Development of the baby
By this week your baby has grown tremendously and is about 13 mm in length. The embryo’s essential organs start forming, like the eyelids, tongue, hair and nipple follicles. The toes as well as the elbows are more visible during this week. Little buds emerge from the arms and legs which will later form into fingers and toes. The umbilical chord continues to grow in order to let the baby move freely in your stomach.
In the seventh week, the embryo fully grows into a fetus. By this time the baby has developed reflexes and is able to move in an uncoordinated fashion. Thorax and the baby’s abdomen are formed completely by now and the lungs begin to develop. The head is more prominent and is larger than the baby’s body. The heart beats strongly and is in the thoracic cavity now.
Facial features get more prominent. The baby’s eyes are more formed by now and the mouth can also be opened. The vestibular system and the ears can also be seen developing.
Changes in a mother’s body
Those around you may not be able to detect that you are expecting as there are only subtle physical changes that happen at this stage. Due to sever morning sickness in some women, they tend to lose a few pounds as there is loss of appetite. As your body starts to adjust to the changes happening in your body, you may experience strong vomiting sensations or nausea. Your breasts will tend to swell and get tender. You will also notice your areolas getting darker in color by this week.
Apart from symptoms such as, frequent urination, fatigue, mood swings, headaches and nausea you could also have indigestion or constipation. You may also start having a dull lower back pain which may increase as the weeks progress. Remember to have lots of water to prevent dehydration and constipation. You could also start to develop cravings for certain food items, if morning sickness is not too prominent by now. Your food preferences could change significantly while you are pregnant. Make sure you are aware of the foods that need to be avoided during pregnancy by consulting your doctor.
What to expect?
About 80% of the women experience different levels of morning sickness because of the rising hormones in their bodies. In order to lessen the uneasiness, you could start eating small meals at frequent intervals. Do not be on an empty stomach for long periods of time as it may increase the feeling of nausea. You should avoid fried or spicy food and have watermelons to get a relief from nausea. Take plenty of rest and a few short naps so that your body does not get exhausted. You would need to consult your doctor if in case you constantly throw up and are not able to retain any food.