7 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Brain, Symptoms & What to Expect

7 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Brain, Symptoms & What to Expect

At 7 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a blueberry, and their brain is growing faster than any other part of their body. You might notice new symptoms this week too, like breakouts, heartburn or extra saliva, on top of nausea and tiredness.

Baby's size
About the size of a blueberry (5 to 10mm)
Big development
Rapid brain growth
New symptoms
Acne, heartburn, extra saliva and breast changes
This week
Check your skincare is pregnancy-safe

What's happening this week

Your baby's head is now the largest part of their body, and it's growing quickly to make room for the developing brain.

Brain

Growing fast

The top of the neural tube has formed three main areas of the brain: the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. The rest of the tube will become the spinal cord.

Face and eyes

Features forming

The lenses and retinas of the eyes are starting to develop, and the nostrils and mouth are taking shape. Eyelids will begin to form soon.

Body and organs

Paddles and pipes

Arm buds are becoming paddle-shaped hands, and leg buds are growing. The umbilical cord, liver, pancreas and gut are developing, and the kidneys are beginning to form.

The hormones behind your symptoms

You may not look pregnant yet, but your hormones are working hard. Here's what the main three are doing, and why you might be feeling the effects.

hCG
Made by the developing placenta, it signals your body to keep producing progesterone. It's the hormone pregnancy tests detect, and it peaks around weeks 8 to 11.Linked to nausea and vomiting
Progesterone
Keeps the lining of your uterus thick and supportive, and relaxes smooth muscle throughout your body, including your digestive system.Linked to tiredness, bloating, heartburn and constipation
Oestrogen
Helps your uterus and placenta grow, increases blood flow and prepares your breasts for feeding.Linked to breast changes, skin changes and a stronger sense of smell

Symptoms at 7 weeks pregnant

Nausea, tiredness, mood swings, needing to wee and food aversions often continue this week. You might also notice some new changes:

  • Acne. Hormones increase your skin's oil production, which can lead to breakouts. It often settles later in pregnancy or after birth.
  • Heartburn and indigestion. A burning feeling rising from your stomach, often after meals. Smaller meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods and not lying down straight after eating can help.
  • Extra saliva. Harmless, but it can make nausea feel worse. Sipping water or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Breast changes. Your breasts may be growing, your areolas getting darker and small bumps appearing around them. These bumps are glands that keep the skin moisturised, and they're completely normal.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, strong pain on one side of your tummy, shoulder tip pain, or feel faint.

Treating pregnancy acne

Some common acne treatments aren't safe in pregnancy, so it's worth checking your bathroom cabinet.

Generally considered OK

  • A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser twice a day
  • Oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen
  • Azelaic acid
  • Other treatments your pharmacist or GP recommends

Avoid in pregnancy

  • Isotretinoin tablets
  • Retinoid creams, including tretinoin, adapalene and retinol
  • Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline
  • Strong chemical peels

If you were using a prescription acne treatment when you found out you were pregnant, stop it and talk to your GP.

Your feelings at 7 weeks

It's normal to have mixed emotions in the early weeks, from excitement to shock or disbelief, especially if your pregnancy wasn't planned or happened sooner than expected. There's no right way to feel. Talk to someone you trust, and see your GP if you'd like support or information about your options. If you feel low or anxious most days, you can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.

Looking after yourself this week

Manage nausea

Morning sickness is very common at this stage. See our week 5 tips on managing morning sickness and our full guide to managing morning sickness.

Eat well, even in small amounts

If nausea is limiting what you can eat, focus on small, regular meals and snacks rather than perfect nutrition. Keep taking folic acid and iodine, and brush up on which foods to enjoy and avoid in pregnancy.

Get ready for your first antenatal visit

Many people have their first antenatal appointment around weeks 8 to 10. Write down your questions beforehand, and bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take.

Your to-do list for week 7

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity Body washes and moisturisersGentle care for changing skinShop toiletries

Week 7 FAQs

How big is my baby at 7 weeks?

About the size of a blueberry, roughly 5 to 10 millimetres from crown to rump by the end of the week. Their head is the biggest part of their body, because the brain is growing so quickly.

What acne treatments are safe in pregnancy?

A gentle cleanser and oil-free moisturiser are a good start. Azelaic acid is generally considered safe, and your pharmacist can advise on other options. Avoid isotretinoin, retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene and retinol, and tetracycline antibiotics.

Can I take something for heartburn when pregnant?

Many antacids are safe to use in pregnancy, but check with your pharmacist first. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy or fatty food and not lying down straight after eating can also help.

Why do I have so much saliva in early pregnancy?

Excess saliva is a harmless pregnancy symptom that often goes along with nausea. Sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum and sucking on ice chips can help, and it usually eases as nausea settles.

Is it normal to feel unsure about being pregnant?

Yes. Mixed feelings are very common, especially if your pregnancy wasn't planned. Give yourself time, talk to someone you trust, and see your GP if you'd like support or information about your options.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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