If you are seven or eight weeks pregnant, you may still be adjusting to the idea that you’re pregnant or even just beginning to notice the first signs. Though these early weeks can feel full of uncertainty, there’s a lot happening inside your body that you can’t yet see. By weeks seven and eight, the tiny embryo growing within you is developing rapidly, with new milestones forming every day.

Here’s what’s happening during these two important weeks.

Week 7: Building the Foundation

By week 7, the embryo is about the size of a blueberry. Tiny, but already incredibly complex. Major organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys are continuing to form. The brain is growing quickly, producing around 100 new brain cells every minute, and beginning to send signals to developing body parts.¹

Arms and legs are beginning to take shape as small buds, and tiny facial features (like nostrils and the beginnings of eyelids) are forming. The neural tube, which later becomes the brain and spinal cord, has closed, and the heart has already been beating for a couple of weeks.²

Many women start to notice pregnancy symptoms around this time, such as nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness. These changes are normal and are caused by an increase in hormones supporting your pregnancy.

Week 8: Complex Development

At week 8, the embryo is roughly the size of a raspberry.³ The arms and legs continue to lengthen, and webbed fingers and toes are beginning to appear. Tiny bones are starting to develop under the skin, and the embryo’s muscles are forming, allowing for the first small movements, though they’re too faint to feel just yet.

Inside, the heart is beating at a steady rhythm, and organs like the stomach and intestines are taking shape. The embryo’s features continue to become more defined, as the eyes, ears, and upper lip grow more visible.⁴

Although these changes are still hidden from view, an early ultrasound at this stage can often confirm the pregnancy’s location and detect a heartbeat—bringing reassurance and clarity.

Finding Peace in the Unknown

Pregnancy brings both wonder and worry, especially in the early weeks when so much is unseen. We offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you know for sure if you’re pregnant and how far along you might be.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and offer guidance every step of the way.

You are not alone. We are here to help.