7 weeks pregnant: Baby growth & what to expect during pregnancy

by BabyYumYum
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Baby Yum Yum - Pregnancy at 7 weeks
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At 7 weeks pregnant, your baby’s growth is accelerating, and your pregnancy journey is becoming more exciting. When you’re 7 weeks pregnant, you’re just a week short of completing your second month pregnant. In this timespan, both you and the baby have undergone some changes, which we’ll cover below.

By the seventh week, your baby is about 1.2 cm, which is as big as a blueberry. Your tummy still looks normal at this point, and you probably won’t notice a big change in your weight. What is going on inside you, though, is a whole other story. It’s a critical time to focus on your health, from eating well to keeping up with your prenatal appointments.

Here’s an image that you can use as a visual reference for what a 7-week embryo looks like.

7 weeks pregnant - BabyYumYum

Your baby at 7 weeks

By the 7th week of pregnancy, the embryo is developing brain cells every second, and the heart and brain are starting to form. The brain grows faster than other parts of the body, so they generally have a large forehead.

Right behind the brain are its limbs, with arm and leg buds developing cartilage that eventually become the arms and legs. The fetus will also start forming a mouth and tongue, with tiny dimples in place of where the nose and ears will be.

If you go for an ultrasound, your doctor will be able to confirm the progress of your baby’s development. Expect to see cute paddle-like figures where the hands and feet will be.

Internally, the embryo starts developing kidneys at 7 weeks, meaning it will start producing urine. Therefore, your gynae might ask you for urine and blood samples, among other samples and tests. All these are used to help them make an accurate determination of your and your baby’s health. There will be many more such tests as your pregnancy progresses.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

How your body changes when carrying a 7-week fetus

Here are some of the things you can expect to notice about yourself:

    • Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea can be managed by eating smaller snacks during the day, dry crackers, and ginger (a lot of moms swear by ginger tea too). However, no home remedy will work 100% of the time, and different women will find different remedies effective. Vitamin B6 supplements are also good for nausea. The good news is that as you approach the second trimester, nausea and vomiting will likely disappear.
    • Cravings: As your hormones heighten, you will start having cravings for particular foods. It is not uncommon to crave weird foods throughout the day, sometimes even in the middle of the night.
  • Food aversions: On the opposite side of cravings, you can expect to experience food aversions during your 7-week pregnancy. When the smell or sight of certain delicacies makes you nauseous, try finding substitutes for foods you really like.
  • Mood swings: You might be getting angry at the slightest provocation or emotional over more “trivial” things. These are all part of the expected changes at this stage of your pregnancy.
    • Acne: Breakouts on the skin are also to be expected at this stage. Your hormones are all over the place, and your body is still adjusting to the changes it is experiencing. Before you start using any creams and beauty regimens to solve this issue, consult your doctor and ensure that they are safe for you and your baby.
    • Cramps: Cramping is normal when you are pregnant – your body is simply preparing itself for the contractions that will be coming in a few months. However, if you have severe abdominal pain, make sure that you see your doctor immediately.
  • Swollen breasts: Although a fetus at 7 weeks is the size of a grape, many women have seen their breasts grow as large as melons. The areola also grows, develops some spots, and becomes darker, which is all necessary for breastfeeding.
  • Excess saliva production: Nausea is usually accompanied by the production of saliva in your mouth during pregnancy. It can also be a side effect of the hormones. You can mask the taste of saliva in your mouth by having a calcium chew or any hard candy.

Other reported but not as common symptoms when seven weeks pregnant include frequent urination, fatigue, bleeding or sore gums, and heartburn and indigestion.

However, you should note that not everyone experiences these symptoms. You might get all or none of these symptoms at all during this stage of pregnancy. Therefore, do not worry about others’ stories and symptoms—everyone has a different pregnancy.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

Taking care of yourself during 7 weeks of pregnancy

Now that you know what to expect at 7 weeks pregnant, you need to learn how to take good care of your body during this stage. Your baby is developing rapidly and you need to do everything you can to enhance this development. Here are a few ideas:

  • Eat foods rich in calcium, iron, protein, and folic acid.
  • Talk to your doctor about other vitamin supplements you can use.
  • Avoid carrying heavy objects.
  • Do not smoke, drink alcohol, take illicit drugs or any toxic substances.
  • Eat healthy food and do exercises that are safe for you and your baby.
  • Drink more water/hydrate.
  • If you have a pet cat, you now have the perfect excuse to avoid litter-box duty, as cat poop can carry an infectious parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.

7 weeks pregnant FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about what to expect during the 7th week of pregnancy.

Can you feel anything in your stomach at 7 weeks pregnant?

While you won’t feel your baby move, you’ll definitely feel plenty of mild cramping and pulling.

Where is the baby located at 7 weeks pregnant?

A baby at 7 weeks in the womb typically lies inside an amniotic sac, which protects the baby and supports their development.

How big is the baby at 7 weeks pregnant?

At 7 weeks, the embryo is roughly the size of a blueberry, measuring about 1cm in length. This may vary slightly for each pregnancy.

What developments are happening with the baby at this stage?

The brain and spinal cord continue to form rapidly. Small limb buds are beginning to develop more clearly, and the beginnings of nostrils and eye lenses may appear.

What symptoms might I experience at 7 weeks?

Common symptoms include morning sickness, fatigue, tender breasts, frequent urination, and heightened sense of smell. Some women also report mood swings and mild cramping.

Is spotting normal at 7 weeks?

Light spotting can be normal in early pregnancy, but any heavy bleeding or severe pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out complications.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

Can I see a heartbeat on an ultrasound at 7 weeks?

Often, a transvaginal ultrasound can detect the baby’s heartbeat around this time. If it’s not visible yet, your doctor may schedule a repeat scan in a week or two.

Why do I feel more tired than usual?

Fatigue is common as your body adjusts to supporting the growing embryo. Hormonal changes, especially increased progesterone, can make you feel more tired. Getting enough rest and eating well can help manage fatigue.

How can I cope with morning sickness?

Try eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding strong smells or foods that trigger nausea. Some people find relief with ginger tea or ginger sweets. If vomiting is severe, consult your doctor.

Is it normal to have mild cramping at this stage?

Mild cramping can occur as the uterus expands. However, seek medical advice if cramps are severe, persistent, or accompanied by heavy bleeding.

What lifestyle changes should I focus on at 7 weeks?

Continue taking prenatal vitamins, avoid alcohol and smoking, and limit caffeine. Gentle exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga, can support overall well-being—always check with your doctor for specific advice.

Should my diet change now that I’m 7 weeks pregnant?

Aim for a nutrient-dense diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or alternatives. Avoid high-mercury fish, raw or undercooked meats, and unpasteurised products.

When should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?

Many expectant mothers see their GP or midwife between 8 and 10 weeks, but it’s perfectly fine to schedule an earlier appointment if you have concerns or a history of pregnancy complications.

What if my symptoms fade or change at 7 weeks?

Symptoms can vary from day to day. This is often normal, but if you notice a sudden or drastic change in symptoms, or have any worries, speak to your healthcare provider for reassurance.

 

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