7 Months Pregnant: Symptoms & Fetal Development

Yay! You are just two months away from meeting your little bundle of joy. Excited, aren't you? Breathe! We know it is hard to not feel the baby flutters but take it easy. As much as you feel like dancing and screaming in enthusiasm, this month is quite crucial – so take extra care of yourself and the baby. Here's all you need to know!

7 Months Pregnant Symptoms

As you enter the third trimester, you might endure the effects of your growing belly and progressing pregnancy. Here are some of the seventh-month symptoms that you might experience:

Sciatica

Your growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing hip or lower back pain. If the pain begins in your hip or lower back and moves downward to one leg, it could be a condition called sciatica. Your doctor can help make a diagnosis. Try placing a hot or cold pack to relieve the pain. Your doctor may also recommend some stretches. In case you feel numbness in your legs, inform your doctor immediately. Once your baby is born, this condition is likely to go away.

Pelvic pain

Pregnancy hormones can loosen the joints connecting the two sides of your pelvis, causing pelvic pain. Try staying off your feet as much as possible when the pain strikes. Consult your doctor for stretches recommendation to help ease the discomfort.

Constipation

Increased levels of progesterone and iron can slow digestion, causing you to feel blocked up. Stay hydrated by drinking water and prune juice, and ensure you include fibrous food like beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Also known as practice contractions, Braxton Hicks usually begin in the second or third trimester. These contractions feel like a slight tightening in your abdomen that usually go away on moving or changing positions. They mostly occur later in the day and after physical activity. If you are unsure whether these are practice or real contractions, speak to your doctor.

Fatigue

As you enter the third trimester, your growing belly may cause discomfort and difficulty sleeping, making you feel a little more tired. Try resting as much as you can during the day and sleep on your side, placing a pillow to support your growing bump. A healthy diet and moderate exercise routine can help you sleep better and maintain your energy levels.

Bleeding or spotting

You may notice some light bleeding or spotting at this stage, which may not be anything serious. However, check with your doctor to ward off any severe problems.

How is My 7 Months Baby in the Womb Doing?

At 7 months pregnant, your baby's lungs start producing surfactant, a substance that allows the lungs to expand and contract properly. Your little one can finally open and close her eyes. She can also sense the changes in light and dark and may move or kick when exposed to bright lights. Your little wonder is also putting on some fat that will help smoothen the wrinkles on her skin. Also, your baby's skin cells will begin producing melanin to help give her skin its colour.

Moreover, your baby's bones except the skull are hardening. The skull remains soft until the birth so that your baby can pass through the birth canal easily. Your little one's brain development is at its peak - so she may be more sensitive to music, light, and smell. She can now hear sounds more clearly, so it is the best time to read, sing, or talk to her. Last but not the least, your baby's position in the belly might change at about week 32, where she would often turn head-down, preparing for birth.

By the end of this month, your baby will measure about 10.5 inches from crown to rump and weigh about 1.1 to 1.3 kgs.

Track your baby's development with our month-on-month expert tips on pregnancy.

Precautions & Tips for Pregnancy in the Seventh Month

With only two months to go, you need to take extra care of your health for a healthy delivery. Here are some key points to remember:

• Rest, rest, and rest: We understand that sleeping at this stage can be more difficult with your growing tummy, but getting enough rest is important. Try sleeping on your side using a pillow to support your bump. Also, try placing a pillow between your legs.

• Walk carefully: As your belly grows, your centre of gravity might change, leading to unsteady feet. So, make sure you walk slowly and carefully and try using a support like a wall, fence, railing on the staircase as much as you can. Also, try supporting your bump while walking.

• Look out for signs of preterm labour: Sometimes, expectant mothers can mistake preterm labour for Braxton Hicks contractions. It is best to get familiar with the signs of preterm labour to help allay your fears. The signs include persistent cramps, spotting, and lower back pain. In case of any concerns or questions, talk to your doctor.

• Open up about your feelings: The pregnancy symptoms and bodily changes can make you feel like you have lost control over your body. Relax! These feelings are quite normal as it is an emotional time for you. Rest, meditate, and talk to your loved ones about your feelings. Remember, you're only a few weeks away from holding your baby in your arms.

• Exercise and go on walks: Take breaks in between your chores and go on short walks. Exercise regularly to stay active and fit. This will also help you during labour, delivery, and after-birth recovery. You can practice basic stretches as recommended by your doctor. Do not sit in the same position for a longer time.

• Meditate and engage in a hobby: Regular meditation and breathing exercises will help keep your mind calm and relaxed. Practice different techniques of breathing for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day, as this will help you during labour and delivery. Moreover, it will relax you and take your mind off unnecessary thoughts. You can also engage in a hobby like reading, painting, singing, watering plants, or playing the piano to stay happy and free of negative distractions.

• Get enough iron intake: Include iron-rich foods like fruits, leafy vegetables, eggs, cereals, etc. in your diet. Make sure you also continue your vitamin C supplements as recommended by your doctor, as vitamin C helps in the quick absorption of iron from the foods you eat.

• Sleep correctly: It is extremely crucial that you sleep in the correct posture. It is best to sleep on your left side as this optimises the flow of blood, enhances the supply of oxygen and nutrients to you and your baby, improves the function of kidneys, and reduces swelling.

• Say no to alcohol: Quit smoking, consuming drugs and alcohol completely as these can be dangerous to you and your baby's health. Secondary smoking is harmful too, so avoid being in the company of smokers. If your partner smokes, he should quit too.

• Be careful: In this month, you won't be able to bend, so do not try to slouch or bend forcefully. Try maintaining a correct posture at all times, and do not lift any heavy objects.

• Time for maternity leave: If you are working, you can now consider taking maternity leave. Now is the time for you to take a break from all the work pressure and relax at home with your loved ones and family.

Advice for Partners

Feel left out and want to be a part of the pregnancy more? Here's how you can:

• Sign up for a childbirth class: It is a good idea to take up a childbirth class with your partner. It will help you understand the experience of childbirth and how you can contribute to making the process a little easy for your partner. Moreover, it will also make you feel much involved in the pregnancy.

• Find a hospital: Haven't found a hospital yet? Start looking for one soon. Consider a hospital that is close to your home, provides all the necessary facilities, has good reviews, and has well-qualified doctors. You can also ask your friends, family, doctor, or the dads in your network for recommendations.

• Practice the hospital route: Have you done the trial visit to your hospital from home? If not, then now is the time to practice the route to the hospital. This will help you prepare and understand the time required to reach the hospital. Plus, it will help you memorise the route pretty well. Also, look for alternate routes and create a plan if needed.

• Get the details straight: Make sure you are aware of where to check-in and out once you reach the hospital during normal hours and after hours. Ensure that you have all the registration details that are necessary during the admission.

• Keep the documents ready: Make sure you have all the required documents like ID, insurance papers, etc. If you aren't sure about the list of documents that will be required while registering with the hospital, talk to your doctor.

• Take it easy: Mom-to-be isn't the only one to have sleepless nights. We know that you may be tossing and turning too. Relax! Feeling nervous is quite normal at this stage. Think about all the good times you will be sharing with your newborn. Take some time off of work and spend some alone time by engaging in a hobby, meditating, or going on a walk.

Your last phase of the ride will be full of excitement, joy, and emotional pangs – relax and enjoy every moment of it. Remember, positivity and happiness are the keys to happy parenting!