Pregnancy at week 7

Your baby

Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, and their head is much bigger than the body. They have large eyes, a wide forehead and 'buds' where the ears are going to form. They also have nostrils and lips, while the brain, spinal cord and internal organs are developing, including the stomach, kidneys and lungs.

Your baby is lying inside an amniotic sac, a bag formed by membranous tissue and filled with fluid. This helps to protect your baby and support their growth and development.

Your baby’s heart is beating at around 150-180 beats per minute.

Your body

Your hormone levels are very different from your pre-pregnancy state. While the effect of this is different for everyone, it is likely that this might be making you more emotional than usual. You may also be feeling tired and less energetic, but this is normal although you cant see it, there is a lot going on inside your body.

Your breasts may be swollen and tender. The areola, the dark area around the nipple, may be darker and your nipples may be larger. If your breasts are uncomfortable, now might be the time to consider a supportive maternity bra.

Some women have problems with constipation at this stage. It can help if you drink more water and eat foods that contain a lot of fibre, like vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Things to remember

Make sure you get plenty of rest – try to put your feet up at lunch time, go to bed early and ask for help if you need it, especially if you have other children.

Doing some exercise will help you feel better. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, or 30 minutes on most days.

If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, it’s a good idea to make an appointment now. You will have a number of regular antenatal visits throughout your pregnancy with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician. At your first visit, your doctor will confirm you are pregnant, calculate your due date, check your overall health and order blood test.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

• maternity care in Australia
• having a healthy pregnancy
• exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
• checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
• common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.