Pregnancy calendar - week #7

Pregnant mothers - week #7

Stand up to morning sickness!

We'd love to tell you that your icky pregnancy symptoms will subside this week, but it just wouldn't be true. After all, what's happening in your body is the result of years of preparation (including years and years of menstruation!) So stay strong. You might even want to try some of our 'Old Wives' Tales Morning Sickness Cures':

• Ginger. Whether you brew a cup of homemade ginger tea, eat ginger candies, or munch on ginger snap cookies, ginger is regarded as a very effective way to ease the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy.
• Scented hankies. Douse a cotton hanky with a mix of lavender and peppermint oil. When you start to feel nauseous, take a sniff. It's refreshing and soothing at the same time.
• Soda crackers. Have soda crackers by your bedside to eat before rising in the morning. Don't drink water (or any beverage) with the crackers.
• Apple cider vinegar. Add one tsp. of apple cider vinegar to 8 oz. of water. Sip throughout the day.

During week 7, you will have formed a mucous plug in your cervix. This helps keep bacteria and infection from entering the womb. You will later lose this in labor, as your cervix dialates.

And if you notice your face breaking out like you were a teenager again, don't worry. Because of all those raging hormones, you may break out. And yes, it will go away!

You may also want to look into early pregnancy classes. These classes focus specifically on nutrition and exercise, back care, and the emotional and physical changes and effects of pregnancy. And don't forget to bring daddy along; this is a great opportunity for bonding.

Baby and fetal development - week #7

I put on 3 mm since last week? I'm gonna need some new pants!

Oh baby, you're growing so fast! The little bud is now between 7 and 9 mm. That's about the same size as a single pearl.

In other week 7 news:

• The umbilical cord has now formed (it's purpose now is to provide oxygen and nourishment to the embryo, as well as get rid of waste)
• Baby's face is starting to take shape
• The little arm buds have distinguishable hands
• Baby's digestive tract continues to develop
• Baby's lungs continue to form
• Nasal pits are forming
• Genital tubercle is present (however, at this early stage, you still can't tell a girl from a boy)

Pregnant dads - week #7

Brownie points...yummm!

There are classes designed specially for early pregnancy instruction. Gain some points with your partner and suggest signing up together. She'll like the fact that you thought of it, and love that you want to go with her.