise has been proven to help reduce some of the discomforts of pregnancy, however do not over do the exercise routine and put yourself and your unborn baby at risk.

Movements from the baby may cause some sensations in your stomach which are often referred to as "butterflies", however this is usually a pleasant experience and a reassurance that you are no longer alone.

Foetal Development

Doubling in size since last week the embryo is now beginning to change and develop at an alarming rate, almost a full 1cm ( about the size of a marble) in body length and in appearance is looking more human on a daily basis.

An optic nerve, retina and lens has developed within the eyes of the embryo. The nostrils are becoming more distinct as the nasal pits develop. An inner ear as well as the outer ear is developing within the embryo.

The growth of a tongue and early signs of teeth are evident within the embryo. Formation of the upper jaw and palate during this week of pregnancy is also underway. The upper jaw will fuse during this week with the palate to become more defined as the facial structure. If the upper jaw and palate do not fuse together then the unborn baby will be at risk of being born with a cleft palate and or a hair lip.

Layers of tissue paper thin skin are now forming and beginning to cover the embryo making the veins vivid and clear to see. fingers and toes are becoming more defined and are starting to lose that webbed like appearance. The trunk of the embryo is starting the straightening process making the tadpole like tail start the receding process in conjunction.

The heart and brain have become specialised and are functioning well within the body of the embryo. Although the liver is also fully functional, it is beginning to excrete quantities of red blood cells as a primary job until the bone marrow is fully formed then can take over this process.

Pancreas and appendix are developing well and even though the sex of the embryo cannot be defined at this early stage of pregnancy, the sexual organs too are developing well.

Movement is ongoing from now on and the embryo will be quite active moving in fits and starts.

Ultrasound

The crown to rump length of the foetus is about 1cm at week 7 of pregnancy.