Week 7 of Your Pregnancy

A lot of things are happening when you're seven weeks pregnant. Read on to learn about the latest changes and how you can prepare for your first prenatal visit.

Pregnancy Journey Week 7

Design By Alice Morgan / Illustration by Tara Anand

During week seven of your pregnancy, your body undergoes some big changes. Thanks to rising hCG levels, you may be experiencing a type of nausea known as morning sickness. Skin problems may also occur, and you may find yourself running to the bathroom more often. Yes, the need to urinate can increase this early on.

You are also likely preparing for (or attending) your first prenatal appointment. During this appointment, you will meet your care team, ask any questions you've been wondering about, and—more likely than not—hear the heartbeat for the first time! All in all, it's a big week for you and your developing embryo.

Read on to learn what to expect at seven weeks pregnant.

Pregnancy Week 7 Quick Facts

  • At seven weeks, you’re two months pregnant
  • You have 33 weeks until your due date
  • You are in the first trimester

Your Unborn Baby's Size at 7 Weeks

The embryo is still very small, measuring approximately half an inch. It weighs approximately 0.04 ounces and is about the size of a small blueberry.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 7 

Here are some common symptoms you might be experiencing during week seven of your pregnancy:

Shieva Ghofrany, MD, an OB-GYN in Stamford, Connecticut, and co-founder of Tribe Called V, points out that while you may not have had any of the above symptoms in the earlier weeks, don't be surprised if there is an onset of them this week or if they increase in severity.

"My boobs were so sore! Even though I didn't look pregnant yet, I definitely felt very pregnant," says Blaine*, 33, from St. Louis.

Dr. Ghofrany explains that some mild cramping is normal. But if you experience cramping or pelvic pain on one side, you should seek medical attention right away because it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. People who have had a prior ectopic pregnancy, prior gynecological surgery, certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or endometriosis are at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

If you experience an ectopic pregnancy, it's important to identify it as soon as possible so it doesn't become life-threatening. Doctors diagnose ectopic pregnancies with a variety of tools, including an exam, ultrasound, and blood work.

"I went from being excited about becoming a first-time parent and thinking about baby names to being rushed back into surgery because I was told it was ectopic, all in a matter of hours," shares LaTeisha*, from Huntsville, Alabama. "It was beyond devastating."

Rest assured, this complication is rare, occurring in just 2% of pregnancies. So, while it's a good idea to get it checked out, cramps you feel will likely be nothing to worry about.

Developmental Milestones

Though your embryo may be small, its development is quite impressive this week. Its brain is growing rapidly, so much so that the head will seem disproportionately larger than the rest of the body.

The mouth and ears are starting to form, with dark spots marking where the eyes and nostrils will eventually be. The liver, stomach, esophagus, and pancreas are all in the early stages of development.

Pregnancy Journey Weekly Reminder

Design by Alice Morgan

Prenatal Tests and Health Care Appointments

Dr. Ghofrany explains that the timing of your first prenatal visit and which procedures you have may vary depending on your symptoms, health history, and your health care provider's policies. Typically, your first appointment will take place between six and 10 weeks. So, seven weeks pregnant may very well be when you first see a health care provider.

She says that, during this visit, you will be asked about your medical, surgical, vaccination, and family history, as well as what medications you're taking, what allergies you have, and if you have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

"Your doctor, midwife, or medical provider might do a speculum exam or an ultrasound that could be transvaginal or transabdominal," says Dr. Ghofrany. "The purpose is to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy (not ectopic) and measure the embryo to confirm that the pregnancy dating (how far along you are) is consistent with your period." If the embryo is measuring bigger or smaller than expected with your period, it may change your estimated due date calculation.

She says that your visit may also include blood work, or your provider may opt to wait until a later appointment to do it.

Doctors refer to pregnancies over age 35 as advanced maternal age. That is because as you age, your risk of pregnancy complications increases. Some health care providers suggest additional (or earlier) tests and procedures to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy, but not all do.

You should speak to a health care provider to see what they recommend. But remember, it's certainly possible to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery after 35.

"My second pregnancy was considered a 'geriatric pregnancy.' Nothing like being called geriatric at 38. Ha! The benefits are that it included so many more tests, including blood work early on," shares Camille Ace, 46, from Bakersfield, California.

Yamel Belen, RN, CLC, registered nurse, professional doula, and certified lactation counselor in Tampa, Florida, says that it's crucial that you advocate for yourself along your pregnancy journey. For instance, if you feel triggered by weight gain or are uncomfortable discussing or knowing your weight at your prenatal visit, be sure to let your nurse or medical assistant know.

Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask your provider to clarify something or to inquire about anything you're curious about. "Have an open dialogue with your provider. No question is dumb or off limits!" she insists.

Common Questions at This Stage of Pregnancy

Can I still have a glass of wine? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol passes to the fetus through the umbilical cord and can cause the following:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Physical disabilities
  • Behavioral disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities

"No amount of alcohol has been deemed safe during a pregnancy," Dr. Ghofrany clarifies. But she adds that if you did have a drink before you knew you were pregnant, you shouldn't freak out. "The likelihood of harm is very small," she assures.


Can I still travel? 

Belen states that infectious diseases and vaccination requirements can rapidly change over time. So, she suggests first discussing your travel plans with your provider and checking the current travel restrictions or advisories for pregnant folks issued by the CDC.


What foods should I avoid? 

Dr. Ghofrany says pregnant people should avoid unpasteurized dairy products and raw and undercooked meat or seafood. Additionally, you should aim to consume no more than two servings of fish per week with a high DHA and low mercury content. She also advises that cold cuts (deli meat) should be heated to kill bacteria.

Things You Might Consider This Week

You're seven weeks pregnant and likely feeling the part by now. As you head into the second half of your first trimester, now is a good time to focus on your health by making sure you're drinking lots of water and eating whole, nutritious foods while steering clear of things or smells that trigger you.

At this point, it's normal to have gained or even lost a few pounds, especially if you've been vomiting frequently. If your pregnancy so far has been plagued by uncomfortable physical sensations, be aware and encouraged that better days are likely just around the corner. Many pregnant people report feeling those awful symptoms like nausea abate in the upcoming weeks. 

Support You May Need This Week

At seven weeks pregnant, it's critical that you focus on taking care of your physical body by eating healthy, nourishing foods and getting plenty of exercise and sleep. And it's equally important that you take care of your mental health.

While postpartum depression receives the most attention, some folks experience mental health issues like depression or anxiety during their pregnancy. Belen shares that a previous pregnancy loss can exacerbate these issues.

If you are in crisis or need someone to talk to, the National Maternal Health Line is a free service. You can call in—and be linked to—a trained counselor in minutes.

Meka Robinson, 23, from Mesa, Arizona, remembers feeling off during the early weeks of their pregnancy. "I wasn't sure if it was the hormones, or if I was suffering from mental health issues, or both, but I knew something wasn't right, so I told my doctor, and I'm so glad I did."

You may also need support if you find yourself experiencing a miscarriage this week. Pregnancy loss can be difficult, and feelings of grief can be overwhelming. If you are one of many folks to experience a miscarriage, know you did nothing wrong. This is not your fault, and you are not alone.

Reach out for help from family and friends. Lean on your partner if you have one, and speak to a professional if needed. Not sure where to start finding mental health resources? Talk to a health care provider for a referral or suggestions.

*Last names have been withheld for privacy.

Head over to week eight of pregnancy

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Changes during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2023.

  2. Ectopic pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022.

  3. What is an ectopic pregnancy?JAMA. 2023.

  4. Schedule of prenatal care. UCLA Health. n.d.

  5. Pregnancy at age 35 years or older. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2022.

  6. Alcohol use during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023.

  7. Travelers' health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d.

  8. Safer food choices for pregnant people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023.

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