From Woo to Whelp: The Belly's Telling the Truth

Poppet is settling nicely into her pregnancy rhythm. Her belly is now unmistakably rounder, her breasts more defined, and she’s indulging in longer, deeper naps. Walks have slowed into gentle sniffing adventures—partly because she’s on the lead during snake season—but she still prefers a proper bushwalk over a casual wander around the village.

She’s showing a softer side too, leaning into affection and making belly rubs a daily must-have. At mealtimes, she’s developed a new habit of hovering around her bowl, clearly keeping an eye on the catering service.

This week, she’s starring in her latest production:
“Pregnant, Peaceful, and Perfectly Entitled to Extra Treats.”

Here’s the Week Seven scoop:

• The puppies are now fully formed—mini Cavoodles with tiny beating hearts, growing bones, and the first signs of muscle tone.

• An ultrasound may reveal little wriggles, heartbeats, and what looks like “puppy pile formations.” This simply means the pups are clustered together in the uterus, giving the impression of a cozy heap—just like the way they’ll naturally snuggle after birth.

• An x-ray at this stage would show their developing skeletons.

• Poppet’s uterus is expanding to fit her growing litter, and her body is working hard to keep up with the changes.

Puppies aren’t just “on the way”—they’re real, active, and growing quickly.

How I’m Supporting Her

• Companionship: Poppets become my little shadow, staying close and following me around like a... well like a little dog. Quiet company seems to be her preference right now.

• Meals: We’ve moved to three small meals a day to match her changing appetite and energy needs. She’s on high-quality puppy food, with the occasional tiny treat from my plate (because royalty deserves perks).

• Environment: Sleep is her new hobby. She’s claimed both my bed and her crate under the desk as prime nap real estate, rotating between them like a true professional.

• Worm Treatment: Poppet is wormed because parasites like roundworms and hookworms can be passed to puppies before birth or through milk. She and her litter will be wormed regularly after birth to keep everyone healthy.

What I’m Noticing

Poppet’s belly is now rounder and firmer, a clear sign that her pregnancy is progressing beautifully. She stretches often, most likely to ease the pressure and keep herself comfortable, and her behaviour has shifted into a calm, focused “mum mode” with a touch of extra seriousness.

In the evenings, I rest my hand gently on her belly while we watch telly together, hoping to feel those subtle little shifts as the puppies wriggle inside.

Her breasts are more defined, she tires quickly, and bathroom breaks have become part of the daily rhythm.

Yet despite all these changes, she still insists on keeping watch over the neighbourhood from the front veranda—pregnant or not, the garbage truck must be monitored.

For Future Families

Week Seven is when pregnancy becomes visible and undeniable. If your future puppy is growing inside Poppet, they’re now structurally complete and rapidly gaining size. Their organs are functioning, their skeletons are hardening, and their personalities are beginning to emerge.

The ultrasound suggests three—possibly four—puppies, though final numbers can’t be confirmed until closer to delivery. Nature has its own plans, and we respect that.

This is the week of confirmation and preparation. We’re entering the second trimester with focus, care, and a growing sense of excitement.

What’s Going on Inside

How I’m Preparing

This week I’m officially stepping into my Midwoofery role.

I’ve been dusting off the whelping notes and giving myself a refresher course on what to do if labour decides to throw in a plot twist.

Alongside the theory, I’ve started checking and restocking supplies for whelping and neonatal care—because when the curtain rises, I want everything ready for the starring mum and her supporting cast of pups.