Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 7
Every major system is now formed in the baby!
At the end of week seven of pregnancy, the beginnings of every major system in the human body is in place.
One of the biggest milestones in the embryonic period occurs at the end of Week 7 of pregnancy. Let's find out more.
What is happening with your Baby?
You might be surprised to learn that even though the embryo is only about 2 cm long, every major system in the human body is present in its earliest form by the end of week 7 of pregnancy. Some of these systems include digestive, endocrine, neurological, respiratory and circulatory.
The baby's liver measures larger since it is busy at work forming the first red blood cells, a process known as hematopoiesis. Gender differences, although present, cannot be distinguished yet.
If you have an ultrasound at this stage, you might even catch a glimpse of the baby's arms and legs moving, since the muscles are able to contract spontaneously at this stage.
What is happening with You?
Your uterus has now grown to reach the size of a large hen's egg. You are not showing yet but likely you are suspecting that you are indeed pregnant.
Likely you are in the throes of morning sickness. You may also be feeling quite a bit of fatigue as well by week seven of pregnancy. Some mothers begin to experience cravings along with nausea.
Since Week 7 is such a crucial week for baby's development, be sure that you are following a healthy diet. Research is showing that a lack of nutrients at crucial stages affects the baby's organs from developing and can even have an affect on the health of the next generation. Read Pregnancy Nutrition for more information.
To Do List
Find ways to cope with morning sickness.
Learn more about your cravings and what they might mean.
Start some pregnancy reading.
Continue taking prenatal vitamins, eating a healthy diet and avoiding harmful substances.
For the entire nutrition series - click here.
What is ahead in Week Eight of Pregnancy? Find out.
