7 Months Pregnant

— Welcome to the last trimester!

When you become 7 months pregnant, you should know that you have reached the final trimester of your pregnancy.

For sure there are a lot of different feelings that you have, some of them similar to the ones you felt when you found out that you are expecting. It might be a good idea to talk to your partner or friends about these feelings.

For sure they will assure you that you will be a great mother. Another thing that you could do is to keep a journal that would help you deal with the feelings and the anxiety that you have. Also it is something fun to read later.

What to Expect When you are Seven Months Pregnant?

Just as in the previous months, you go on gaining a pound per week. For sure you have felt the kicks of the little one before as well, but they are becoming stronger and stronger.

Although they seem to be cute at the beginning, they could get annoying during the night in case he or she doesn’t let you sleep.

Make sure that you aren’t staying in a stressful environment during the 7^th month of pregnancy, because it has been proved that the mothers who are under a lot of stress have smaller fetuses than the ones who are relaxed during their pregnancy.

This is the time when you should be thinking only about yourself and the baby.

7th Month of Pregnancy Symptoms

1. Pain

Since you are carrying a lot of extra weight, it is just natural that you will experience 7 months pregnant symptoms such as pains and aches in your back, legs, pelvic area and even in the abdomen. In case you are faced with them you should take it as a warning to take it slow and to relax a bit. This might be the time to let others do some work around the house as well.

2. Palpitations and Shortness of Breath

In case there are the feelings that you experience during this month, there is nothing to be worried about. They happen because your heart has a lot more blood to pump, and you may imagine that this puts a strain on it. There is nothing to be worried about, but still it could be a good idea to relax a bit before you go on with your activities.

3. Frequent Urination

By this time this isn’t a new symptom anymore. The cause of the frequent visits to the toilet is that the fetus is making room for itself in the pelvic area, thus putting pressure on your bladder. Although this is nothing to be worried about, the symptoms could be quite bothersome. Make sure that you don’t go for long walks.

4. Itchy Skin

When you are 7 months pregnant you can expect your skin to stretch even more to make some space for the little one. Because of this the surface of the skin could start itching, and also this is the cause for which the stretch marks appear. To make the situation better, you should make sure that your skin is well hydrated.

5. Distinct Breast Veins

For sure you are already past the period when your breasts are tender, but still they will be looking full for a long time. Also the veins of the breasts will become more visible, and the nipples and the areolas will get a darker color. After giving birth, things will go back to normal.

6. Colostrum

When you reach seventh month of pregnancy it is possible that you wake up one morning soaking wet. This might be caused by the increased leaking of colostrum, which will be the first thing that the baby feeds on. If this happens to you, it may be a good idea to get some breast pads.

7. Hunger

During this month the baby goes on growing, and so the uterus will push your stomach towards your esophagus. Because of this you will be able to eat less than normal, so it is understandable that you will feel hunger more often that you usually do.

8. Braxton Hicks Contractions

These are considered to be practice contractions that you start having when you are seven months pregnant and that prepare your uterus for delivery. You shouldn’t be alarmed by these contractions, since they’re not the real thing yet. They just make sure you remember that you are still pregnant.

9. Fatigue

This is one of the earlier symptoms that returns. Fatigue is caused by the extra weight that you carry and by the fact that you can’t sleep well at night. It prepares you for the nights when you will be caring for the newborn.

7 Months Pregnant and Baby Evolution

It’s not only the looks of the little one that resemble a real baby, but also his or her actions. The brain of the baby is acting as it will after childbirth. The hearing of the little one is perfect by this time, and he or she is able to hear the sounds from outside. This is why he or she might have a reaction to the familiar voices or sounds, and could even start moving to the beat of music.

This is the time when the little one develops a sleep schedule, and at the beginning it is normal for it to be erratic.

Mother’s Responsibilities in 7 Months Pregnancy

During seven month pregnancy, the majority of expecting women are already preparing for childbirth, and the majority of the responsibilities are related to the big event.

• Do some Kegel exercises. This way you can strengthen the muscles that you are going to use during childbirth and they could also strengthen the bladder muscles to control the incontinence.
• Have light naps during the day to make sure that you have enough energy for your daily activities.
• Drink a lot of water during the day, of about 1.5 liters to make sure that your tissues are correctly drained.
• Apply for a maternity leave in case you are working, because you will get tired too soon to go on with your work when you are 7 months pregnant.

Want to know what happens next month? Here’s what to expect when you are 8 months pregnant!

photo credit: The Atlantic

More Resources:

Natural Ways to Control Body Temperature During Pregnancy