Pregnancy Week 7 - Brain Growth & Hand Plates Form

The brain is developing at a remarkable pace, generating about 100 new brain cells every minute. The heart has now divided into left and right chambers and is beating at 150-160 bpm. Arm and leg buds are growing longer, and hand plates that will become your baby's palms and fingers have formed. The appendix and pancreas are developing, and the liver is busy producing red blood cells. Tiny nostrils are becoming visible, and the lenses of the eyes are forming.

Your uterus has grown to about the size of a grapefruit, though you will not show yet. Morning sickness may be at its peak. You might notice changes in your skin, such as breakouts or increased oiliness due to hormonal changes. Some women develop a heightened sense of smell, which can trigger nausea. You may need to urinate even more frequently as your kidneys process extra waste.