Week 7: Bring on the Kegels
Welcome to week 7 of your pregnancy journey! Here’s what’s unfolding…
MIND:
If you can manage to stay awake amidst the fatigue, you’re likely diving into countless baby books, especially if this is your first time around. It’s amazing how eager we all are to soak up information about impending parenthood, yet the unsolicited advice from family and strangers can be overwhelming—even at just 7 weeks along. It’s not surprising, really. As you share your news, brace yourself for a flood of “helpful” tips that will come your way. Just remember to smile and nod politely. And on those particularly hormonal days, if it helps, feel free to give those well-intentioned folks a playful gesture as they walk away.
BODY:
While you might not see any visible changes yet, your body is definitely undergoing transformations during this first trimester. Your blood volume is increasing, and your uterus has doubled in size. This means more frequent bathroom trips and potentially dealing with the dreaded “sninckle”—that moment when you unintentionally leak a little when you sneeze, cough, or even laugh. Some women manage to escape this through pregnancy and childbirth, but many end up facing issues with urine leakage they thought they’d avoid until much later in life. This is where Kegel exercises come into play. If you’re unfamiliar, Kegels are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, keeping everything in place and preventing those unexpected leaks. Trust us, you don’t want to skip them!
BABY:
Your little one is now about the size of a pencil eraser—an object that will likely find its way into their nose someday! This week marks the beginning of nostril formation, along with the development of their heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, and a mouth they’ll eventually use to express their love and ask for ice cream. Limb buds are also emerging; these will evolve into arms, hands, legs, and feet. It’ll still be a while before you can count those tiny toes!
NEST:
Your breasts are swelling and might even be a cup size larger now, so invest in a comfortable bra. Still feeling queasy? Check out What to Expect: Eating Well When Expecting for some ideas on what to eat. For more resources on home insemination, you can explore this article for further insights. Additionally, if you’re curious about boosting fertility for your partner, this site is an authority on the subject. And for comprehensive information on pregnancy, MedlinePlus is an excellent resource.
Summary:
At 7 weeks pregnant, your body is changing rapidly even if you can’t see it yet. With advice pouring in from all directions, remember to prioritize your well-being and practice your Kegel exercises to support your pelvic health. Your baby is developing rapidly, and soon enough, you’ll be counting those adorable toes!
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