8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms, Prenatal Tips & More about Baby

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Overview

At 8 weeks pregnant, you have a long way to go, and you may be passing through many symptoms. This is an important time to take good care of yourself and your baby, because many of the baby's organs are forming now.

8 week pregnant

8 weeks of pregnancy is in the first trimester. Around this time, your baby is growing and developing from embryo to fetus. Because pregnancy is counted from your last period, your baby has actually been developing for about six weeks.

These weeks can be hard. Many women feel tired, nauseous or anxious, and sleep may be disturbed.

You may notice your clothes fitting a little differently. You would feel many changes in the symptoms and obviously there is no need to worry about it. But, you have to understand about the actual symptoms or the trouble one’s symptoms. Might be possible, there are some uncommon symptoms that can cause some issue and you are taking it as a common symptom. If there is a problem you need to consult your gynecologist.

Therefore, we are here telling you in detail about all the symptoms of 8 weeks pregnant. So, you can be fully aware of normal and abnormal. There is a broad range of symptoms from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. If anything feels extreme or makes you unusually uncomfortable, call your doctor to get some reassurance or suggestions.

8 WEEKS PREGNANT SYMPTOMS

Some of these symptoms are:

1. Sore breasts

Sore breasts are common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, such as rising progesterone and prolactin, are preparing them to feed your baby. This would result in breast soreness and tenderness.

2. Fatigue & Morning sickness

Rising pregnancy hormones, including hCG and progesterone, can make you feel sleepy and exhausted. Your body is also working hard to support the pregnancy, and your blood volume is starting to rise.

The same hormone changes are linked to nausea or “morning sickness”, which is very common in early pregnancy.

Rest when you can. Gentle, regular exercise may boost your energy and help you sleep well.

3. Leg cramps

Leg cramps are common in pregnancy, although they are more typical later on, and the exact cause isn't clear. They often happen in the evening or at night and can disturb sleep.

Gentle stretching of your calf muscles, regular activity and massage may help.

4. The heightened sense of smell

Your shifting hormone, especially estrogen, increases the sensitivity of your nose receptors. You become more sensitive to smell especially to pungent or strong smells. It is also associated with sneezing, watering from nose, and eyes. Sometimes, it can also lead to nausea or vomiting too.

5. Pregnancy Cramps

As your uterus grows and stretches, you may feel mild aches or cramps in your lower abdomen. If cramps are severe, one-sided or come with bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away.

6. Constipation

Constipation is an early symptom of pregnancy in some women and can continue throughout. Later in pregnancy, the growing uterus also presses on the bowels.

Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestine, so food moves more slowly and more water is absorbed, which makes stools harder. Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods. Straining to pass hard stools can cause hemorrhoids and some bleeding.

If diet changes don't help, ask your doctor which laxatives are safe in pregnancy.

7. Spotting

Light spotting can happen in early pregnancy and is often harmless. Very early on, some women have light implantation bleeding, which can be mistaken for a period. Tell your doctor about any Pregnancy spotting, and get help right away for heavy bleeding or bleeding with pain.

8. Bloating and gas

Bloating is a very common pregnancy symptom, caused largely by rising progesterone slowing digestion. Belching, bloating, and passing gas can last throughout pregnancy.

9. Food cravings and aversions

Food aversions and cravings are often strongest during the first few months of pregnancy and may last for the whole pregnancy.

10. Frequent urination

Early in pregnancy, hormone changes and increased blood flow through the kidneys mean you make more urine. Later, your growing uterus presses on your bladder.

Tell your doctor if urinating burns or stings, because urinary infections are more common in pregnancy.

You may find that you’re leaking urine when you laugh, cough, or sneeze, it may be helpful to wear a panty liner.

11. Back pain

At 8 weeks pregnant, you may have some lower back pain. Pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments in your pelvis and back to prepare for birth, which can strain the joints.

Your posture and center of gravity also start to change as pregnancy goes on, and an awkward sleeping position can add to the ache.

12. Diarrhea

At 8 weeks, your digestive system may be more sensitive. Make sure you are practicing healthy eating habits and stay hydrated. Contact your healthcare provider if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by any other symptoms, and do not take antidiarrheal medications or any medications before checking with your provider.

13. Trouble sleeping:

Changes in hormone levels, restlessness, and extra trips to the toilet often add to disturbed sleep. If you are feeling wide awake, try listening to peaceful music or reading a book. You can also try drinking warm milk or taking a warm bath before bed. Keeping a pillow between your knees can help you feel more comfortable.

14. Food and smell aversions:

Tastes and smells that never bothered you before may now turn your stomach, thanks to rising hormones that sharpen your sense of smell.

Some other 8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms:

Breast soreness & tenderness
Nausea with or without vomiting
Mood swings
Motion sickness
Increase abdominal size
Headache
Constipation
Pregnancy abdominal cramps
Weird dreams
Spotting
Increase smell sensation
Increase urination
Backache
Increase appetite
Increase bladder movement

These symptoms change week by week as hormone levels change. Some become stronger, while others fade. Most are normal and don't need medicine, but tell your doctor about anything severe or worrying.

When Changes in Symptoms Are Normal?

Symptoms of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. For example, some women never have a day of morning sickness, while others feel nauseous and sick for months. The same goes for other common symptoms, especially during the first trimester. These include breast tenderness, frequent urination, cramps, pimples, sour belching, bloating, dizziness, mood swings, back pain, and constipation. The frequency and intensity of these symptoms can be highly variable and, quite honestly, you cannot expect to feel them all.

There will be days when you may experience cramps and frequent urination and others when you suddenly crave certain foods. There will even be days when you are completely symptom-free. All of this is natural and usually not a cause for concern. In some cases, the symptoms may not so much have disappeared but rather become less noticeable as you begin coping with the frequent changes in your body.

Over time, you may begin to better understand your mood swings or have found ways to deal with the rigors of constipation or nausea. By the second trimester, many of the more intense symptoms may begin to ease. Others will continue right until the moment of delivery. None of these is considered a sign of “less normal” or “more normal” pregnancy.

When Changes in Symptoms Are Concerning

There are times when a change in pregnancy symptoms leads to anxiety and investigation. Chief among these is fetal movement. It will be some time before you actually feel any movement (usually between 16 and 24 weeks). After that, any significant change in your baby's activity should be reported to your physician immediately.

Decreased fetal movement, or complete cessation of movement, may indicate an emergency. While other symptoms may be more or less as your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s movement shouldn’t. Sure, there will be days when your child can calm down. But if any change in activity seems unusual, do not hesitate to see your doctor or visit an emergency room. The same goes if your symptoms suddenly disappear. We are not talking so much about symptom-free days. We are referring to the situation where you are dealing with many symptoms and suddenly there is none.

Baby at 8 weeks pregnant

Your baby is now about 16 mm, or roughly half an inch, long and is starting to look more like a baby than an embryo. Arms and legs are growing longer, and fingers and toes are starting to form. Facial features and internal organs continue to develop, and your baby has begun to make small movements.

Your baby's heart beats much faster than yours, and an ultrasound may show it, but you can't feel it yet. Amniotic fluid volume is increasing and your womb is expanding to accommodate its growing tenant.

Things to do or not

Including all these things below, the first and foremost thing is to go and consult your doctor. Don’t skip any checkups.

1. Tackle with Headaches

Headaches are among the most common pregnancy symptoms week by week. Hormones, hunger, dehydration and poor sleep can all trigger them. The NHS says paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the first choice of painkiller in pregnancy, used for as short a time as possible, and advises avoiding ibuprofen unless prescribed. Check with your doctor first.

If you develop a severe headache, call your health care provider as early as possible.

2. Squats

If your doctor says exercise is fine for you, squats can strengthen your leg muscles and may help you get into comfortable positions during labor.

3. SPF sunscreen

Pregnancy hormones can cause dark patches on the face (melasma), and sunlight makes them worse. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin.

4. Track Your Weight

You gain weight gradually throughout pregnancy. During the first trimester, most women gain only a few pounds, and some gain none because of nausea. As you move ahead into the second trimester and the third trimester, weight gain picks up. The right total depends on your weight before pregnancy.

5. Ease Into Exercise

Exercise can make you feel stronger and more energetic. Start gently, and check with your doctor about what is right for you.

6. Eat Food That Your Body Allows

What you eat matters a lot for you and your baby. Yogurt, milk, plenty of water, vegetables and fresh green salads support your digestion. Choose pasteurized dairy and wash salads well.

7. Say Yes To Healthy Carbs

8 weeks pregnant diet

Healthy carbs are a key source of energy. Choose fiber-rich options such as whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruits like apples and blueberries, rather than sugary foods.

Pair them with healthy proteins and fats, such as eggs, low-mercury fish and olive oil.

Frequently Asked Question’s

Answers to questions that often come to mind.

What are the chances of miscarriage at 8 weeks?

8 weeks pregnant women are in the first trimester, when most miscarriages happen. Among women who know they are pregnant, about 10% to 25% have a miscarriage, most of them in the first 7 weeks.

The risk drops once your baby's heartbeat is seen on a scan. Your age and history also affect the risk, so ask your doctor about your own situation.

Is belly showing at 8 weeks normal?

8 weeks pregnant belly: an abdominal bump is not much visible at 8 weeks yet. The uterus usually rises above the pelvis around 12 weeks. Some women show earlier, often after previous pregnancies, because their abdominal muscles have already stretched. Bloating can also make the belly look bigger.

How Big Is Baby at 8 Weeks?

Your baby is growing quickly. At 8 weeks, your baby is about the size of a raspberry, around 16 mm (about 0.6 inches) long.

8 weeks pregnant symptoms

8 weeks Pregnant is How Many Months?

8 weeks pregnant is roughly 2 months of pregnancy and falls in the first trimester of pregnancy.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor or midwife can tell you what is normal for your pregnancy.

8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms, Prenatal Tips & More About Baby

Overview

8 week pregnant