At 7 months pregnant you're officially in your third trimester with only two months left of your pregnancy journey. Your pregnant belly will definitely be more noticeable now as your baby grows and as a result, you may start to feel a little uncomfortable and your back may start hurting due to the extra weight you're carrying. You may find some things start getting difficult, like bending down and you may experience some shortness of breath. Sleeping may start getting difficult too as you try to nod off but are then woken up by your baby kicking away in your belly, and let's not get started on how many times you need to pee!
How many weeks pregnant is 7 months?
You're at least 25 weeks pregnant and starting your third trimester. At 7 months pregnant, you will go through until week 28 of pregnancy.
7 months pregnant symptoms
Itchy skin
Experiencing itchy skin during pregnancy is normal. It's most common from 28 weeks, as your skin stretches with your bump. Your skin can also become dryer, which can also lead to skin irritation.
Vaginal discharge
Pregnant women experience an increase in vaginal discharge. It can be difficult knowing what is normal and what isn't, but at this stage discharge is often your body's way of preparing for labour. If you're concerned about discharge, speak to your midwife or GP.
Back and pelvic pain
With a growing bump and your body adjusting as it prepares for labour, it's no wonder you get a lot of aches and pains. Back pain can come from your growing bump and a shift in your centre of gravity. Resting and supporting your bump were possible through pregnancy pillows can help. Pelvic pain can be uncomfortable too, but you can speak to your midwife for advice.
Cramps
You might have experienced cramps during your second trimester, and unfortunately, it does continue. Often striking at night when you finally fall asleep too! Ensure you're drinking plenty of water to try and help reduce the chances of leg or foot cramps.
Indigestion and heartburn
If you're suffering from heartburn or indigestion, you might want to try eating smaller meals more often. Consult your GP or midwife if you do struggle with it though, and before taking any medications.
Baby development at 7 months pregnant
As time is going by, your little one is working hard to mature and grow.
Hearing
Your baby's hearing should now be fully developed, and you might see that they change their position or move a little when they hear your voice. Now is a great time for your and your partner to sing or read to your baby.
Blinking
Your little one will now be able to fully open and close their eyes, and they'll even have eyelashes.
Changing position
Around about now, your baby will be changing position so their head is pointing down. This will make it easier for them to travel down the birth canal when the time comes.
Lungs
Your baby's lungs are developed enough that they could survive outside the womb by seven months.
Developing sleep patterns
You might notice that there are longer periods of rest between times of your baby's movement. This is down to your baby beginning to have REM sleep, which helps to develop their sleep patterns. They will also be able to sense light.
Body
Your baby, or fetus, will be around 37.6cm long from head to heel and be approximately the size of a lettuce.
Heartbeat
Your baby's heart rate is a lot faster than yours partly because their hearts are so small that they cannot pump much blood so they make up for it by beating faster. This also helps to keep them warm.
Your baby's heart can be heard through a stethoscope. Someone else might be able to hear it by putting an ear to your pregnant belly – give it a go, but it's tricky finding the right spot.
Size
At 7 months pregnant, your baby will weigh approximately 1.5kg, which is around the same as a lettuce.
Your body at 7 months pregnant
The pregnancy waddle
You'll soon start to develop the pregnancy waddle as you adjust to your new walking pace and growing bump. Take your time while walking as you might feel a bit unsteady. As your belly expands more, you'll also start to lose the ability to bend over.
Your breasts
Your boobs will start to feel way heavier, your nipples will darken and the veins may become more visible. You may also experience changes to your boobs such as leaking. Around now the first form of milk arrives as it gets ready for your baby's arrival. If you experience this, investing in reusable or disposable nursing pads might be good!
Swollen feet
Your ankles, feet and face could be puffing out a bit, particularly when it's hot. If your feet are getting the brunt if it, try and rest as much as possible and put them up - literally.
Bloating and gas
Another one of the pregnancy joys! You may experience increased pressure on your rectum due to the growing uterus, which can affect bowel control. Plus, hormonal changes that slow digestion can lead to more gas.
Weight gain
This one's a no brainer! Your growing baby means you'll be growing too. Staying active and doing gentle exercise can help with energy levels if you're feeling sluggish. if you can't face anything, try to take regular walks.
Looking after yourself at 7 months pregnant
Rest is paramount as you start navigating this third trimester. Don't forget a little self care goes a long way so Indulge in relaxing activities like reading, taking a warm bath and spending time with your partner or friends. Remember to also do you pelvic floor exercises - these simple muscle clenches will help you prepare for labour and help you postpartum.
What to do at 7 months pregnant
Start planning your labour
This month you can begin to imagine your pregnancy journey coming to an end but with that comes the question on how you plan on giving birth. Consider all your options, including planned C-sections, water births and home births.
Pack your hospital bag
Now's the time to make sure you have everything you need for your hospital bag. Make sure you pack a few different sized baby grows, and make sure you have all the essentials, so if you plan any day trips or even have to make a visit to your midwife, you have everything ready to go just incase.
Plan your baby shower
Your baby shower might be something you've had planned for awhile, but now is the time to get a date set in! These last two months will go by really quickly, so make sure you have it in plenty of time to just enjoy your final few weeks and rest before you go into labour.
Start a birth plan
If you've not started on already, now's the time. You'll have time to change it if you need to, but for now, start by jotting down the main things you know you want.
Baby essentials
Start be making a list of all those essentials you need from nappies to baby grows, baby monitors to the all-important car seat!
About the author
Maria Martin is Digital Group Editor for Yours.co.uk and Motherandbaby.com. She is a mum-of-two with a passion for helping women from all walks of life – from supporting breastfeeding mothers with expert advice to encouraging conversations about mental health. In her professional role, she has over 10 years' experience in the digital world, including editing articles, focussing on SEO, social media engagement, picture researching and video editing.