The seventh month of pregnancy denotes the start of the third trimester of pregnancy. This is a very crucial time as the date of delivery suddenly seems a lot nearer. During this time the mother is usually on her homestretch. Also during this time the baby goes through a lot of development.
Given below are the developments that are common in the 7th month of pregnancy:-
Developments In The Baby: by this time, the baby undergoes a lot of development.
During this time the baby grows bigger. Usually it grows to 13-15 inches in length and 2-3 pounds in weight.
This is also the time for brain development in the baby. In the 7th month the baby is able to feel external stimuli. They can hear voices, music and even respond to various sounds. They start sensing light and pain.
Along with the brain, the other vital organs of the baby start maturing. At this time the fat starts to deposit under the baby’s skin. The baby becomes chubbier and since the baby is growing it cannot turn around in the womb as the space becomes limited. So. Often the contours of the baby can be seen from outside when it turns.
The baby’s muscles develop considerably so that they can flex their limbs or suck on their thumb. Kicking is a common phenomenon seen during this month.
Changes In The Mother’s Body: The mother’s body undergoes a lot of changes by the 7th month.
The mother may suffer from cramps in legs or feet. Another common symptom seen during this month is the swelling of hands and feet.
Weight gain becomes rapid from this month. Women often gain around a pound per week.
Because the belly swells a lot, the mother may experience pain in the rib or sides of the abdomen. There may be slight pain in the pelvis which may spread to the thighs.
Owing to the increasing pressure of the baby on the bladder. The mother may feel the need to urinate more often. Women may also feel irritated and lethargic during this month. Constipation, faintness, bloating, heartburn, headaches etc are common during this month.
Painless uterine contractions are also common during this month. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. The mother may also suffer from anemia during this trimester.
This is the time when milk development starts in the mother’s breasts. The veins of the mother’s breasts may start becoming prominent.
Points to remember:
The 7th month is a late stage of pregnancy. The mother needs ample rest during this time.
Regular check-ups are a must in order to avoid future complications. This month also brings in the risk of premature birth. Hence, the doctors should be thoroughly consulted.
Since the child goes through the most crucial part of its development in this trimester and also starts feeling stimuli, it is essential for the mother to take a balanced diet and stay away from any kind of toxins or activities that can hurt the baby.
