First trimester
7 weeks pregnant
The embryo is around the size of a blueberry and has roughly doubled in size since last week. The head is growing fastest, which is why early scans show a disproportionately large head.
Size of
blueberry
Length
10 mm
Weight
< 0.1 g
Your baby at 7 weeks
Brain development is rapid, with around a hundred new cells forming every minute. The head accounts for a large share of overall size, a proportion that evens out over the coming months.
Arm and leg buds lengthen, and the paddle-shaped ends begin to show ridges that will separate into fingers and toes. The umbilical cord is now clearly established, carrying nutrients and oxygen from the developing placenta.
Kidneys are forming and will shortly begin producing urine, which becomes a major component of amniotic fluid.
How you may be feeling
The uterus has roughly doubled in size, though you will not be visibly showing yet. Increased blood flow to the pelvis and pressure on the bladder mean frequent urination is common.
Some people notice changes in saliva production, a metallic taste, or very specific cravings and aversions. These are well documented and generally harmless, though eating a reasonably varied diet remains worth aiming for when nausea allows.
Common symptoms around week 7
- Continued nausea and fatigue
- Frequent urination as the uterus presses on the bladder
- Excess saliva or a persistent metallic taste
- Mild acne or skin changes from hormonal shifts
- Constipation, which pregnancy hormones make more likely
Appointments and tests around now
If you have not made contact with a midwife or doctor yet, this is a good week to do it. Booking appointments are commonly offered between weeks 8 and 12 and involve a long first conversation about history and screening options.
What is normal, and what varies
Cravings and aversions are not a sign you are doing anything wrong. If all you can keep down for a stretch is toast, that is survivable; the overall pattern over weeks matters more than any single day.
Worth doing this week
Address constipation early
Fluids, fibre, and movement are usually first-line. Ask your provider before using any laxative, since not all are recommended in pregnancy.
Do not fight the aversions
Eating what you can tolerate is better than eating nothing on principle. Nutrition evens out over the trimester.
Write down questions as they occur
The booking appointment covers a lot quickly. A list means you leave having asked the things that were actually bothering you.
Looking ahead
Next week the embryo starts moving, though far too faintly for you to feel it.
Nearby weeks
Not sure which week you are in? The week tracker works it out from the first day of your last period, and the due date calculator gives you an estimated due date.