Early embryonic development
At 7 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo enters the early stages of development. At this point, the embryo is only about 2 millimeters in size, similar to a bean. However, inside this tiny embryo, the foundation of the embryonic organs has already been formed. At this stage, there are three prominent parts of the embryo, namely the head, tail and heart.
Development of the head
The head is the most visible part of the embryo, containing the primitive forms of organs such as the brain, eyes, nose, and mouth. In the process of forming the basic structure of the head, the development of the brain and nervous system is particularly important. By this time the neural tube has closed and different parts of the brain have begun to differentiate. The shape of the eyes is also beginning to appear, and the two small dimples are a harbinger of future eyes. A ring of melanocytes appears around the mouth, indicating the future shape of the lips, mouth, teeth and tongue.
Heart development
In the early stages of embryonic development, the heart is a small, round ball. At 7 weeks, it has changed into a slightly thicker shape and can beat on its own. The beating of the heart is an extremely important step in embryonic development. Because only the beating of the heart can ensure the distribution of nutrients, oxygen and other substances to various parts of the embryo.
The sac-like structure of the embryo
At 7 weeks of pregnancy, the entire embryo is wrapped in a sac-like structure, which is the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is one of the main sources of nutrition for the embryo. The embryo can receive oxygen, nutrients and protection in the amniotic sac. At this time, fetal water in the amniotic sac also begins to be secreted, which can provide cushioning protection and support for the embryo.
Further development of embryonic organs
During pregnancy, as the embryo grows, its various organs continue to develop and expand. During the seventh week of embryonic development, most organs have defined their basic structures and functions.
Formation of embryonic blood system
After 7 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo\’s emergency blood system begins to develop. At this time, the embryo\’s blood cells begin to produce, and the blood cells, blood vessels, and primitive heart of the blood system are formed. The future spleen and bone marrow also begin to differentiate at this time.
Formation of liver and stomach
Around 7 weeks into pregnancy, the embryonic liver begins to develop in the body. During this period, the embryo\’s internal organs are arranged along the forming embryonic core. It is because of this positioning of the organs that the stomach is arranged at the top of the luminal endoderm, while the liver forms in the upper right part of the abdomen. At the same time, the shape of the intestines also begins to take shape during this period. The gradual production of the embryonic intestine is an important guarantee for the normal development of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
The limbs begin to form
At 7 weeks of pregnancy, the limbs of the embryo begin to show their shape. At this time, the embryo\’s arms and legs are just beginning to grow tiny little leaves. Over time, these small leaves will turn into fingers or toes. The palms and soles of the feet are also starting to form. At this time, in addition to the shape of the external limbs, the embryo has also begun to form the bones and joints of the entire limb.
Development of embryonic intelligence and behavior
After 7 weeks of pregnancy, the development of embryonic intelligence and behavior is also gradually emerging.
Embryonic sentience
The embryo begins to develop some basic sensory abilities. These abilities include responses to sweet, salty, sour, bitter and other substances that represent taste sensations. In addition, the embryo responds to sound, touch, and smell. Although the embryonic sensory organs are not perfect, the development of this preliminary perceptual ability provides the basis for the further formation of future intelligence and learning abilities.
Embryonic reflex behavior
At 7 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo has already begun to exhibit some simple reflex behaviors. A typical example is that the fetal eyelids will automatically close to prevent irrelevant substances from entering the eyes. Also, fetal response to chemotherapeutic agents is a good application of fetal reflex behavior in vitro.
The influence of maternal environment
The maternal environment and health status will greatly affect the development of the embryo.
Nutrition and Health
During pregnancy, the mother\’s diet is one of the main factors affecting embryonic development. Adequate protein, vitamins and minerals can help the embryo grow healthily. If the mother is deficient in certain nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, etc., it can lead to various growth problems in the baby.
Smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking alcohol significantly increase the risk of embryonic malformation or death. Maternal smoking can lead to lower birth weight in children, indicating problems such as anemia. Moreover, smoking and drinking can seriously affect the health of pregnant women and babies.
Summary
At 7 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo enters the early stages of development. At this time, the blood, organs and reflex capabilities of the embryo are constantly developing and growing. The mother\’s environment and health also play an important role in embryonic development. During pregnancy, mothers need to pay attention to reasonable nutrition and healthy lifestyle to promote the growth of the fetus.
