My Health Hospitals logo

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Pregnancy Seventh Month

Pregnancy

Pregnancy • Weeks 25–28

Pregnancy Seventh Month: Symptoms, Baby Development & Care

Antenatal consultation: Dr. Swetha Reddy · Tarnaka · MBBS, DNB · 10+ years of experience.

The seventh month commonly refers to around weeks 25–28, spanning the later second trimester and the transition into the third trimester at 28 weeks. Month boundaries vary; plan care by your recorded gestational age. Fetal movements become stronger, the baby's nervous system and lungs continue developing, and regular antenatal monitoring becomes increasingly important.

Quick Answer: What Happens in the Seventh Month of Pregnancy?

The seventh month is commonly described as weeks 25–28. During this period, fetal movements can become stronger, more fat is added under the skin, the eyelids can open and close, and the lungs begin producing surfactant. Antenatal visits continue, and glucose screening for gestational diabetes is commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks. Around 28 weeks, pregnancy care may also include blood tests and closer discussion of fetal movement, blood pressure and birth planning.

What Happens During the Seventh Month of Pregnancy?

Weeks 25–28 are a period of continued fetal maturation and increasing maternal physical changes. The fetus becomes more responsive to sounds, movement becomes stronger, and the lungs and nervous system continue developing. Your antenatal schedule should be individualized according to your pregnancy history and medical needs.

Baby Development

The lungs continue developing and begin making surfactant. More fat accumulates under the skin, the nervous system matures and the eyelids can open and close.

Stronger Movements

Kicks, turns and other movements may become easier to recognize. The important point is to learn your baby's usual pattern rather than rely on a universal movement number.

Baby Development at 25, 26, 27 and 28 Weeks

Week 25: The fetus continues growing and may respond to familiar sounds. The lungs continue developing even though they are not yet ready to function normally outside the uterus.
Week 26: Nervous-system development continues and fetal movements may feel increasingly strong and coordinated.
Week 27: More fat is added under the skin and the lungs continue making surfactant needed for breathing after birth.
Week 28: The eyelids can open and close, the nervous system continues developing and the pregnancy reaches an important antenatal-care milestone.

Seventh Month Pregnancy Symptoms: Weeks 25–28

As the uterus grows and the baby becomes more active, physical symptoms can become more noticeable.

Back & Pelvic Discomfort

Changes in posture, abdominal growth and pregnancy-related ligament changes can contribute to backache or pelvic discomfort.

Heartburn & Constipation

Hormonal and physical changes can contribute to reflux, bloating and constipation.

Leg Cramps & Swelling

Leg cramps and mild ankle or foot swelling can occur. Sudden or marked swelling needs medical assessment.

Breathlessness & Sleep Changes

Some people experience mild breathlessness or difficulty sleeping as pregnancy progresses. Sudden or severe symptoms are not normal and require assessment.

Important Tests and Antenatal Care in the Seventh Month

Routine antenatal appointments continue during weeks 25–28. The exact schedule differs by healthcare system and pregnancy risk.

AssessmentTypical timingWhat may be reviewed
Antenatal appointmentAs scheduled by your obstetricianBlood pressure, urine, abdominal growth, fetal movement, wellbeing and screening results.
Gestational diabetes screeningUsually 24–28 weeksBlood glucose screening to identify gestational diabetes.
28-week assessmentAround 28 weeksBlood tests, blood pressure, urine, abdominal measurement, fetal movements and pregnancy-care planning.
Additional ultrasound or fetal monitoringWhen clinically indicatedMay be recommended for growth concerns, multiple pregnancy, placental problems, hypertension, diabetes or other risk factors.

Ask your care team to confirm your glucose-testing date and preparation instructions. Appointment schedules vary; bring previous reports so the team can review results and plan follow-up.

Gestational Diabetes Screening at 24–28 Weeks

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. Screening is commonly performed during this window even when there were no earlier signs of diabetes. If you have risk factors, your clinician may recommend testing earlier.

If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, management can include nutrition changes, physical activity, blood-glucose monitoring and medication when needed. Good glucose control helps reduce pregnancy-related risks and should be managed with your obstetric team.

Baby Movements at 7 Months

By this stage, fetal movements may feel stronger and more recognizable. There is no single number of movements that is normal for every baby. What matters is becoming familiar with your baby's usual pattern.

Important: Contact your maternity or obstetric team immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving or the usual movement pattern changes. Do not wait until the next day and do not rely on a home Doppler to check fetal wellbeing.

Seventh Month Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat

Continue a varied pregnancy diet that provides protein, fiber, iron, calcium and other nutrients required during pregnancy.

Foods and Substances to Avoid

Exercise and Daily Activity at 7 Months Pregnant

For many people with uncomplicated pregnancies, appropriate moderate activity can continue. Walking is one practical option, while other activities should match your health, fitness level and obstetrician's advice.

Seventh Month Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Attend scheduled antenatal appointments.
  • Complete glucose screening when recommended.
  • Take prescribed prenatal supplements.
  • Stay appropriately active and hydrated.
  • Learn your baby's usual movement pattern.
  • Start discussing birth preferences and practical preparation.

Don'ts

  • Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
  • Do not self-medicate.
  • Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
  • Avoid raw, undercooked and unpasteurized high-risk foods.
  • Do not ignore reduced fetal movement or pregnancy warning signs.

Preparing for the Third Trimester and Birth

From 28 weeks, settle to sleep on your side, either left or right. If you wake on your back, simply turn onto your side. Keep your maternity contact number, transport arrangements and antenatal records ready.

The third trimester begins at 28 weeks. This is a useful time to discuss practical topics with your obstetrician, including ongoing antenatal visits, warning signs, birth preferences, maternity support, medicines and supplements, and what to expect during the coming weeks.

Do not assume that every pregnancy needs the same scan or fetal monitoring schedule. Additional surveillance is generally based on pregnancy complications, medical conditions, fetal-growth concerns or other clinical indications.

When to Seek Medical Care During the Seventh Month

Possible premature labour:

Before 37 weeks, regular tightenings, period-like pain, unusual backache or fluid leakage need immediate maternity advice. Do not wait for a routine appointment or assume these symptoms are harmless practice contractions.

Contact your obstetrician or seek urgent medical assessment for symptoms that are severe, sudden, worsening or unusual for you.

Current NHS pregnancy guidance specifically advises prompt assessment for changes in fetal movement, fluid leakage and other potentially serious symptoms.

Seventh Month Pregnancy Care in Hyderabad

My Health Hospitals provides obstetric and gynecology services at its Kukatpally and Tarnaka branches. Antenatal care should be individualized according to gestational age, medical history, screening results and pregnancy risk factors.

Obstetrics & GynecologyAntenatal Care
Dr Swetha Reddy Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Dr. Swetha Reddy

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Qualifications: MBBS, DNB

Experience: 10+ years

Branch: My Health Hospitals, Tarnaka

Focus: Antenatal care, pregnancy monitoring and women's health

Timing: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; call the branch to confirm availability before visiting.

Tarnaka: +91 9100001201

Pregnancy Seventh Month – FAQs

How many weeks are in the seventh month of pregnancy?

The seventh month commonly refers to around weeks 25 to 28, but month boundaries vary. Plan care using your recorded gestational age in weeks and days.

What happens to the baby during weeks 25 to 28?

The fetus continues gaining fat and maturing the nervous system. The lungs continue developing and begin producing surfactant, and the eyelids can open and close. Familiar sounds may produce movement responses.

What are common seventh-month pregnancy symptoms?

Common symptoms can include stronger fetal movements, backache, pelvic pressure, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, sleep difficulty, shortness of breath, swelling and occasional abdominal tightening.

Can I feel the baby move at 7 months?

Yes. Fetal movements are usually well established by this stage. There is no universal number of movements that every baby should make, so learning your baby's usual pattern is important.

What tests are done during the seventh month?

Routine antenatal checks continue. Depending on your pregnancy and local schedule, blood pressure, urine, abdominal growth, fetal movement and screening results may be reviewed. A 28-week blood test may also be offered.

Is gestational diabetes testing done in the seventh month?

Glucose screening is commonly performed between 24 and 28 weeks. If it has not already been completed, week 25 to 28 may be part of the testing window.

What happens at the 28-week pregnancy appointment?

Depending on the care system, the visit may include blood pressure, urine testing, measurement of the abdomen, discussion of fetal movement, blood tests and review of pregnancy screening and birth planning.

What should I eat during the seventh month of pregnancy?

Continue a balanced diet with protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, iron-rich foods and adequate fluids. Continue supplements recommended by your clinician.

Which foods should I avoid at 7 months pregnant?

Avoid alcohol and tobacco, raw or undercooked animal foods and unpasteurized products. Follow safe food preparation and storage practices and discuss caffeine, supplements and herbal products with your clinician.

Is walking safe at 7 months pregnant?

For many uncomplicated pregnancies, walking and other appropriate moderate activity can continue. Exercise should be individualized if your obstetrician has advised restrictions.

Is shortness of breath normal at 7 months pregnant?

Mild breathlessness can occur as pregnancy progresses, but sudden, severe or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or a rapid heartbeat needs urgent medical assessment.

Is swelling normal at 7 months pregnant?

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles can occur in pregnancy. Sudden or marked swelling, especially of the face or hands, particularly with headache or vision changes, requires prompt assessment.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 7 months?

Irregular tightenings can occur, but before 37 weeks regular contractions, period-like pain, unusual backache or fluid leakage need immediate maternity advice. Do not wait for contractions to become severely painful.

How much should the baby move at 7 months?

There is no single normal daily count. Learn your baby's usual pattern. Reduced, stopped or changed movements need an immediate call to your maternity team, even at night. Do not wait until the next day or use a home Doppler for reassurance.

Can I sleep on my back at 7 months pregnant?

From 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side, either left or right. If you wake on your back, turn onto your side before going back to sleep. Ask your clinician about any individual positioning advice.

What should I do if my baby's movements decrease at 7 months?

Contact your maternity or obstetric team immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, stops moving or the usual movement pattern changes. Do not wait until the next day.

What warning signs need urgent attention at 7 months?

Seek prompt medical assessment for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, severe headache or vision changes, sudden marked swelling, fever, fainting, chest pain or reduced fetal movement.

What should I do during the seventh month of pregnancy?

Attend scheduled antenatal visits, complete recommended tests, take prescribed supplements, eat a balanced diet, stay appropriately active, learn your baby's usual movement pattern and begin practical preparation for the third trimester and birth.

Sources and further reading

Medical note: This article is for general pregnancy education. Pregnancy care, screening, medicines, supplements, exercise restrictions and follow-up should be individualized by a qualified obstetrician or gynecologist. Do not use this guide to diagnose a pregnancy complication.

Need Antenatal Guidance?

If you are 25–28 weeks pregnant and have questions about symptoms, fetal movement, glucose screening, nutrition or third-trimester preparation, discuss them with your obstetrician at My Health Hospitals.

Kukatpally: +91 9111674111   |   Tarnaka: +91 9100001201

Our Branch Locations

Find Our Kukatpally and Tarnaka Branches

My Health Hospitals – Kukatpally

H.No 15-24-212, MIG-212, Rd Number 1, K P H B Phase 1, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072

Get Directions

My Health Hospitals – Tarnaka

H.No:-12-5-30, WhiteHouse, Moula Ali Rd, South Lalaguda, Tarnaka, Secunderabad, Telangana 500017

Get Directions
My Health Assistant