You are rounding out the end of your second trimester and are coming up to the final stretch. At this point, your baby can blink her baby blues, is developing little fingernails, and can stick out her tongue and taste amniotic fluid. Make sure to eat a variety of foods to expose baby to different flavors, as baby can taste food that you eat. Data suggests that moms who ate different foods had babies who were more open to eating different flavors. Time to load up on the garlic and salmon! You may also start to feel your baby have real hiccups-how cute is that?
In this article, we are going to help guide you through your 7th month of pregnancy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What to expect from an ultrasound
- Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
- How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
- How big is my baby right now?
- Shopping List
- Homework for this month
- Bottom Line
What to expect from an ultrasound
You may not be getting any more sneak peaks of your baby until she is born unless your provider has a specific reason to conduct an ultrasound (like a diagnosis of gestational diabetes).
If you do have an ultrasound, expect to have that goop spread on your belly again, and be sure to watch the monitor. Your provider is likely monitoring factors like baby’s growth or movement during the evaluation. All you have to do at this point is breathe and let your provider do her job.
Which symptoms will I feel at this point in my pregnancy?
One obvious symptom you may feel during this month is that your belly is getting much larger. This is a good sign and is completely normal. Some other common symptoms include:
- Constipation and gas
- Difficulty sleeping
- Leg cramps
- Heartburn
- Swollen ankles
- Leaking breasts
- Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor pains)
- Dry and flaky skin
- Increased appetite
How big will my belly be at this stage of my pregnancy?
You will notice that your belly is getting larger during this month. The top of your uterus is about 3.5 to 4 inches above your belly button. You may notice stretch marks which is a result of your skin accommodating your baby’s growing body.
How big is my baby right now?
Baby now measures about 15 inches from head to toe and weighs around 2 pounds.
Shopping List
To possibly support your stretching skin and to give your baby amino acids that become essential at this point of your pregnancy, add some collagen peptides to your diet.
If you are planning on attending a baby shower in your honor, start looking for some cute thank you note cards so you will be prepared when the time comes.
Get yourself 1-2 nightgowns that are large-fitting and easy to pull down to nurse. You will likely need a comfortable nightgown right now and you can use it once baby is here as well.
If you are having a hard time drinking regular water, try Drink Simple Maple Water for a slightly sweet alternative that provides half of the sugar as coconut water. It is loaded with natural electrolytes to help keep mama hydrated.
Homework for this month
Start rounding up ideas for a baby registry.
Find out your Rh blood status to determine whether you need an injection. Bring this up to your health care provider during your next visit.
Register for a breastfeeding basics class and baby CPR class to attend before baby arrives.
Make sure you are getting enough iron in your diet. Your needs increase once you enter your third trimester so choosing foods like red meat and green leafy veggies are great choices.
Call your insurance company to learn how to obtain a breast pump if you are planning on using one.
Bottom Line
You are getting very close to your due date as your baby is gearing up to join your family very soon. Make sure to take advantage of this time by making a point to connect with your partner or close friends. Perhaps schedule a special dinner or even take a weekend to hit the beach with no distractions. Your focus is going to change very quickly once baby is here and now is a great time to strengthen and honor the important relationships in your life right now.
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