Fetal development in pregnancy week 7:
Your baby is really beginning to develop more physical definition this week – their oversized head isn’t just large and oblong anymore, it’s actually a little bit pointy. The tiny receding tail bud is now starting to be overshadowed by the growth of their legs, which are now complete with knees and the beginnings of toes. Their eyes and ears are the most visible features on their head and their miniature bones are starting to harden throughout their body. You also have some variation on a boy or a girl at this point, although their genitals won’t be visible enough to determine which color cigars you’re going to buy until around the 16th week.
Maternal Changes
Undoubtedly, you have started feeling more and more pregnant by pregnancy at 7 weeks. You are probably still experiencing morning sickness. If you are prone to migraine headaches, you may find that they are worse or better during pregnancy. While some women experience an almost complete relief of their migraine symptoms during pregnancy, others find that migraines come on with greater regularity.
Fortunately this will probably change as you follow your pregnancy week by week. Some women actually experience their first migraine during pregnancy. Migraines are generally caused by blood vessels that dilate in the brain. A migraine headache may start out like an ordinary headache, with dull pain or throbbing, but typically progresses and gets worse as time goes on. A constant pulsating sensation on one or both sides of the head is often a symptom of a migraine. Unfortunately a migraine is no ordinary headache. They are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some people experience what is called an aura during a migraine. This is wavy lines, or flashing lights before their eyes.
Migraines are usually not dangerous during pregnancy. If however your migraine is accompanied by other symptoms including fever or blurred vision, you should report your symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately! Know that there are certain triggers that may impact your susceptibility to migraines. These include the following:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Chocolate
- Cheeses
- Wine
- Coffee
- Hormones
- Smoke
- Strong odors
While you can’t control the hormonal changes that are occurring in your body, you can do some natural things to help relieve your discomfort. Some women find that a cold towel or frozen bag of peas on the head helps relieve the aching associated with a migraine. Others simply prefer lying down. Meditation and yoga may actually prove beneficial during pregnancy. While it is generally considered acceptable to take Tylenol during pregnancy to help relieve pain, other forms of pain relief including ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided.
If your headaches are truly severe be sure to report them to your healthcare provider. There are some prescriptions that might be taken if the condition warrants it, and if the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks associated with them. Know that this shall pass in time, and when you are holding your bundle of joy in your arms any discomfort that you felt in the early months will quickly be forgotten.
Dad
What about sex in pregnancy? It’s definitely not a thing of the past, but libido issues are certainly big throughout pregnancy. You might have strange feelings about having sex with a pregnant woman, but rest assured it’s perfectly fine to have sex assuming there are no problems with the pregnancy. Talk to her about your feelings and desires and be equally willing to listen to hers. Most women find a dramatic increase in their libido as the second trimester approaches and the fatigue and ill feelings fade.
Maternity Clothes
Expectant mothers deserve to look beautiful AND feel comfortable while sleeping. That is why all moms-to-be should invest in a little sleepwear that makes them feel elegant and pampered while pregnant.
Sleepwear at Destination Maternity comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find silky pieces, flannel wear, and even cotton varieties to meet your personal preferences and needs. When searching for sleepwear, you should look for something with fabric that not only supports but moves with you. Many women prefer silky sleepwear that helps them glide across the sheets when attempting to shift positions in the latter stages of pregnancy. Remember, if you want to catch your zzz’s you simply can’t live without a good set of maternity sleepwear!
Pregnancy Health Tips
During pregnancy week 7 everything you place in your mouth has the potential to affect your unborn baby. Make sure you learn what foods to eat and what foods to avoid during pregnancy. Many women start having cravings during pregnancy. Cravings are a perfectly natural part of pregnancy, but taken to the extreme can lead to excessive weight gain. The most die-hard vegetarians may find themselves craving steak and other meat products during pregnancy. They may also find it difficult to eat many of the things they used to love, including leafy greens. Much of this is hormone related. Cravings may also be an indication that your body is deficient in certain nutrients. You may, for example, need more calcium if you are craving products with milk in them.
Twin Tips
Your diet is of particular importance with a multiple gestation. Some practitioners believe that the more weight gain you do early is a better chance you have of having healthy babies, since multiples are more likely to be born early.