Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pregnancy at week 7

5-minute read

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:

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.

NEXT WEEK...YOUR PREGNANCY AT WEEK 8 — Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Pregnancy at week 5

You may still wonder, at week 5, if you are pregnant, but you can do a pregnancy test the day after you miss a period.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy - week by week - Better Health Channel

Pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters and lasts around 40 weeks. Includes details of what happens each week from conception to birth, embryo size, baby development and where to get help.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Pregnancy at week 6

By week 6, your baby is growing quickly and you may notice the early signs of your pregnancy, such as feeling nauseous.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 13

At week 13 of pregnancy, you officially enter your second trimester and hopefully any morning sickness has eased off.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 21

At week 21, you should consider whether to do any travel since you may not be able to for much longer in your pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 8

By week 8, you might be experiencing morning sickness, need frequent trips to the toilet, and feel tired or moody.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 12

By week 12, your baby is the size of a plum but fully formed, with their organs, muscles, limbs and bones in place.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 11

During week 11, you might have your first ultrasound and see your baby for the first time.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 16

At week 16, you might begin to feel your baby moving, while hormonal changes may be affecting your libido.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy at week 23

By week 23, your baby is practising to breathe in the womb and you might be experiencing some incontinence.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.