8 Weeks Pregnant

8 Week Highlights

At 8 weeks pregnant, you may not be visibly pregnant, yet you are finally feeling the effects of pregnancy. You will likely have scheduled or are about to have your first prenatal appointment. Your first prenatal appointment will include an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and predict the due date. It may even be possible to see and hear the baby’s heartbeat which can be quite an experience!

How many months is 8 weeks pregnant?  2 Months

Which Trimester is 8 weeks pregnant?  1st Trimester

How many weeks do you have left?  32 more weeks!

8 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Development

How big is your baby at 8 weeks pregnant?

At 8 weeks, your baby will be as big as a raspberry. He or she will be measuring about 1/2 inches long(1.5 centimeters) and about 0.4 ounces. Your little one is now the size of a raspberry!

Fetal crown-rump length in mm.

Baby’s Development at 8 week pregnant

At 8 weeks, your baby is looking more baby-like. At this embryonic stage, your baby now starting to develop facial features and has sprouted little arms and legs.

• Heartbeat: Baby’s heart will be about 140 to 170 times per minute! Practically double your normal heart rate.
• Facial Features: Your little one’s unique facial features such as eyes, eyelids, nose, and lips are coming together.
• Arms, Legs, Fingers & Toes: Baby will now have sprouted little arms and legs, with fingers and toes beginning to form.
• Tail: The tail is getting smaller and will eventually disappear.
• Organs: Organs continues to develop.

REF: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy

Mom’s Body at 8 Week Pregnant

8 Week Pregnant Belly

Even though the baby is developing rapidly, your belly will not be visible just yet. However, you may be feeling a lot more pregnant than you did in previous weeks.

Symptoms at 8 Weeks Pregnant

Hormones are doing their job racking up the symptoms you feel at 8 weeks pregnant. You might not be feeling very well and riding an emotional roller coaster. At 8 weeks, you can experience a wide range of symptoms that typically includes the following:

• Breast Changes: Blame the rising pregnancy hormones for any changes in your breast size. Milk-making tissues in your breast are growing which will in turn increase your bra size. Keep this in mind as you go shopping for a new maternity bra.
• Morning Sickness: Most women will feel sick and nausea which begins around 5 or 6 weeks. Your hormones will amplify your sense of smell and make you sick to your stomach. Morning sickness typically peaks at week 9 of pregnancy and ends at around week 13. You are almost there! Just 4-5 more weeks left, you can do it!
• Extra Trips to the Bathroom: Bathroom breaks will become the norm for most of your pregnancy. Even throughout the night, you may need to get up to empty your bladder. Your baby is growing and the uterus is expanding, both are putting pressure on your bladder.
• Fatigue: Mom, you deserve a nap! If this is your first baby, take all the rest you can get. Go to bed early, if you work. If you have kids, then don’t be afraid to ask for help from a family or friend to watch them for a little while. The increase of progesterone levels in your body can leave you a lot more tired than usual. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.
• Constipations: This symptom is fairly normal in about 50 percent of us. Keep a healthy nutritious diet rich in fiber and drink lots of water. Try to avoid eating white grains and rice. Take lots of walks to promote digestion. If you are still backed up, discuss with your medical provider for other remedies.

Self-Care Tips for Mom

• Eat foods that you can manage: Battling nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is not what we sign up for. It’s even harder when you feel anxious to eat nutritious foods to keep yourself and your baby well. Fortunately, your baby’s nutritional needs are very tiny being the size of a raspberry.
• If the thought of eating makes you queasy, then try to at least 6 smaller nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Mini meals will help you from feeling more queasy and will prevent your stomach from emptying. Don’t worry, you have just a few more weeks to go.
• Take Walks After Dinner: Fresh air on your stroll after dinner can lift your moods. Including light exercise such as walking can help you maintain your strength throughout your pregnancy. You will need it.
• Retail therapy: Take the time to do a little shopping and you have every reason to do so! If you are up to it, buy a few maternity jeans to keep yourself comfortable. The growth of your breasts may call for a new maternity bra. Have fun!
• Carry healthy snacks: If you are out and about, it is helpful to carry a healthy snack as hunger pangs can hit you at any moment.

I used to carry oranges and nuts in my purses because that was the only thing I could stomach and it helped me go on outings with my husband and families. – Nadi Sultani

Advice for Significant Others

If you are not already taking pictures, start taking pictures now to document the monthly progress of the baby bump. The baby bump will start showing shortly.

Prenatal Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions