7 Weeks of Pregnancy | Baby's Growth & Development |
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At seven weeks of pregnancy, the yolk sac continues shrinking [1,2]. The umbilical cord steadily carries nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the embryo. In approximately 30 seconds, a blood cell passes roundtrip from the placenta to the embryo and back to the placenta [1].
The embryo’s facial features become more apparent as the eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears develop [1,2]. The eye lenses start forming, and color appears in the irises [1].
Development of the pulmonary system, heart, and limbs is also ongoing [2]. The embryo’s heart has started pumping embryonic blood produced by the liver [2]. While the embryo’s hands and feet do not yet have fingers or toes, the arm buds have a shoulder section and a hand section [1].
As the nervous system develops, the neural tube begins forming early brain structures within the embryo’s transparent skull [1,2].
References:
1. Harms R, Wick M, editors. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. Boston: Da Capo Press; 2011.
2. Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, Johnson E, Poe B, Kruse DH, et al. 28.2 Embryonic Development. Anatomy & Physiology. Houston: OpenStax; 2013.
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Produced and written by: Samantha Lattof, PhD MSc
Medically reviewed by: Ayodeji Olelakan Abere, MD MBA MHA
Animation by: SciePro / Pond5
Music by: audiomarket / Pond5
Narration by: Ava at Wellsaid