In month 7, your baby is
the size of an Egg Plant
Your baby is getting stronger, and you’re nearing the final stretch. Learn about key milestones, body changes, and how to prepare for the months ahead.
Reaching the seventh month marks the start of the third trimester, a time of rapid changes. Your body adapts, weight gain increases, and your baby becomes more active. Navigating this month requires careful attention to rest, nutrition, and staying prepared for what's to come.
This month, your baby’s development is accelerating as it prepares for a life outside the womb. Here’s a wee-wise update of your baby's development:
Your baby begins REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, making it likely that they’re dreaming! Their eyes can now open and close, complete with fluttering eyelashes. Fetuses also start sticking out their tongues, possibly tasting the amniotic fluid.
Your baby may begin to smile, particularly during sleep. Hiccups continue, felt as light, rhythmic taps, which don’t bother them. As your little one grows, space in the womb gets tighter, so kicks become more like jabs and gentle pokes instead of full-on punches.
Your baby’s brain starts to wrinkle, allowing for more brain cells to fit. Their hands are now fully formed, with growing fingernails, and you might even see them grabbing a foot on an ultrasound. Keep up with your kick counts as your baby’s movements remain important!
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with your baby in the seventh month, as they grow stronger, more active, and reach new milestones:
Organ Development
This month, your baby’s organs continue to mature. Their lungs start producing surfactant for breathing after birth, and their brain forms connections to sense stimuli, including sound and touch.
Physical Features
Your baby’s face and body are rounding out as they gain fat. Eyelashes, eyebrows, and fingernails are fully formed, giving them a more developed, baby-like appearance.
Weight of the foetus
By the end of the seventh month, your baby typically weighs between 900g-1.4kg and measures around 14–16 inches in length.
Baby Movement
This month, your baby’s movements become more noticeable. Expect frequent kicks, stretches, and turns. They may also respond to sounds, such as your voice or music, helping you bond.
At 7 months, your journey is incredible. Each kick is a reminder of the life growing within you. Trust the process—you’re doing amazing!
While pregnancy symptoms vary, some common ones in the seventh month reflect your body’s adjustments during the third trimester as it supports your growing baby:
As your baby grows, the added weight can strain your back, leading to discomfort and pain, especially in the lower back.
Your body is working hard to support the baby, causing increased tiredness. Rest and a balanced diet can help manage this fatigue.
Hormonal changes and the growing uterus can push stomach acid up, causing heartburn or indigestion, especially after meals.
As the baby grows, it presses against your diaphragm, making it harder to take deep breaths and causing feelings of breathlessness.
Varicose Veins or Spider Veins
Increased blood volume and pressure on veins, especially in the legs, can lead to varicose veins or spider veins.
These are mild, irregular contractions that prepare your body for labour. They’re usually not painful but may cause discomfort or tightness in the abdomen.
The third trimester can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety as your baby’s arrival nears. Embrace this time by focusing on self-care, staying connected with your support system, and contacting your healthcare provider if you need reassurance or guidance.
In the seventh month, your baby’s rapid growth increases nutritional needs. It's essential to focus on nutrient-dense foods to support both you and your baby:
Staying active helps manage energy; gentle exercises are usually recommended. Let's understand which exercises are safe and which to avoid during your seventh month.
This month, you’ll have routine check-ups to monitor both your health and your baby’s progress:
The doctor uses a Doppler or ultrasound to listen to your baby’s heartbeat, ensuring it’s strong and regular, a key indicator of your baby’s well-being.
Monitoring blood pressure regularly is crucial to identify any early signs of preeclampsia, a condition that can affect both mother and baby.
Blood and urine tests help detect abnormalities such as gestational diabetes or anaemia, ensuring proper care and timely intervention if needed.
An ultrasound may be performed to assess your baby’s growth and check amniotic fluid levels, providing valuable insights into their development and overall health.
As your baby grows, your body works harder to support them, which increases fatigue. This is completely normal during the third trimester.
Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy often cause mood swings, especially in the third trimester, making them a common experience.
If you notice a significant decrease in movements, contact your doctor immediately. Regular movement is an important sign of your baby’s health.
Yes, you can continue exercising as long as you choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga, which are safe during pregnancy.
Typically, weight gain in the third trimester is about 0.5-1 kg per week. However, your doctor can provide personalised guidance based on your health and pregnancy progress.
