Welcome to Week 7

Your Baby: Looking Familiar

The embryo is about one-third of an inch (between 5 to 13 mm long). The brain is growing as the cavities and passages needed for spinal fluid circulation take shape. The lenses of the eyes are developing, and the middle part of the ears continues to grow. The arms, legs, hands, and feet are starting to form. Overall, this little being is becoming more and more recognizable!

Your Body: Off to the Office

Now that you're pregnant, you're going to have to take very good care of yourself and your growing baby. That means getting good prenatal care by going to your health care provider on a regular basis.

Perhaps you discussed pregnancy with your provider before you got pregnant and know how often you need to be seen for care. If not, then make an appointment with your provider as soon as you know you are pregnant. The first appointment is important to see how far along you are and when you and your baby will need to be monitored during your pregnancy. You will likely see your provider once a month through your 28th week. From weeks 28 to 36, weeks you will need to go about every 2 weeks. From week 36 until delivery, you will probably be seen once a week. This may vary slightly and will be specific to you and your pregnancy.

On a Different Note: Morning Sickness Ad Nauseam

If you're like 70% of pregnant women, you'll experience nausea and vomiting -- morning sickness -- during the first 12 weeks. Learn more about it what causes it and how to avoid morning sickness and how to avoid it.

Weekly Tip

You have a lot of appointments ahead of you -- between prenatal visits, blood and other lab tests, and ultrasounds -- you'll no doubt be doing a lot of waiting in reception areas. Bring a book with you at all times so you can catch up on some reading while you wait.

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