7 week old tummy time
What You Need to Know About Tummy Time
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy Time is one of baby’s first exercises—and the most important!
Tummy Time is the period during the day your baby spends awake and on their stomach. It is a crucial exercise for baby’s motor, visual, and sensory development.
Baby can begin Tummy Time as a newborn. They can continue to do Tummy Time throughout their first year. Watch the Tummy Time guide:
Tummy Time: Know the Basics
Why does my baby need Tummy Time?- To develop the core muscles of the neck, back, and shoulder muscles
- To meet developmental milestones
- To possibly help prevent early motor delays and conditions, such as flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and twisted neck (positional torticollis).
As a newborn baby, as soon as they come home from the hospital.
How long should you do Tummy Time?Aim to achieve at least an hour of Tummy Time total per day by 3 months of age. This hour of Tummy Time can be broken up into smaller parts. From newborn age, start with a few minutes at a time and build up to longer sessions.
How often should you do Tummy Time?Start with small increments of a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Eventually, try to do longer Tummy Time sessions, eventually building up to a full hour.
At what age should baby stop Tummy Time?Once baby begins crawling, around 7-9 months, they will be getting the developmental benefits of Tummy Time while moving, and it is not as essential to have them do Tummy Time. However, it is still beneficial to have baby spend some time in the Tummy Time position (also known as prone position) during play.
Always Remember: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play!
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends baby always sleep on their back. That means spending time on their tummy while awake is crucial for development!
And remember: if baby falls asleep during Tummy Time, be sure to place them on their back and let them continue to sleep.
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Essential Tummy Time Moves
Try these different ways to do Tummy Time with baby:
Tummy-to-Tummy or Tummy-to-Chest- Lie down on the floor or a bed, flat or propped up on pillows. Place baby on your chest or tummy, so you and baby are face-to-face. Always hold firmly for safety.
- Position one hand under the tummy and between the legs and carry baby tummy down. Use other hand to support baby’s head and neck. Nestle baby close to your body to help get baby accustomed to the position.
- Place baby face down across your lap. A hand on baby’s bottom will help steady and calm them. This move can also be used to burp and soothe baby.
- Get down to baby's level to encourage eye contact. Baby loves to see your face!
Want to be a Tummy Time expert? Take the course!
Your Guide to Tummy Time has everything expecting and new parents need to know about this crucial exercise, including Tummy Time options and activities.
Learn More
Check out what others are saying about the course:
“If someone's wants to be an expert in Tummy Time, Pathways.org's tummy time expert course is an essential course that every parent should consider.
The introduction of tummy time, the importance, how it impacts the child's progression, how it helps prevent medical conditions, how to ensure a baby's engagement in tummy time and all the wonderful ways of implementing it were well explained and guided!
I'm totally in love with this course and would definitely recommend this course to anyone who might need it”
Tummy Time Abilities
What Tummy Time should look like each month:
How do you know baby is making progress during Tummy Time? Check these abilities to ensure baby is continuing to develop.
At 2 weeks, baby is...- Using Tummy-to-Tummy, Tummy Down Carry, and Lap Soothe positions
- Working towards Tummy Time on the floor
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 2 weeks!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Many parents like Tummy to Tummy for their newborn. This allows you to be face-to-face with baby and enjoy lots of baby cuddles!
At 1 month, baby is...- Turning head during Tummy Time
- Attempting to lift head up – even if it’s only for a second
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 1 month!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level. Baby loves your face and voice!
At 2 months baby is...- Spending at least one minute in Tummy Time several times a day without becoming upset
- Doing the majority of Tummy Time exercises on the floor
- Possibly tilting their head to one side
- Watch to make sure they alternate tilting to both directions instead of always favoring one side, which may be a possible sign of positional torticollis
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 2 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Face baby different directions in their crib each night to help develop neck muscles by turning a different direction to look at you each morning.
At 3 months, baby is...
- Beginning to put weight on arms, with elbows behind their shoulders at a 45 degree angle
- Gaining head control and is able to lift head between 45 to 90 degrees, without tilting head to either side
- Spending a total of 1 hour each day in Tummy Time
- Starting to visually track toys or rattles you move around during Tummy Time
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 3 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Place baby tummy down on an exercise ball, holding their sides for support. Slowly move the ball toward and away from you, allowing baby to lift and hold their head more easily.
At 4 months, baby is...
- Lifting head up 90 degrees and keeping their head centered
- Pushing up on forearms and brings chest off floor. Elbows will be under their shoulders at a 90 degree angle or in front of shoulders.
- Lifting head and moving neck to track toys, voices, and faces during Tummy Time
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 4 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Babies love faces—even their own! Use mirrors during Tummy Time to help keep them engaged and having fun.
At 5 months, baby is...- Beginning to push up on hands with straight elbows
- Starting to move hands forward to reach for toys that are placed nearby
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 5 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Do baby push-ups. Place hands under baby’s chest and tummy, and use gentle lifting cues to get baby to push up on hands for brief periods.
At 6+ months, baby is...- Self-directing Tummy Time
- Reaching and grabbing toys of different sizes while on tummy
- Able to pivot in a circle while on stomach
- Rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back
- Starting to prefer being on their stomach. Being on their tummy allows them to play, move, and explore more easily.
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 6 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Encourage baby to practice rolling and moving while on their tummy. Use toys to keep them motivated!
How Tummy Time Helps Baby's Development
Tummy Time helps baby's motor and sensory development
Tummy Time is crucial for healthy motor, sensory and visual development:
Motor
- Strengthens baby’s back, neck, shoulders, and core muscles.
- Build a foundation for baby to meet motor milestones including rolling, sitting, crawling, and more.
Sensory
- Feeling different textures (blankets, carpet, etc.) on their arms, hands, and cheeks can help baby’s sense of touch (tactile sense).
- As baby moves and their weight shifts, they gain a sense of body awareness (proprioception).
- Positioning baby differently helps develop their movement and balance (vestibular sense).
Vision
- Helps develop hand-eye coordination. By looking down at their hands, baby is seeing how they move and what they can do.
Did you know you can use time on the floor to play as an alternative to baby being in a carrier or bouncy seat?
In addition to having proven developmental benefits, Tummy Time can help prevent two conditions: positional plagiocephaly and positional torticollis.
Positional plagiocephaly is the development of flat spots on the back and side of the head, which can lead to asymmetries of the head and face.
Positional torticollis is the stiffening of neck muscles, causing baby’s head to tilt to one side.
Learn More
Tummy Time Tips for Success
If baby isn't enjoying Tummy Time, try some of these ideas!
If baby has different people caring for them...
Make sure all caregivers know Tummy Time is a normal part of baby’s daily routine
If baby resists Tummy Time...
Do a couple minutes of Tummy Time after every diaper change or after every bath so baby starts to expect it
Avoid Tummy Time immediately after feeding
If baby cries during Tummy Time…
Try doing Tummy Time exercises when baby is most happy
Make Tummy Time fun time
- Sing songs during Tummy Time to calm and soothe baby
- Use rattles, toys, and mirrors to encourage visual tracking
- Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level. Baby loves your face!
If baby falls asleep during Tummy Time…
Place them on their back—do not let them sleep on their tummy
Remember: Every bit of Tummy Time makes a difference!
Don’t get discouraged. If you have done plenty of Tummy Time with baby, but are concerned they are not meeting their milestones, bring your concerns to baby’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Learn More About Early Detection and Intervention
Tummy Time Activities
Your 7-Week-Old Baby
Baby Blues or Post-Partum Depression?
Being a new mom is full of emotional ups and downs. You’re exhausted, hormonal and overwhelmed by your new responsibilities. So, it’s totally normal to have a range of feelings swirling around inside you.
Many moms experience the “baby blues”—feeling down in the dumps, crying for no reason and going through mood swings, even though you’re “supposed” to be flooded with joy. This phase usually subsides in a couple weeks or less.
But if you’re experiencing intense sadness, and it’s getting in the way of taking care of yourself and your baby, it could be a sign of postpartum depression. According to the American Pregnancy Association, symptoms of PPD include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling sad, hopeless and/or overwhelmed
- Trouble sleeping and eating
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- No interest in your baby
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
Another condition to be on the lookout for is postpartum anxiety, which affects an estimated 10 percent of new moms. While even the most laid-back woman probably feels some level of anxiety about navigating motherhood, PPA is when racing thoughts (usually about the health and safety of your baby) consume your mind, become obsessive and cause constant fear and worry that interferes with your daily life. You may feel extra irritable or moody, have trouble falling asleep or experience physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea and hot flashes.
What to do:
- Don’t go it alone. See your doctor (primary care, OB or mental health professional) ASAP to get to the bottom of your condition and get the appropriate treatment, which may include medication and/or therapy.
- Talk to your partner and share what’s going on.
- Don’t be shy about leaning on friends and family for extra help around the house and with the baby, too.
Doctor’s Corner: 8-Week Well Baby
It’s time to head back to the pediatrician (yes, again!) for the two-month well visit.
By now you know the drill—your baby will have their weight and height measured, as well as head circumference to monitor growth. The doctor will do a head-to-toe examination, checking out their heart, lungs, eyes, ears, belly, diaper area, skin, body movement and reflexes.
It’s helpful to write down your questions ahead of the appointment, so you don’t forget to ask in the moment.
And now for the least fun part…the shots. At the end of the visit, your baby likely will get several vaccines. The most common ones at this visit are for pneumococcal, hepatitis B (if it wasn’t given at the one-month appointment), rotavirus (given by mouth), DTaP, Hib and polio.
Following the appointment your kiddo may take an epic nap, be epically cranky, or not be impacted in the slightest.
7-Week-Old Milestone: Baby’s First Smile
One of the best moments of parenthood is seeing your baby flash their very first smile. (It almost makes you forget they weren’t so smiley in the middle of the night!) While you may have already spotted some gas-induced grins, they were probably reflex smiles. Now it’s time for the real deal.
Anywhere from six weeks to three months, your little one will start to smile on purpose. This is a big developmental milestone for budding social skills because it means they’re connecting and interacting with you.
Clear lots of space in your phone—it’s about to fill up with zillions of heart-melting, happy baby pics. 😍
Try This: Tummy Time
“Tummy time” helps your baby develop strong muscles, and paves the way to crawling. And it’s a simple activity you can do anytime you’re hanging out at home.
Place your baby on their tummy, preferably on a soft blanket or mat, 2-3 times a day to start. They may look like a bobblehead doll at first, so be prepared for some face-planting and crying (it’s hard work!).
For extra support, you can prop your little peanut up on a nursing pillow like the Boppy (which is designed for this purpose, too). Try it for a few minutes at a time and work your way up to longer stretches as they build more strength. Place a toy in front of your baby so they’re engaged and start to see tummy time as play time.
Avoid tummy time when your baby is tired, hungry or just had a feeding.
Keepsakes for Baby’s Milestones
You can barely find the time to make a sandwich these days, so crafting an elaborate baby book is probably not at the top of your to-do list. Luckily, there are a lot of simple ways to track special moments and save keepsakes without it feeling like a full-time job. Here’s a round-up of ways to capture those sweet memories.
And if you have a few seconds to spare (yes, really that’s all you need), scribble down a milestone or funny experience in Mom’s One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book. Even if you don’t do it daily, you’ll compile an awesome journal of one-liners over the years to look back on.
If you’re looking to take the impromptu shoebox storage situation up a notch, check out the Baby Edition Keepsake Box from Savor. This fabric box has tons of compartments with acid-free drawers, perfect for protecting your most important objects like locks of hair, hospital bracelets, documents, sonograms, baby shoes and more.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board.
Child development by week | Regional Perinatal Center
Expectant mothers are always curious about how the fetus develops at a time when it is awaited with such impatience. Let's talk and look at the photos and pictures of how the fetus grows and develops week by week.
What does the puffer do for 9 whole months in mom's tummy? What does he feel, see and hear?
Let's start the story about the development of the fetus by weeks from the very beginning - from the moment of fertilization. A fetus up to 8 weeks old is called embryo , this occurs before the formation of all organ systems.
Embryo development: 1st week
The egg is fertilized and begins to actively split. The ovum travels to the uterus, getting rid of the membrane along the way.
On the 6th-8th days, implantation of eggs is carried out - implantation into the uterus. The egg settles on the surface of the uterine mucosa and, using the chorionic villi, attaches to the uterine mucosa.
Embryo development: 2-3 weeks
Picture of embryo development at 3 weeks.
The embryo is actively developing, starting to separate from the membranes. At this stage, the beginnings of the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are formed. Therefore, this period of pregnancy is considered important.
Embryo development: 4–7 weeks
Fetal development by week in pictures: week 4
Fetal development by week photo: week 4
Photo of an embryo before the 6th week of pregnancy.
The heart, head, arms, legs and tail are formed in the embryo :) . Gill slit is defined. The length of the embryo at the fifth week reaches 6 mm.
Fetal development by week photo: week 5
At the 7th week, the rudiments of the eyes, stomach and chest are determined, and fingers appear on the handles. The baby already has a sense organ - the vestibular apparatus. The length of the embryo is up to 12 mm. nine0003
Fetal development: 8th week
Fetal development by week photo: week 7-8
The face of the fetus can be identified, the mouth, nose, and auricles can be distinguished. The head of the embryo is large and its length corresponds to the length of the body; the fetal body is formed. All significant, but not yet fully formed, elements of the baby's body already exist. The nervous system, muscles, skeleton continue to improve.
Fetal development in the photo already sensitive arms and legs: week 8
The fetus developed skin sensitivity in the mouth (preparation for the sucking reflex), and later in the face and palms.
At this stage of pregnancy, the genitals are already visible. Gill slits die. The fruit reaches 20 mm in length.
Fetal development: 9–10 weeks
Fetal development by week photo: week 9
Fingers and toes already with nails. The fetus begins to move in the pregnant woman's stomach, but the mother does not feel it yet. With a special stethoscope, you can hear the baby's heartbeat. Muscles continue to develop. nine0003
Weekly development of the fetus photo: week 10
The entire surface of the fetal body is sensitive and the baby develops tactile sensations with pleasure, touching his own body, the walls of the fetal bladder and the umbilical cord. It is very curious to observe this on ultrasound. By the way, the baby first moves away from the ultrasound sensor (of course, because it is cold and unusual!), And then puts his hands and heels trying to touch the sensor.
It's amazing when a mother puts her hand to her stomach, the baby tries to master the world and tries to touch with his pen "from the back". nine0115
The development of the fetus: 11–14 weeks
Development of the fetus in the photo of the legs: weeks 11The baby, legs and eyelids are formed, and the genitals become distinguishable (you can find out the gender (you can find out the gender child). The fetus begins to swallow, and if something is not to its taste, for example, if something bitter got into the amniotic fluid (mother ate something), then the baby will begin to frown and stick out his tongue, making less swallowing movements. nine0003
Fruit skin appears translucent.
Fruit development: Week 12
Photo of the fetus 12 weeks per 3D Ultrasound
Development of the fetus for weeks: Week 14 9000 9000buds are responsible for production for production urine. Blood forms inside the bones. And hairs begin to grow on the head. Moves more coordinated.
Fetal development: 15-18 weeks
Fetal development by weeks photo: week 15The skin turns pink, the ears and other parts of the body, including the face, are already visible. Imagine, a child can already open his mouth and blink, as well as make grasping movements. The fetus begins to actively push in the mother's tummy. The sex of the fetus can be determined by ultrasound.
Fetal development: 19-23 weeks
Fetal development by week photo: week 19Baby sucks his thumb, becomes more energetic. Pseudo-feces are formed in the intestines of the fetus - meconium , kidneys begin to work. During this period, the brain develops very actively.
Fetal development by weeks photo: week 20The auditory ossicles become stiff and now they are able to conduct sounds, the baby hears his mother - heartbeat, breathing, voice. The fetus intensively gains weight, fat deposits are formed. The weight of the fetus reaches 650 g, and the length is 300 mm.
The lungs at this stage of fetal development are so developed that the baby can survive in the artificial conditions of the intensive care unit. nine0003
Fetal development: 24-27 weeks
Lungs continue to develop. Now the baby is already falling asleep and waking up. Downy hairs appear on the skin, the skin becomes wrinkled and covered with grease. The cartilage of the ears and nose is still soft.
Fetal development by week photo: week 27Lips and mouth become more sensitive. The eyes develop, open slightly and can perceive light and squint from direct sunlight. In girls, the labia majora do not yet cover the small ones, and in boys, the testicles have not yet descended into the scrotum. Fetal weight reaches 900–1200 g, and the length is 350 mm.
9 out of 10 children born at this term survive.
Fetal development: 28-32 weeks
The lungs are now adapted to breathe normal air. Breathing is rhythmic and body temperature is controlled by the CNS. The baby can cry and responds to external sounds.
Child opens eyes while awake and closes during sleep.
The skin becomes thicker, smoother and pinkish. Starting from this period, the fetus will actively gain weight and grow rapidly. Almost all babies born prematurely at this time are viable. The weight of the fetus reaches 2500 g, and the length is 450 mm. nine0003
Fetal development: 33-37 weeks
Fetal development by week photo: week 36The fetus reacts to a light source. Muscle tone increases and the baby can turn and raise his head. On which, the hairs become silky. The child develops a grasping reflex. The lungs are fully developed.
Fetal development: 38-42 weeks
The fetus is quite developed, prepared for birth and considered mature. The baby has mastered over 70 different reflex movements. Due to the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the baby's skin is pale pink. The head is covered with hairs up to 3 cm.
Fetal development by weeks photo: week 40The baby perfectly mastered the movements of his mother , knows when she is calm, excited, upset and reacts to this with her movements. During the intrauterine period, the fetus gets used to moving in space, which is why babies love it so much when they are carried in their arms or rolled in a stroller. For a baby, this is a completely natural state, so he will calm down and fall asleep when he is rocked.
The nails protrude beyond the tips of the fingers, the cartilages of the ears and nose are elastic. In boys, the testicles have descended into the scrotum, and in girls, the large labia cover the small ones. The weight of the fetus reaches 3200-3600 g, and the length is 480-520 mm. nine0003
After the birth, the baby longs for touching his body, because at first he cannot feel himself - the arms and legs do not obey the child as confidently as it was in the amniotic fluid. Therefore, so that your baby does not feel lonely, it is advisable to carry him in your arms, press him to you while stroking his body.
And one more thing, the baby remembers the rhythm and sound of your heart very well . Therefore, you can comfort the baby in this way - take him in your arms, put him on the left side and your miracle will calm down, stop crying and fall asleep. And for you, finally, the time of bliss will come :) . nine0003
Ultrasound of the fetus, photo of the abdomen, what happens to mother and baby
What happens to the baby at the 7th week
At the 7th week of pregnancy, the baby undergoes serious changes - his reproductive system begins to form. True, it is still impossible to find out who you will have - a boy or a girl.
The fetus at the 7th week of pregnancy is actively developing, its organs and tissues are being improved. The baby develops the lymphatic system, there are many changes in the brain: the pituitary gland and the cerebellum appear. At this time, the liver and kidneys of the child are laid, his arms and legs lengthen, and soon he will begin to actively move them. The facial features of the future baby are being laid. nine0003
Fetal ultrasound
At 7 weeks pregnant, a fetal ultrasound will show you a baby who is approximately 22–30 mm tall and weighs 4 grams. At the same time, his head looks much larger than his body.
Ultrasound is optional at 7 weeks. Only after two weeks, the gynecologist will advise you to go for an examination as part of the first screening. In the meantime, the mother can be prescribed an ultrasound if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected. It is manifested mainly by pain in the abdomen, because the embryo does not grow in the uterus, but in a tighter space, for example, in the fallopian tube. nine0003
Ultrasound of the fetus at 7 weeks of gestation may be indicated for those mothers who are expected to have multiple pregnancies, that is, more than one baby. In addition, ultrasound diagnostics will help eliminate the risk of missed pregnancy.
Belly photo
Photo: ArtHouse Studio, pexels.comBelly photo at 7 weeks of pregnancy will hardly allow others to suspect an interesting situation. At this time, the uterus has not yet increased enough in size for the tummy to protrude noticeably. Still, the child is hardly the size of a plum. nine0003
Many mothers in early pregnancy notice that it has become more difficult for them to fasten their trousers, and the belt has to be unfastened. Gynecologists believe that the usual bloating plays a role here. It is often encountered at the beginning of pregnancy - and all because of the hormone progesterone. It affects intestinal motility, hence constipation, bloating and various discomforts.
What happens to the mother at the 7th week
The 7th week of pregnancy from conception is an extremely responsible time. At this time, the internal organs of the unborn child are formed, which means that the mother should be extremely attentive - listen to her feelings and, if there is any suspicion of problems, go to the doctor. nine0003
At the 7th week of pregnancy, everything that is considered to be signs of an “interesting situation” happens to the mother. There are mood swings due to hormonal changes, and weakness, fatigue due to the fact that the body has redistributed resources to your baby, and here is toxicosis. Many women at the 7th week of pregnancy experience frequent urination. Frequent urination is due to the fact that the growing uterus presses on the bladder.
How do you feel during week 7
The sensations experienced by a woman at the 7th week of pregnancy are very diverse. Each of us is individual, so it is impossible to guess in advance what set of sensations will fall out in a particular case.
Basically, at the 7th week of pregnancy from conception, expectant mothers experience the following sensations:
- morning sickness, less often vomiting - in the middle of the first trimester, toxicosis is a fairly common phenomenon, but after a couple of weeks it will begin to recede;
- cramps in the lower abdomen, most often provoked by a growing uterus, this is uncomfortable, but not dangerous;
- a constant desire to go "a little" - alas, the same growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, forcing a woman to run out of need more often than usual;
- mood swings - the body has not yet got used to hormonal changes, but a couple of weeks and everyone around will be able to breathe easy;
- drowsiness and weakness, due to which all the woman's energy is redistributed to the development of the unborn baby; nine0295
- breast tenderness.
Menstruation
What are the other periods at the 7th week of pregnancy, you ask? Indeed, the expectant mother should not have bloody discharge by the type of menstruation, and if they appear, this is a reason to make an appointment with a doctor. Moreover, gynecologists say that slight brownish discharge can wait, but scarlet, and even more abundant, require urgent action - calling an ambulance.
If the bleeding is accompanied by pain, it may be a sign of a miscarriage, and in the worst case, its consequences. It can also bleed during an ectopic pregnancy, with a frozen pregnancy, and with injuries to the vaginal mucosa. Sometimes blood appears due to tumors or infectious diseases. nine0003
Pain in the abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy is probably the most common complaint of expectant mothers. To one degree or another, every pregnant woman faces them.
Usually there is no reason to panic, but rarely pain can be a manifestation of a threatened abortion.
Pain in the early stages of pregnancy may have the following causes:
- Fetal implantation, the waves of which can disturb the expectant mother up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. In this case, the woman feels slight short-term pain, which may be accompanied by scant bleeding for several days. nine0295
- Enlargement of the uterus and stretching of the ligaments that attach it to the abdominal cavity. Because of this, there are shooting sensations in the uterus, usually they are short-lived - they will sharply grab and release.
- Disturbed ectopic pregnancy. It manifests itself in the form of a sharp, stabbing pain that spreads to the entire abdominal cavity. In this case, spotting spotting may appear.
Pain that can cause concern:
- acute and intense;
- long-lasting, but do not weaken;
- cramping - occurs every 10-15 minutes for an hour;
- accompanied by severe weakness up to loss of consciousness.
If bleeding is added to the pain, this may mean a threatened miscarriage.
- Unfortunately, spontaneous miscarriage in the first trimester happens quite often - in every fifth woman. In 90-95 percent of cases, then they safely become pregnant again and become happy mothers, gynecologists explain. nine0003
Brown discharge
Discharge during pregnancy can be different, some are safe, some should alert a woman. Gynecologists explain that scanty brownish discharge can occur during the implantation of the baby, then they do not pose any threat. But if the discharge is plentiful and, even worse, scarlet, then you need to be prepared for anything.
- First trimester bleeding occurs in every fourth woman. obstetrician-gynecologist Dina Absalyamova .
In case of suspicious spotting, the doctor should perform a gynecological examination and refer the woman for an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. By the way, the diagnosis of "miscarriage" based on ultrasound is not necessarily correct; to confirm it, a second examination is prescribed after 1-2 weeks.
What can cause bleeding and pain at the 7th week of pregnancy:
- threatened or incipient miscarriage;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- non-progressive pregnancy;
- pregnancy of unclear location;
- implantation bleeding;
- bleeding associated with multiple pregnancies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does swelling occur during pregnancy and how to deal with it?
Physiological edema often accompanies pregnancy, especially in the later stages, when the ureters are compressed by the uterus and the outflow of urine is difficult. Why they occur:
• due to insufficient intake of protein, the vascular wall becomes easily permeable, water escapes into the tissues and causes their swelling;
• due to eating a lot of salty foods;
• in the later stages by increasing the volume of circulating blood and creating an additional load on the cardiovascular and urinary system;
• Edema can occur due to chronic diseases such as diabetes, varicose veins and others.For the treatment of edema, it is recommended to adhere to a protein diet and exclude from the diet everything that makes you want to drink - spicy, salty, sweet. Water should be consumed on average 2-2.5 liters per day, without fanaticism. It is useful to lead an active lifestyle - go to the pool, and from time to time rest, raising your legs above your head for 20-30 minutes. You can use compression stockings if it is not +30 degrees outside. nine0003
Is it true that pregnant women get ARVI more often?
The risk of catching a cold in pregnant women is the same as in all other people. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care of yourself. In the first trimester, it is better to avoid any illness, even if it is a common cold. By the way, only every fifth expectant mother turns to a doctor with ARVI, so it is difficult to calculate the number of cases. Moreover, women in vain avoid a visit to a therapist, self-medication can be much more dangerous.
Can coughing cause miscarriage?
Many mothers think that a strong cough can lead to premature labor or miscarriage. In most cases, this is not the case, but if a woman “winds” herself with such fears, the risk increases. The experience can lead to the production of adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol - stress hormones - they can easily cross the placenta, and this can lead in the worst case to termination of pregnancy.
Can I have sex? nine0011
– If the pregnancy is going well and there are no contraindications, then it is not only possible, but also necessary. Sex helps to harmonize relationships in a couple, normalizes the emotional state of a woman, during sex a lot of hormones of happiness - endorphins - are released. It used to be that in the first and last months of pregnancy, sex should be abandoned, but the study did not confirm the harm of intimate life during these periods, the gynecologists explain.
At the 7th week of pregnancy, as at any other period, sex is allowed if there is no threat of termination of pregnancy or other complications. So before you indulge in pleasures, discuss this point with your doctor. nine0003
- Sexual positions may vary depending on the duration of pregnancy. This is due to the increase in the tummy of the expectant mother. Positions without deep penetration are best, such as the classic face-to-face pose, as well as the side pose. At a later date, a pose is welcomed when a woman is on all fours or sits on top of a man, experts specify.
It does not hurt to dispel a couple of myths:
Can an orgasm provoke a miscarriage? No, orgasm is, of course, accompanied by uterine contractions, but they occur at other times as well. If you are not at risk for miscarriage, there is no danger. nine0003
Is it possible to touch the baby with the penis? No, the baby is securely protected by the membranes, cervix and water, it is impossible to hit him.
What to do if the lower abdomen is pulled?
One of the types of pain during pregnancy is pulling, spastic pain. They are usually not intense and are localized either on one side or throughout the lower abdomen.
- Such pains are indicative of sprains and growth of the uterus. These pains are not accompanied by bleeding. With increasing gestational age, they increase, especially with physical activity. Such pains can provoke the large size of the fetus, polyhydramnios and multiple pregnancies, gynecologists explain. nine0003
It is best to sit or lie down and rest for a while. They usually go away on their own within a few minutes. If relaxation does not help, the pain intensifies and does not think to go away, call the hospital.
What should I do if my temperature rises?
In early pregnancy, women often experience a slight increase in temperature, up to about 37.5 degrees. This is the norm, so there is nothing to worry about.
However, sometimes the temperature is not related to the “interesting position”, but is a sign of inflammation. If the expectant mother has caught a cold or, worse, does not know the causes of the fever, you need to contact a therapist. nine0003
A high temperature in the first trimester is at risk of fetal malformations. If the thermometer shows 38-38.5 degrees, it is better to take antipyretics that are allowed during pregnancy, or simply wipe yourself with cool water.
ARVI itself usually goes away in 7-10 days. To speed up the healing process, get plenty of rest, ventilate the room, rinse your nose with sea salt solutions, and drink plenty of warm fluids.
How to eat right? nine0011
– During pregnancy, everything that the child needs for development, he takes from the mother's body. Therefore, it is very important that a woman eat right. In this case, you do not need to eat for two, gynecologists explain.
The main foods to include in the diet of a pregnant woman:
1. Red meat: lamb, beef, veal. Red meat contains a lot of iron, and it affects the level of oxygen in the blood of both mother and child.