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How Does A Baby Develop in Week 7?
At this stage, they’re about 1 cm long. Can you believe they’ve already grown nearly 10,000 times bigger since conception?This rapid growth is a sign of how busy your baby is, developing important structures that will form the foundation of their body. Even though they’re still so small, every single day brings a new step forward as their organs and features start taking shape.
Brain and Nervous System Development
At 7 weeks, your baby’s brain is growing at an astonishing rate. Here’s what’s happening:- Rapid brain cell growth: Your baby is generating about 100,000 to 250,000 new brain cells every minute.
- Brain structure forming: The brain is dividing into three key areas including forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. These will eventually control everything from movement to thinking.
- Neural tube closure: The neural tube, which becomes the spinal cord and brain, has now closed at both ends. This step is really important for your baby’s central nervous system to grow properly.
- Cranial nerves developing: These nerves, which will help with senses like sight and hearing, are starting to develop.
Heart and Circulatory System
Your baby’s heart is already working full-time, beating almost twice as fast as yours. It’s now fully formed and busy pumping blood through tiny vessels.- Heartbeat visible on ultrasound: If you have an ultrasound around this time, you might even catch a glimpse of that tiny heartbeat flickering on the screen. It's a magical moment that confirms their growth.
- Vascular system growth: Your baby’s vascular system is also growing fast. Blood is now moving through major vessels like the vena cava, carrying oxygen and nutrients to help your baby grow stronger each day.
- Essential organ foundation: The heart’s development is a crucial step as it supports the growth of other organs.
Facial Features
Your baby is finally starting to look more like a little person now. Their face is forming, and you’d be amazed at how many details are coming together this week:- Eyes: The main parts of the eyes, like the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and retina, are beginning to develop. Eyelids are forming too, partially covering the eyes.
- Nose and mouth: Tiny nostrils are starting to show, and the early shape of the mouth is forming too. Even the tongue is beginning to take shape inside.
- Ears: The early structures of the ears are appearing, setting the stage for your baby’s ability to hear later on.
Limb and Body Development
Your baby’s body is starting to stretch out, with tiny limbs beginning to form:- Arm and leg buds: These buds are growing longer and stronger, dividing into parts that will soon form the shoulders, arms, hands, legs, knees, and feet.
- Webbed hands and feet: At this stage, your baby’s hands and feet look more like tiny paddles with webbing between them. But they’ll soon develop into individual fingers and toes.
- Joints forming: The elbow and knee joints are starting to come together, allowing for more defined movements later in pregnancy.
- Spinal tissue: The tissue that will become your baby’s spine and bones is beginning to develop.
Organ Development
Along with the brain and heart, your baby’s other major organs are starting to form this week:- Kidneys: Your baby’s kidneys are now in place and getting ready to start producing urine soon. They’ll play a key role in filtering waste later on.
- Digestive system: The stomach, liver, pancreas, oesophagus, and intestines are developing. These organs will help your baby process nutrients and digest food after birth.
- Lungs: The early structures of the lungs develop to prepare your baby for breathing after birth.
- Umbilical cord function: The umbilical cord is now fully operational, delivering oxygen and nutrients from the placenta while removing waste.
You’ve made it to week 7, and your baby might be tiny, but so much is happening right now. Their little heart is beating, their arms and legs are starting to form, and their brain is developing super fast. Your body is working just as hard to keep up, which is why you might feel extra tired or nauseous these days.
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FAQs on Your Blueberry-Sized Baby: Amazing Changes in Week 7
- Is it normal not to feel any pregnancy symptoms at week 7?
Yes. It’s completely normal not to feel any pregnancy symptoms at week 7, as every pregnancy is unique and develops differently. - Can I feel my baby moving at week 7?
No, it’s too early. At this stage, the baby is still very small, and movements won’t be noticeable until around 16 to 25 weeks.
