7 Months Pregnant: Symptoms, Body Changes, Diet & Care

As you enter the 28th week or the beginning of the third trimester of your pregnancy, you and your baby will go through some major changes. As a 7 months pregnant mother-to-be, you might experience more and more discomfort with each passing day; however, it will also be an exceptional feeling as you will be treated with great care by your near and dear ones. To help you make the most out of this phase of motherhood, we have put together a list of symptoms, precautions, and care that you can refer to and be more prepared for this incredible journey.

Common Symptoms Experienced During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

The common 7 months pregnant symptoms that you are likely to experience include (1) (2):

• Difficulty in walking as your limbs and bladder are subjected to pressure induced by the growing belly
• Back pain due to weight gain
• Frequent mood swings. Don’t worry, as they are quite normal and happen to all pregnant women
• Discomfort or changes while walking as the ankles and feet may swell. You will walk slowly, and your legs will automatically part as you walk to support your belly
• Abdominal discomfort and frequent contractions will become a part of your routine, but you will feel more settled in the 7th month
• Shortness of breath and heartburn will be frequent
• Breasts will become very sensitive and may even leak pre-milk – colostrum.
• Your belly button may look more protruding

Changes That Occur in Your Body During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

As your body starts preparing for delivery, it undergoes several changes during the seventh month of pregnancy. We have listed some 7-month pregnancy changes in the body to help you manage your pregnancy better (2).

• Due to the growing size of your belly, it will be difficult for you to bend.
• You will experience swelling and feel bloated due to increased blood circulation in the body.
• You will start feeling extremely hot in all weather conditions.
• As the baby grows inside you, he will press your bladder even more, and you will experience the urge to urinate more frequently
• You will start feeling more fatigued and tired.
• Your nipples will become dark in colour, and your breasts will become heavy and dense.
• Your weight will increase tremendously during the 7th month. This could lead to complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, premature birth, or heavy birth weight of your baby. To avoid these medical complications, you need to eat nutritious food and be as active as possible. You may also speak to your doctor, or dietician for proper advice on your diet.
• Some ladies develop varicose veins due to weight gain.
• You won’t be able to walk fast due to your protruding belly.
• Your haemoglobin levels could continue dropping since the second trimester. Keep them under check and consume iron-rich foods. Also, ensure the intake of vitamin C for better absorption.
• Anxiety and mood swings will be constant. Please don’t blame yourself for all the emotional upheavals you will be going through.
• You will also experience fake contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. You might be able to distinguish between those and the actual ones.
• This is the time when you will feel a deep bond with the baby growing inside you.
• Panting for breath will be experienced more often these days as the baby puts pressure on the lungs.
• Some women start producing milk by this time, and they might also leak yellowish milk rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• You might also feel breast tenderness. To avoid that, try wearing a well-fitting and comfortable bra. You can also wear it while sleeping as it helps to support the heaviness and tenderness.
• Your back will hurt more due to the expansion of the uterus and increasing baby weight.
• Be ready to experience more sleepless nights and try to manage stress by practising breathing exercises and relaxation therapies.
• Vaginal discharge will increase and become heavy.

Common Concerns During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

Other than the changes mentioned above, your body might also experience the following concerns:

• Bleeding gums
• Excess saliva secretion and mucus formation
• Fatigue and headaches
• Light-headedness and dizziness
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Constipation and gastric problems
• You might even experience frequent forgetfulness. But don’t worry, it is temporary.
• You might also experience heartburn and haemorrhoids.

Development of the Baby in the 7th Month of Pregnancy

One aspect of the 7th month of pregnancy that will delight you immensely is that your little one is growing day by day and getting stronger, too. Here’s some information about the 7-month pregnancy development your baby goes through (3) (4) (5).

• Your baby is now approximately 46 centimetres in height, and his height and weight will be continuously monitored by your doctor during the appointments.
• The baby’s brain development is at its peak at this point in time. Hence, you will notice that he is more sensitive to sound, music, and smell. Any loud noise can startle them, and they may pull in their arms and legs.
• Your baby will move often in your tummy.
• The baby’s hearing has developed more. This is the best time to connect with him through sounds. You can talk or sing to him.
• The baby’s eyelids may open and close.
• Your baby will move frequently, and even kick and punch.
• The baby’s body is almost fully developed by now. The fat accumulation will start from the beginning of the 8th month.
• The respiratory system is fully functional in the baby by now, so there is no cause for alarm in case he pops out after seven months. The lungs get in the action of preparing a surfactant that is required for breathing after birth.
• The baby’s position will change in the tummy according to his physical and mental development, and he will sleep more during this phase. More probably, they will lie vertically with their head towards the cervical region. This position is considered the ideal position for birth (6).
• In the 7th month of pregnancy, the baby’s weight is around 900-1000 grams or a little above a kilogram.

Some Dos and Don’ts to Follow During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

As you approach your last trimester, you need to be extra cautious and vigilant about your diet and lifestyle. Here’s a list of 7-month pregnancy care tips and precautions that you need to follow during this time period (7):

Dos:

1. Go for frequent walks. Taking a break in between chores and going for short walks is good for your health. Avoid sitting in the same position for long hours. Keep your body active and flexible as much as possible.

2. Engage in a hobby. This will help you feel happy and relaxed and take your mind off unnecessary worries and thoughts. It can be anything like reading a book, watering plants, painting, or singing. It will help you stay calm and focused.

3. Practice meditation and breathing exercises. It will help your mind stay calm and relaxed. Invest 10-15 minutes every day practising different techniques of breathing, for example, controlled deep breathing, and shallow breathing, or breathing from the stomach, and breathing from the chest.

4. Regularly exercising throughout your pregnancy will keep you active and fit. It will also help you recover faster post-delivery. Practice basic stretches as recommended by your trainer, and doctor.

5. Consume iron-rich foods like eggs, fruits, cereals, leafy veggies, red meat, etc., along with vitamin C supplements. These foods are natural sources of iron, essential for your baby’s health and yours too. The vitamin C supplements assist in quick absorption of iron from the foods. You can contact your doctor for the supplements and get them prescribed.

6. Monitor your haemoglobin levels closely through regular blood tests. Women who have the rhesus-negative or Rh-negative blood type need to pay special attention to their blood reports to avoid complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Don’ts:

1. The correct sleeping posture is extremely crucial for your body. Try to sleep on your left side, as it optimizes blood circulation and the supply of oxygen, and nutrients for you and your baby. It will also help your kidneys to function smoothly, and reduce swelling.

2. Quit smoking and alcohol consumption completely (8). Also, ensure that you are not in the company of smokers, as passive smoking is harmful.

3. During the 7th month, you will not be able to bend; try not to slouch, and maintain a correct posture at all times.

4. Avoid lifting heavy objects. You need to delegate the responsibility of carrying heavy stuff to your family for a few months.

Foods to Eat During the 7th Month of Pregnancy

In the 7th month of pregnancy, diet is very important, and it is essential that you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. This is the time when your baby develops his cognitive and visual functions, so it is important that you consume omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids will enhance the growth process in the baby. Fish, eggs, and seafood are a few rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

Nutritious foods for 7 months pregnant women include loads of fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C and iron. Iron intake is extremely important at this point in time. You can include spinach, meat, eggs, green leafy veggies, etc., that contain natural sources of iron.

Tips for Coping With the 7th Month of Pregnancy

Here are a few tips for coping with your pregnancy during 7 months:

1. Although hormonal changes induce mood swings, it is normal to be emotional and anxious at this time of your pregnancy. If you are carrying for the first time, it is definitely tougher to put your mind at ease. Just try to relax and be prepared for the surge of emotions during your last trimester.
2. Read about childbirth and labour to understand more about what is to happen. This will mentally prepare you for labour.
3. Take weekend breaks. Getting away to a nearby resort with your partner will make you feel special and relieve some anxiety.
4. Openly discuss your concerns and fears with your partner. It will lighten your stress, strengthen your bond and also help him understand you better.
5. Start preparing for the arrival of the baby. Start decorating the beautiful nursery you have most likely already built for the little one who is about to join your family. Look for names that are uncommon and unique. You and your partner can also visit smart parenting seminars.
6. If you are working, this is the time for maternity leave. Take a break from office pressures and relax at home, surrounded by the love and care of your beloved family.

Tips for To-Be-Dads

Here are some tips expecting dads can benefit from and prepare well for the third trimester and the welcome of the baby:

• Prepare the nursery. Your partner can help you prepare the nursery well in advance, so there is no hurry and one less thing to worry about during delivery.
• Buy the third-trimester pregnancy essentials like a waistband or maternity bras and baby essentials like diapers, a diaper pail, curtains, baby bath & skincare essentials, etc.
• Accompany you to prenatal yoga and labour practice sessions so they don’t freak out on the actual day.
• Learn about parenting and baby care through books and sessions.

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Clinic

Routine check-ups for a 7-month pregnant woman are highly important and not to be skipped. From now on, your visits to the doctor will be twice a month if you have no major issues or concerns. With every ante-natal check-up, the doctor will continuously monitor the baby’s weight and height. It is important that you follow all the instructions given by the doctor vigilantly. Mothers with Rh-negative blood type will need to be injected with Rh immune globulin in the seventh month to protect the baby from the antibodies produced in the mother’s body.

Expectant mothers would need to undergo an ultrasound this month to monitor the baby’s development in the womb.

In case you experience any of the following situations, you need to consult the doctor immediately:

• Extreme pain in or pressure on your lower back.
• Compressions in the pelvic area and extreme pain that also spreads to the lower back and thighs.
• Reddish-brown coloured discharge.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal time to pack the hospital bag?

Preparing the hospital bag with labour and delivery essentials at least three weeks before the due date is ideal (9).

2. Do premature babies born in the seventh month have a high risk?

The survival rate of babies born at 28 weeks gestation or the seventh month is around 80-90 per cent and the chances of getting any long-term health problems is about 10 per cent only (10). Although babies born before 37-39 weeks of gestation may have a chance of low blood sugar, breathing issues, and other issues that may get them to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (11) (7). 

3. What is the ideal week for babies to get delivered?

37 weeks of pregnancy is considered a full-term. This is when the baby weighs about 3-4 kg and is perfectly ready to be born in the next few weeks (12).

4. Do boys kick more during gestation, or are they girls?

According to a 2001 study, male foetuses tend to display more leg movements per minute during gestation than female foetuses (13).

Experience the onslaught of immense joy, excitement, and emotional pangs with your last trimester. Follow the tips mentioned above and try to relax and be happy. Positivity and happiness is the key to happy parenthood! Happy Parenting!

References/Resources:

1. Stages of pregnancy; OASH; https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy

2. How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn

3. Your third trimester guide; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/pregnancy-milestones/third-trimester#look-out

4. 7th month pregnancy The baby’s personality and intelligence developing; Google Books; https://books.google.co.in/books?id=vn4ZAnI1HuQC&pg=PA23&dq=7th+month+pregnancy+The+baby%E2%80%99s+personality+and+intelligence+developing&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIltOUk7bgAhUxHjQIHSoUAo4Q6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=7th%20month%20pregnancy%20The%20baby%E2%80%99s%20personality%20and%20intelligence%20developing&f=false

5. Antenatal Care Module: 11. Assessing the Fetus; The Open University; https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=41&printable=1

6. Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy and Beyond; UCSF Women’s Health Obstetrics Services; https://obgyn.ucsf.edu/sites/obgyn.ucsf.edu/files/Preg%20Guidebook_whrc_Aug2016_0.pdf

7. Health Tips for Pregnant Women; NIH; https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-for-pregnant-women

8. Pack your bag for labour; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/

9. WHEN IS IT SAFE TO DELIVER YOUR BABY?; University of Utah; https://healthcare.utah.edu/womens-health/pregnancy-birth/preterm-birth/when-is-it-safe-to-deliver

10. Why Is 40 Weeks so Important?; New York State; https://www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/why_is_40_weeks_so_important.htm

11. You and your baby at 37 weeks pregnant; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/28-to-40-plus/37-weeks/#:~:text=You%20at%2037%20weeks,not%20move%20down%20until%20labour.

12. Almli. C, Ball. C. H, Wheeler. M. E; Human fetal and neonatal movement patterns: Gender differences and fetal-to-neonatal continuity.; Developmental Psychobiology; Semantic Scholar; https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Human-fetal-and-neonatal-movement-patterns%3A-Gender-Almli-Ball/dcad9c267488e85f8c33ab01e24c46eb0e7a8a6d?p2df May 2001

Also Read:

5 Month of Pregnancy
Sixth Month of Pregnancy
Symptoms of 8th Month of Pregnancy
Body Changes in 10 Months of Pregnancy