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If you have just ventured into your 7th week of pregnancy, then – congratulations! By now, we are sure that you’d have already missed your period, did a home pregnancy test which showed a 2nd pink line, and got a confirmation from your doctor too. Oscillating between excitement and nervousness, you’ll soon gear yourself up for this beautiful journey ahead of you. Some of your friends or experienced mothers would have also come forward by now to apprise you of the impending pregnancy symptoms that will soon occur. While you may be aware of some, here is a low down of the pregnancy signs and symptoms that you can expect during your 7th week:
1. Changes In The Breasts
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Breasts are one of the first areas that show symptoms of pregnancy. There is an increase in the breast tissues during this time as your body starts preparing itself for breastfeeding eventually. The area around the nipples and areola will become darker. Your breasts may become sore and sensitive as well (1).
2. Morning Sickness
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Another name for nausea and vomiting, this morning sickness generally starts before 9 weeks, so it can come anytime during the 7th week too. However, the term itself can be misleading because morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night. It usually ceases during the second trimester, but for some women, it may go beyond several weeks and might even last the entire pregnancy (2).
3. Some Amount Of Weight Loss
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This might surprise you a bit since pregnancy is generally associated with weight gain. However, since nausea and vomiting are common during the first few weeks, you’ll show an aversion to food. This, in turn, might cause weight fluctuations. Sometimes, a severe case of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, might actually make you lose a certain amount of weight as well (3).
4. Gas And Bloating
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Around your 7th week, you might notice a slight bulge in your tummy. No, it’s not your baby bump. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the progesterone hormone levels. This hormone relaxes the muscles throughout your body, including your intestinal muscles. This relaxation of the intestinal muscles slows down the digestion process. All this might make it easy for a gas build-up and results in bloating, flatulence, and frequent burping. So, eat in small portions to reduce these symptoms (4).
5. Pain In Your Back
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You will soon start experiencing pain in your back, especially in the lower back area. It can occur a little before or during the 7th week. During this time, as the uterus starts expanding to accommodate the growing fetus, it exerts some amount of pressure on the lower back muscles. Lower back pain will eventually increase by the fag end of your gestation. So, in order to keep it in check, sleep on a firm mattress, avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects, wear comfortable footwear, and try not to stand for long durations of time (5).
6. Sleepiness And Fatigue
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During the first trimester, your body will go through a lot of changes. Since your body produces more amount of blood, there will be an increase in the circulation. This, in turn, is bound to tire you out. The hormonal and physical changes aside, the emotional upheavals will also leave you stressed. All this eventually affects your energy levels and causes fatigue, tiredness, and sleepiness. The increase in progesterone levels is also believed to cause sleepiness. So, we wouldn’t really blame you if you feel like sleeping the whole day. In fact, it is a better idea to catch up with as much sleep as possible for you’ll not have enough time for it once the baby arrives (6).
Now that you know what to expect during your 7th week of pregnancy, we hope this helps you to be prepared to face them. But don’t worry, we’re sure the warrior in you will conquer this phase as well. So, all the best!
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