SEVENTH WEEK

By the end of this week, the baby measures about 1.3 cms. At this stage, changes include:

• Development of the buds at the corners of the body into arms and legs, having tiny clefts, that later develop into fingers and toes.
• Development of blood cells and blood vessels extending into the head and all other parts of the body.
• Strong beats of the heart that circulate the blood.
• Formation of the chest with two solid primitive organs on two sides, which later develop into lungs.
• Almost complete development of intestine.
• Development of small liver and kidneys. They are however not yet functional.
• Rapid growth of the brain and spinal cord and development of nerves to all parts of the body except limbs and skin.
• Development of final shape of the head.
• Further development of the eyes.
• Initial development of nostrils.
• Continued development of the mouth and jaw.