TL;DR
- Your baby is the size of a blueberry, about 1cm
- The brain is growing rapidly, generating new cells every single minute
- You might be deep in the morning sickness phase right now
- Start a pregnancy journal to capture your thoughts and feelings
Your Baby This Week
Your baby has doubled in size since last week and is now about 1cm long — the size of a blueberry. And while the body is growing, the brain is growing even faster. This week, your baby's brain is producing new nerve cells at an astounding rate — roughly 100 cells per minute.
The brain is dividing into three main sections: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. The forebrain will eventually be responsible for thinking, problem-solving, and memory. The midbrain will process sensory information. The hindbrain will control breathing, heart rate, and muscle movement. It's the beginning of the most complex organ in the human body, and it's happening inside something the size of a berry.
Your baby's face is becoming more defined. The lenses of the eyes are forming, and the tip of the nose is visible. Tiny nostrils are present, and the mouth and tongue are developing. The inner ear — which will eventually control hearing and balance — is starting to take shape.
The arm and leg buds from last week are elongating, though they still look more like small paddles than limbs. Cartilage is beginning to form, which will later harden into bone. Your baby's kidneys are in place and will soon begin producing urine. The liver is starting to produce blood cells — a job it will handle until the bone marrow takes over later in pregnancy.
Your Body This Week
If you've been dealing with morning sickness, week 7 might be the point where it intensifies. HCG levels are still rising rapidly, and for many people this week feels like the thick of it. Nausea, food aversions, heightened sense of smell, and vomiting are all common.
Fatigue continues to be a significant factor. You might find yourself needing to sleep nine or ten hours a night and still waking up exhausted. Your body is working around the clock — increasing blood volume, building the placenta, and supporting your baby's rapid development. All of that takes energy.
You may notice that your skin is changing, too. Some people develop a pregnancy glow from increased blood flow and oil production. Others deal with breakouts as hormones fluctuate. You might notice your complexion looks different or that your skin is more sensitive than usual.
Frequent urination is probably a regular part of your day now. Your uterus, while still small, is pressing against your bladder, and your kidneys are filtering a higher volume of blood. It's inconvenient, but it's a sign that everything is working as it should.
Track Every Milestone
Get personalized weekly updates, appointment reminders, and weekly insights delivered to your fingertips.
Join 2,000+ expecting parents on the waitlist
Common Questions at Week 7
My morning sickness seems to be getting worse. When will it peak?
For most people, morning sickness peaks around weeks 8-10 and then gradually improves through the end of the first trimester. By week 14-16, the majority of people feel significantly better. It can be a rough few weeks, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I don't feel pregnant at all. Should I be concerned?
Not everyone has obvious symptoms in the first trimester, and the intensity of symptoms doesn't correlate with the health of your pregnancy. Some people feel terrible, and some feel perfectly fine — both are normal. If you're worried, talk to your provider at your next appointment for reassurance.
Is it safe to take anything for nausea?
Some options that many providers consider safe include vitamin B6 supplements, doxylamine (the active ingredient in Unisom), ginger supplements, and acupressure wristbands. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy. If your nausea is severe, prescription medications are available.
How much weight should I have gained by now?
Most people don't gain much weight — if any — during the first trimester. Some people even lose a few pounds due to morning sickness. This is generally not a concern. Significant weight gain usually begins in the second trimester. Your provider will track your weight at each visit and let you know if there's anything to adjust.
This Week's Tip
Start a pregnancy journal to capture your thoughts and feelings. Pregnancy moves faster than you think, and the details of these early weeks can blur together quickly. Writing down how you're feeling — physically and emotionally — gives you something beautiful to look back on later. You don't need to write a novel. A few lines each day or week is enough. Jot down your symptoms, your cravings, your worries, your hopes. Describe what it felt like to see the heartbeat. Write a note to your baby. These small snapshots of time become some of the most treasured memories of pregnancy. And if journaling feels like too much right now, even snapping a weekly photo or recording a short voice note counts.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
- Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 1st Trimester.
