Advice for soon-to-be parents
My pregnancy
7th Pregnancy Week
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
1st Trimester: Pregnancy Week 7
Welcome to the world of parenting!
An exciting journey is about to start and Mothercare, through this journal, is going to be by your side and advise you throughout your pregnancy weeks.
Get informed about everything that parents need to know such as pregnancy, baby growth, body and psychology changes, doctor examinations and appointments and of course parturition, breastfeeding and baby care.
Our midwife and lactation consultant IBCLC Ms Georgia Leze every week is going to show you a special path to a healthy and happy baby.
Pregnancy Week 7
You’re still feeling the effects of those early pregnancy hormones – but at least you’re used to any mood swings by now. You’re also probably finding lots of ways to make yourself feel better, such as exercise. Meanwhile, your baby is busy developing lots of things, from eyes to toes!
You and baby are really in the swing of things now – there’s magic going on in that belly! Here’s what to expect in week seven:
- more mood swings – who knew we had so many emotions?
- stomach cramps – baby’s way of asking for a room upgrade!
- more toilet breaks as your uterus pushes against your bladder
Υou at Pregnancy Week 7
Your body is still being affected by all those hormones.
From one minute to the next you probably don’t know if you’re laughing or crying. Gentle exercises can help you to relax and feel better mentally, as well as keeping you fit and healthy. You don’t have a bump yet, but your uterus has grown a lot, from the size of a clenched fist to about the size of a grapefruit. As it expands, you may feel some mild cramping in your tummy. This is normal but it’s worth reporting to your doctor, so you’re doubly sure all is well.
Υour baby at Pregnancy Week 7
Your baby’s development is rocketing along now. They’ve grown from the size of a pea to that of a blueberry – a whopping 1.25cm long! Your baby has tiny webbed fingers and toes, and the teeth and palate are starting to form. Their ears and eyes are developing, and they even have little eyelids, though these won’t open for a while. Their liver is producing lots of red blood cells and as your baby’s skin is transparent, you can clearly see their veins.
Fascinatingly, your amazing baby is starting to make their first, small movements.
Τhings to do in Pregnancy Week 7
As your baby’s future teeth start to develop, it’s time to focus on yours.
It’s really important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make your gums vulnerable to plaque. Pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease can be avoided by good dental hygiene – careful brushing and avoiding sugary snacks will help. During your pregnancy use specific products suitable for pregnant women which are low in fluoride.
Schedule a visit to your dentist for a dental check and cleaning.
Do not neglect the intake of folic acid during your pregnancy until the 16th week. Your little baby has a huge need of the adequacy of this acid which contributes positively to it’s neurological development. Folic acid is recommended to be consumed by the mother-to-be even 3 months before conception. A special complex of vitamins for pregnant women may add a greater nutritional advantage to you and your baby. The forthcoming laboratory test will identify the additional need or not in folic acid or thyrormone.
