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8 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

8 weeks pregnant
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8 Weeks Pregnant!

At 8 weeks of pregnancy, your baby's arms and legs are getting longer, and the hands and feet are starting to form fingers and toes. The face and other features keep developing. It is still far too early for a scan to show whether you are expecting a boy or a girl.

Internal organs are developing too, even at this early Pregnancy stage. For a few weeks, part of the intestines grows into the base of the umbilical cord, because your baby's abdomen doesn't yet have enough room. They move back into the abdomen over the next few weeks as it grows.

Mom’s Body at 8 Week Pregnant

By the time you are 8 weeks pregnant, the pregnancy symptoms may be in full swing, and your clothes may start to feel a little tight. If you have an early ultrasound, you may see your baby's heartbeat. Hearing it with a handheld Doppler device is usually possible a little later, from around 9 to 12 weeks.

How Big Is Your Baby at 8 Weeks

Your baby has already come a long way, and growth is fast at 8 weeks! Your little one is about the size of a raspberry this week, around 16 mm (just over half an inch) long from crown to rump.

8 weeks pregnant

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8 Weeks Pregnant – Things to Consider

Here are some points which 8 week pregnancy women have to follow;

  • Think of adding a few pieces of stretchy clothing to your wardrobe that will grow with you. Your clothes may be feeling tight by now. As your breasts grow, get fitted for the right bra size.
  • Take care of yourself by exercising. If you were quite active before your pregnancy, it is generally considered safe to continue the activities you do (just be sure to check with your healthcare provider).
  • Taking good care is important! It’s time for your first prenatal visit, which the NHS says usually takes place between weeks 8 and 12. If you haven’t chosen a provider, do it now. Your choices may depend on where you live and your insurance coverage, but whatever you choose, it is important that you are comfortable with its philosophy and practices.
  • Should you share the news? When to tell is a personal choice. Some couples immediately tell their close friends and family. Others wait until the end of the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is much lower.

8 Weeks Pregnant – Your Symptoms

  1. 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.

2. Back pain:

By the time you become 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 change as pregnancy goes on.

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.

3. Diarrhea:

Your digestive system may now 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.

4. Frequent urination:

Yes, you may be making a lot of extra trips to the bathroom. Hormone changes and extra blood flow to the kidneys play a role early on. Later, your growing uterus presses on your bladder.

5. Stomach cramps:

Mild cramping may be linked to the growth of your uterus. If cramps are severe, one-sided or come with bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away.

    • Morning sickness:

You may have nausea and even vomiting right now. The good news is that morning sickness usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20. If you can't keep food or fluids down, contact your doctor. For now, try munching on crackers before getting up, and aim for five or six small meals a day instead of three big ones.

Spotting (a few drops of blood at a time) may be normal. However, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you feel at all concerned and call immediately if you notice heavy bleeding.

6. Fatigue:

Your progesterone levels are increasing, which can often make you feel more tired than usual. Go ahead and grab some extra snooze time whenever you can. If you are feeling tired, listen to your body and try to make it easier.

8 Weeks Pregnant – Ask Your Doctor

In early pregnancy, prenatal visits are usually about once a month. They become more frequent in the last months of pregnancy. These regular checkups give you the right opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

  • What are some ways to get a better night’s sleep?
  • Is it safe to travel while pregnant, and when is the best time?
  • When and how to contact the doctor between appointments?
  • What types of prenatal tests are required or recommended, and when should they be prescribed?

8 Weeks Pregnant – Your Checklist

  • A healthcare provider that you like and trust, whether that person is a physician, nurse practitioner, or midwife.
  • Check with your chosen provider when your next checkup will happen, and keep a calendar of your prenatal appointments.
  • With your partner, start planning how you will share the big news with family and friends.

HP Thoughts: Our eighth part of pregnancy deals with the baby about to welcome the world at large: Pregnancy Symptoms Week 9.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor or midwife can answer questions about your own pregnancy.

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