Week 7: Time for Kegels
Welcome to week 7 of your pregnancy journey! Here’s what to expect…
MIND:
If you can manage to stay awake amidst the fatigue, you’re likely diving deep into baby books, especially if this is your first experience with pregnancy. It’s intriguing how eager we are to absorb every bit of baby wisdom, yet the flood of unsolicited advice from family and strangers can be overwhelming—even at just 7 weeks along. The truth is, nine months of odd suggestions is a lot to handle, and this will only intensify as your belly grows and you share the news. Just smile and nod, and on those particularly hormonal days, if it makes you feel better, give a cheeky gesture to those well-meaning folks as they walk away.
BODY:
While you might not see any visible changes yet, your body is undergoing significant transformations in this first trimester. Your blood volume and fluid levels are rising, and your uterus has already expanded. This means more frequent bathroom trips and possibly the “sninckle”—the unfortunate tendency to leak a bit during a sneeze, cough, or even a laugh. Not every woman will face urinary issues during pregnancy, but it’s wise to be proactive. We can’t emphasize this enough: DO YOUR KEGELS. These exercises are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, keeping everything in place and helping to prevent unexpected leaks. Trust us; your future self will thank you for it.
BABY:
Your little one is now roughly the size of a pencil eraser, the kind they might one day find stuck up their nose. This week, their nostrils are beginning to form, alongside critical developments in their heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, and a mouth they’ll eventually use to express love and request ice cream. Limb buds are also emerging, which will evolve into arms, hands, legs, and feet—though you have a while before you can count those tiny toes.
NEST:
Your breasts are continuing to swell and may even have increased by a cup size, so investing in a comfortable bra is a must. Still battling nausea? Consider exploring nutrition tips with articles like “What to Expect: Eating Well When Expecting”. For additional support, you might find helpful insights at this resource, especially if you’re considering home insemination methods.
If you’re looking to boost your chances of conception, you can check out these fertility supplements that may be beneficial. For a comprehensive understanding of support during this journey, take a look at this family’s narrative.
Summary:
At 7 weeks pregnant, your body is already adapting to support your growing baby, who is busily developing essential features. While you’re busy absorbing all the information out there, don’t forget to take care of your pelvic health with Kegel exercises. The journey is just beginning, and resources are available to help you along the way.