7 Months Pregnancy: Baby Growth, Body Changes & Important Scans
7 Months Pregnancy marks the exciting entry into your third and final trimester—you are officially in the home stretch! A common question expectant mothers ask is, “how many weeks is 7 months pregnant?” Generally, this crucial phase spans weeks 28 to 31. At this stage, your baby undergoes rapid weight gain and lung maturation, while your body prepares for the final countdown to labor.
Navigating the 7th month of pregnancy requires expert vigilance. Dr. Deepti Mittal, a renowned Fetal Medicine Specialist in Pune with over 12 years of experience, emphasizes that this is a pivotal time for advanced monitoring. Currently serving as a Consultant at Cloudnine Hospital (SB Road) and Motherhood Hospital (Kharadi), Dr. Deepti combines precision scanning with compassionate care to ensure your pregnancy progresses safely. This guide covers everything you need to know about being seven months pregnant—from baby growth and body changes to essential scans, diet, and precautions.
Baby Growth at 7 Months Pregnancy:
By the time you are seven months pregnant, your baby is looking more like a newborn. The wrinkled skin is smoothing out as fat deposits build up underneath.
Baby Size, Weight & Length at 7 Months:
At the start of the 7th month (Week 28), your baby is roughly the size of an eggplant or a large cauliflower.
- Weight: Approximately 1 kg to 1.5 kg (2.2 to 3.3 lbs).
- Length: Around 38 to 40 cm (15 to 16 inches) from head to heel.
- Growth Spurt: The baby will likely double or even triple in weight between now and birth.
Fetal Development at 7 Months:
1. Lungs
The lungs are capable of breathing air, though they are still maturing. If born now (premature birth at 7 months), the baby has a very high survival rate with NICU care.
2. Brain
The brain is developing billions of neurons. The baby can now regulate their own body temperature.
3. Senses
Your baby can open and close their eyes, sense light changes, and hear your voice clearly.
4. Position
Many babies start turning head-down (cephalic position) to prepare for delivery, though some may still be breech.
Baby Movements in 7th Month:
You will feel distinct and strong movements. It is no longer just flutters; you might feel jabs, kicks, and even hiccups (rhythmic jerks). Dr. Deepti Mittal advises starting “kick counts” now—monitoring that the baby moves frequently is a key sign of fetal well-being.
Body Changes in the Mother at 7 Months Pregnancy:
As the baby grows, so does your bump. The 7 months pregnant belly size becomes prominent, affecting your balance and comfort.
Physical Changes
- The Bump: Your uterus is well above your belly button. You might notice the “linea nigra” (a dark line running down the belly).
- Weight Gain: Gaining 400-500g per week is normal during this trimester.
- Swelling (Edema): Mild swelling in ankles and feet is common due to water retention and pressure on veins.
- Breasts: Your breasts may start leaking colostrum (pre-milk), preparing for breastfeeding.
Hormonal & Emotional Changes
- Nesting Instinct: You might feel a sudden urge to clean the house or set up the nursery.
- Anxiety: Worries about labor or “is the 7th month of pregnancy dangerous” are common.
- Brain Fog: Often called “pregnancy brain,” forgetfulness is a real symptom due to hormonal shifts and lack of sleep.
Common Symptoms During 7 Months Pregnancy:
Every pregnancy is unique, but these are frequent 7th month pregnancy symptoms:
- Braxton Hicks Contractions: “Practice” contractions that feel like a tightening of the stomach. They are irregular and usually painless.
- Back Pain: As the belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, straining the lower back.
- Heartburn & Indigestion: The uterus pushes the stomach upward, causing acid reflux.
- Shortness of Breath: The baby is pushing against your diaphragm/lungs.
- Sciatica: Sharp shooting pain down the leg if the baby rests on a nerve.
Why stomach pain in 7 month pregnancy? Mild ligament stretching pain is normal. However, severe, persistent pain could indicate placental abruption or pre-eclampsia and requires immediate medical attention.
Important Scans: Growth Scan in 7 Months Pregnancy
This is the most critical section for your medical care. As a Fetal Medicine Consultant in Pune, Dr. Deepti Mittal specializes in these advanced assessments.
1. Growth Scan (Interval Growth Scan):
Usually performed between 28 and 32 weeks.
- Purpose: To measure the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh bone to estimate weight.
- Why it matters: It checks if the baby is growing too small (IUGR) or too big (Macrosomia), which is vital for planning the delivery method.
Often done alongside the growth scan.
- Purpose: To check the blood flow in the umbilical cord and the baby’s brain.
- Importance: It ensures the placenta is functioning correctly and delivering enough oxygen.
3. Additional Tests If Required:
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): If not done earlier, to rule out Gestational Diabetes.
- Hemoglobin Check: To ensure you aren’t anemic before delivery.
Why Are Scans Important in the 7th Month of Pregnancy?
Many parents ask, “is ultrasound 7 months pregnant necessary?” Yes. The 7th month is a turning point.
- Detection of Late-Onset Anomalies: Some bowel or kidney issues only appear in the third trimester.
- Fluid Levels: It measures the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI). Low fluid (Oligohydramnios) or high fluid (Polyhydramnios) needs strict management.
- Placenta Position: Confirms if the placenta has moved up or is covering the cervix (Placenta Previa).
Dr. Deepti Mittal uses high-resolution equipment at Motherhood Hospital (Kharadi) to provide the most accurate growth assessments in Pune.
What to Expect at Doctor Visits During 7 Months Pregnancy?
Your visits to the pregnancy hospital will become more frequent—usually every two weeks now.
- Blood Pressure: Checked strictly to rule out Pre-eclampsia (high BP).
- Fundal Height: Measuring the belly size to match weeks of pregnancy.
- Fetal Heart Rate: Listening to the heartbeat.
Diet & Nutrition: What to Eat 7 Months Pregnancy?
Your baby needs specific nutrients to finish growing strong bones and brain tissue.
- Iron: Spinach, dates, jaggery, and supplements (to prevent anemia).
- Calcium: Milk, paneer, yogurt (for baby’s hardening bones).
- Protein: Lentils, eggs, chicken, soya (for cell growth).
- Omega-3 (DHA): Walnuts, flaxseeds (for brain development).
- Hydration: Drink 3 liters of water to maintain amniotic fluid levels.
Precautions & Care Tips During Seven Month of Pregnancy:
Travel Safety:
- Can 7 month pregnant woman fly? generally, yes, until 32-34 weeks, provided the pregnancy is uncomplicated. Always carry a “Fit to Fly” certification from your physician.
- Can 7 months pregnant travel by car/train? Yes, but take breaks every hour to walk and stretch to prevent blood clots. Avoid bumpy roads.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Sleep on Your Side: specifically the left side, to improve blood flow to the placenta.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: It puts too much strain on your back and pelvic floor.
Warning Signs: When to Call the Doctor?
While after 7 months pregnancy is safe relative to earlier months, emergencies can happen. Contact Dr. Deepti Mittal immediately if you experience:
- Bleeding: Any vaginal bleeding (placental issue).
- Water Break: Leaking of fluid (Premature Rupture of Membranes).
- Reduced Movements: If the baby kicks less than 10 times in 2 hours.
- Severe Headache/Vision Changes: Signs of high blood pressure.
- Regular Contractions: More than 4 in an hour could be preterm labor.
7 Months Pregnancy in High-Risk Cases:
For mothers with Gestational Diabetes, Hypertension, or Twins, the 7th month requires “surveillance,” not just “monitoring.” As a high-risk pregnancy specialist Dr. Deepti Mittal customizes scan protocols. You may need scans every 2-3 weeks to ensure the baby is safe. Her expertise ensures that conditions like Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) are caught early, allowing for timely interventions.
Expert Care for 7 Months Pregnancy in Pune by Dr. Deepti Mittal:
Reaching the 7th month is a milestone to celebrate. However, it requires vigilance. If you are looking for a Fetal Medicine Doctor in Pune who combines technical precision with maternal empathy, Dr. Deepti Mittal is your trusted partner.
Whether you need a Growth Scan, specific Doppler studies, or consultation for a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Deepti Mittal provides comprehensive care at: Cloudnine Hospital, SB Road & Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi.
Don’t skip your 7th-month checkup. Ensure your baby is growing perfectly. Book Your Growth Scan Appointment Today at Call: +91 93113 13022 | Email: deepti.mittal8@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask):
28 weeks marks the beginning of the 7th month of pregnancy. You are officially in the third trimester.
Yes, can 9 month pregnant woman watch movie in theatre is a common worry regarding sound, but it is generally safe. However, loud sounds might make the baby startle or kick more. Ensure you sit comfortably and take bathroom breaks.
It is not inherently dangerous, but it is a medically sensitive time where complications like Pre-eclampsia or Preterm labor can arise. Regular prenatal checks are essential.
While rare (stillbirth), risks exist due to cord accidents or placental issues. This is why monitoring fetal movements daily is the most effective prevention strategy.
In India, this is often called “Godh Bharai” or baby shower. It is a celebration to bless the mother and baby. It is safe to celebrate, provided the mother is not stressed.