Pregnancy Week 7
How big is your baby?
Your baby will be going through a big growth spurt this week. At the beginning of this week the crown to rump measurement is between 0.16-0.2 inches, or 4-5mm, and by the time
this week is completed your baby will measure 1/2 inch, or 1.1-1.3cm (11-13mm)!
At the end of this week your baby will weigh about as much as an eye lash.
Your baby's development
Leg and arm buds are now beginning to show, which have been developing since the 6th week.
Although the arm buds are developing, they have not even divided into hand and arm segments yet.
Using an ultrasound machine you will be able to see the heart beating away inside your baby's body. At this stage the heart has divided into the left and right chambers.
Lung development has really moved along, and the primary bronchi already being  present.
The cerebral hemispheres, which make up the brain, are also growing, as well as the eyes and nostrils which continue to develop.
Internal organs which are also developing include: appendix, pancreas, intestine bulges, which at this stage bulges into the umbilical cord.
Your development
Changes are occurring gradually - although you won't be showing your pregnancy yet.
You may have noticed a slight weight gain already, or you may even have noticed
a drop in weight. It is not uncommon for women to initially lose weight in the
early stages of pregnancy.
Intake of calcium during pregnancy
Dairy products are very important during your pregnancy as they contain a good source of
calcium, which both you and your baby need. It helps to keep your calcium levels up and helps your baby to develop healthy teeth and bones. Calcium will also help to prevent some pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure.
Here are some good sources of calcium:
 Cottage Cheese
Processed cheese
Hard cheese, such as Parmesan
Natural cheese
Custard
Milk
Yoghurt
Caution: Some foods interfere with the bodys' absorption of calcuim. Salt, tea, coffee, protein and unleavened bread will all decrease the amount of calcium your body absorbs
- so if you do drink and eat these substances on a regular basis, then you will
want to start weaning yourself off them now.
Your body can not absorb more than 500mg of calcium at one time, so try and spread your intake of calcium over the full day. You should try and aim to take in about 1200mg of calcium per day.
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