you're 7 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 1 cm (0.39") · 0.8 g (0.03 oz)
At 7 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 1 cm and 0.8 g — Limb buds lengthen into paddles.
about the size of a…
Limb buds lengthen into paddles. The brain divides into three primary regions and the umbilical cord takes shape.
this week's highlights
- Brain divides into three regions
- Paddle-shape hands and feet
- Umbilical cord forms
- Liver starts making blood cells
how your baby looks
Curved like a tiny shrimp with paddle-shaped hands and feet and a clearly visible head. Eyes are still on the sides of the face and the tail is shrinking.
body in focus
- head
- Brain divides into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions.
- body
- Liver starts producing the first blood cells.
- hands
- Hand paddles begin to show ridges where fingers will form.
- feet
- Foot paddles begin to show ridges where toes will form.
what's happening in your body
Nausea and fatigue often peak around now. Your uterus has doubled in size and you may feel light cramping as it stretches.
symptoms at 7 weeks
- Nausea at its building stage
- Sickness often intensifies through week 7 on its way to the usual peak around weeks 8 to 10. Eating small amounts before you feel hungry can head off the worst waves.
- Excess saliva
- Some people produce noticeably more saliva (ptyalism), often alongside nausea. It is harmless, if unglamorous, and fades with the first trimester.
- Food cravings
- Alongside aversions, sudden urges for specific foods can appear. Cravings are fine to indulge in moderation — unless the urge is for non-foods like ice, chalk or earth, which you should mention to your doctor as it can signal iron deficiency.
- Spots and breakouts
- Hormone surges can bring acne even if your skin has been clear for years. Stick to gentle products and avoid retinoid-based treatments, which are not recommended in pregnancy.
- Constipation
- Progesterone slows the gut, and many people notice sluggish digestion from around now. Fibre, fluids and daily walking are the first-line fixes.
- Burning or pain when weeing — when to call
- Urinary infections are more common in pregnancy and need prompt treatment. If it stings to wee, or urine is cloudy or smelly, call your midwife or doctor rather than waiting it out.
gentle tips
- Eat protein-rich snacks (nuts, yoghurt, eggs) to steady blood sugar.
- Brush your teeth gently — pregnancy gums bleed more easily.
- If you smoke, ask your provider for support to quit now.
- Confirm your first ultrasound appointment for the next 1–3 weeks.
- Vent to a partner or friend — early-pregnancy emotions are real.
your week 7 checklist
- Write your booking-appointment question list: screening tests, place of birth options, medication queries
- Gather your family medical history — both sides — as the midwife will ask
- Review your dental care: book a check-up, as gum disease is more common in pregnancy and dental care is a priority now
- Check your workplace entitlements for paid time off for antenatal appointments
what to expect next
By week 8, fingers and toes begin to separate and the embryo can move tiny limbs, though you won't feel it for many weeks yet.
common questions at week 7
How big is the baby at 7 weeks?
At 7 weeks, the baby measures about 1 cm and weighs approximately 0.8 g (1 cm (0.39") · 0.8 g (0.03 oz)).
What is developing at 7 weeks?
Curved like a tiny shrimp with paddle-shaped hands and feet and a clearly visible head. Brain divides into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions. Key milestones this week include: Brain divides into three regions; Paddle-shape hands and feet; Umbilical cord forms; Liver starts making blood cells.
What symptoms are common at 7 weeks pregnant?
Nausea and fatigue often peak around now. Your uterus has doubled in size and you may feel light cramping as it stretches.
What should I do at 7 weeks pregnant?
By week 8, fingers and toes begin to separate and the embryo can move tiny limbs, though you won't feel it for many weeks yet. Eat protein-rich snacks (nuts, yoghurt, eggs) to steady blood sugar. Brush your teeth gently — pregnancy gums bleed more easily. If you smoke, ask your provider for support to quit now.
Why have I not had a scan yet at 7 weeks?
In most systems, the first routine scan is the dating scan between 11 and 14 weeks, when measurements are most accurate and screening can be combined. Earlier scans are usually reserved for bleeding, pain, or uncertainty about dates. Having no scan yet does not mean anything is being missed — it is the standard pathway.
Is it safe to travel or fly at 7 weeks pregnant?
Yes — flying in the first trimester does not harm the baby or raise miscarriage risk, and most airlines have no restrictions this early. The practical challenges are nausea and fatigue, so pick aisle seats, snack often and stay hydrated. If you have bleeding, pain or a history of ectopic pregnancy, check with your doctor before travelling.
How much weight should I have gained by now?
At 7 weeks, essentially none — expected first-trimester gain is only around 0.5 to 2 kg in total, and people with significant nausea often lose a little instead. Weight gain becomes meaningful in the second and third trimesters. If you are losing weight rapidly or cannot keep food down, call your midwife or doctor.
helpful tools
- Due Date Calculator
Find your estimated due date from your last period or conception date.
- Baby Names
Start exploring names — an early, joyful ritual.
Medically aligned with guidance from WHO, NHS and ACOG. How we write.