Your pregnancy month seven

You

Starting from now your doctor or midwife may start to take notice of how your baby is lying, breech (bottom down) Vertex or cephalic (head down) or transverse (sideways). If your baby is not head down at this point don't worry, there is plenty of time for her to turn before the birth. Your bump is continuing to expand and you may start to notice a stretch mark or two, you may also notice that the linea nigra (line down the centre of your abdomen) is beginning to darken.

You might feel that now is the time to start planning for your baby, shopping for baby is a good way to remind yourself that all of this discomfort will soon result in a baby!. It is also a good idea not to leave it until right at the end as you may simply not feel like it (or your baby may appear early). As the joints in your pelvis begin to loosen in preparation for your baby's birth you may find that this becomes painful, if this is the case talk to your doctor. Now is a good time to think about the specifics of your birth perhaps to make a birth plan?. By the end of this month you may be starting to feel bigger and may feel clumsy as your baby grows bigger.

Heartburn is a common problem during pregnancy, ask your doctor or midwife which antacids are safe during pregnancy. From this point on you may notice tightening of your uterus, which is normal, but if they are painful or regular contact your doctor as these could be signs of premature labour .If you go into labour at this point you will almost certainly be given drugs to delay the birth of your baby.

Your baby

This month sees your baby continuing to lay down a fatty layer. During this month your baby will practice making breathing movements and will begin to respond to touch. Your baby's brain is developing fast now every day will see your baby's chance of survival if born increase, every day really does count at this stage. This month your baby will open her eyes for the first time and may even turn towards a bright light!.

By the end of this month your baby is about 38 cms from head to foot .By the end of this month your baby will weigh around two pounds! Your baby's skin is still very thin and veins can clearly be seen through it at the moment, although this will change by next month.