Your pregnancy: 5 to 8 weeks 

Your baby

Over these next few weeks, your baby will grow to be about 1 inch long and develop arms, legs, muscles, and skin. If you could see your little one, you’d notice that their head is much bigger than the rest of their body. That's because their brain is growing faster than any other organ.

What's happening this week?

Week 5 of pregnancy A grain of rice
Hand holding rice grains

5 weeks pregnant

At 5 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a grain of rice. But even though they're tiny, they're making big changes inside you:

  • A long tube is forming inside the growing embryo. This will become your baby’s spinal cord and brain and marks the beginning of their central nervous system. 
  • In the center of the embryo, a tiny lump is appearing. This will become your baby’s heart.
  • The placenta is starting to form too. It’s going to help give your baby oxygen and nutrients throughout your pregnancy — a key part of their development.

Every week, your baby will reach new milestones as they develop inside you. Right now, they’re snug in your uterus and surrounded by the amniotic sac. Their position doesn’t matter much yet, but they’ll eventually settle into a more predictable spot in your womb. 

These early stages of growth are crucial and amazing. But they’re only the beginning of your baby’s journey into the world. 

Week 6 of pregnancy A lentil
Hand holding lentils

6 weeks pregnant

My little one's heart has started to beat — almost twice as fast as mine!

  • Your baby is about the size of a lentil.
  • Hands, feet, fingers, and toes are starting to form, but look more like paddles.
  • The brain and nervous system are developing fast.
  • The head is folding forward over the body in a more recognizable “baby” shape.
Week 7 of pregnancy A blueberry
Hand holding a blueberry

7 weeks pregnant

What a difference 7 days make! My baby is twice as big as last week. Wonder if I’ll grow that fast.

  • Your baby is about the size of a blueberry.
  • Brain cells are producing rapidly.
  • A little face is starting to develop, with outlines of eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth.
  • The umbilical cord has formed to supply oxygen and nutrients your baby.
Week 8 of pregnancy A kidney bean
Handful of kidney beans

8 weeks pregnant

My baby bean is changing every day. Pretty incredible, when you think about it.

  • Your baby is about the size of a kidney bean.
  • Your uterus is starting to grow, but you won’t notice a change in your shape yet.
  • Teeny, tiny elbows are emerging.
  • Your baby’s genitals are starting to form, but we can’t tell their reproductive anatomy until around week 20.

Your body

You may start to notice early signs of pregnancy: Feeling tired, tender breasts, and nausea are all common. So are craving new foods and becoming disgusted by foods you used to love. Your sense of smell might be in overdrive — some people can’t even stand the smell of their favorite flowers during pregnancy. This is all normal and temporary.

Feeling moody? That’s your hormones working overtime. And with so many changes happening in your life, it’s natural to feel many different emotions. Talking things over with a trusted friend can help you handle the ups and downs.

Your to-do list

  • Schedule your first prenatal care visit. We typically recommend having your first prenatal appointment between weeks 7 and 12.
  • If you take medication, ask your doctor if it’s okay to keep taking it while you’re pregnant.
  • Get lots of rest. Fatigue is very common in early pregnancy. Take it easy when you need to. Exercising for 30 minutes a day may actually help with fatigue and prepare you for a healthy pregnancy.

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Ready to get maternity care?
Find a hospital or care provider near you.

Northern California members:
Visit Your Pregnancy to sign up for prenatal classes, get weekly emails, view and prepare for appointments, and more.

Learn about CenteringPregnancy®, a unique prenatal care program that includes group support with other new moms.