First Trimester: You Are 8 Weeks Pregnant

You are 8 weeks pregnant now, mums! There’s so much development at this stage.

Both you and your little one are going through some fascinating changes.

There’s a lot happening this week as well as some exciting new things that you should plan for.

Here’s what to expect on your 8th week of pregnancy, from your baby to your body.

Your Baby at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 8 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is still tiny—around the size of a pinto bean or a raspberry—measuring about 1.5 centimetres and weighing just around one gram.

Your baby is undergoing rapid growth and transformation. Although still a tiny embryo, it is now officially a foetus.

Around this time, many people go for their first ultrasound, which can be done either vaginally or abdominally.

Although it’s still too early to hear the heartbeat, seeing that first flicker on the screen can be an emotional milestone, making it all feel more real.

Here’s what’s happening with your baby at 8 weeks pregnant:

Nervous system: This early nervous system is laying the groundwork for your baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Heart formation: At 8 weeks, the heart is fully formed and begins beating rhythmically, typically at a rate of 150-170 beats per minute. Ultrasound imaging can now pick up the sound of the heartbeat.
Blood vessels: The circulatory system is developing, with blood vessels forming and beginning to circulate blood through the body.
Facial structure: The baby’s face is beginning to take shape. Although they are still closed, the eyes have fully formed. Tiny nostrils and external ears begin to develop.
Limbs: Your baby’s limbs are lengthening, and by the end of week eight, fingers and toes will start to emerge, although they will still be webbed.
Digestive system: The digestive system is also in the early stages of development. The stomach, liver, and pancreas are beginning to form, and the intestines are taking shape.
Placenta: At this point, the baby is still dependent on the yolk sac for nourishment but will soon start to rely more heavily on the placenta as it becomes functional. The placenta plays an essential role in the baby’s development, supplying nutrients and oxygen while also removing waste products.
Sex: Though it’s too early to tell the sex, your baby’s genitals are starting to develop.

Your Body at 8 Weeks Pregnant

Your body is also transforming in various ways as it adjusts to accommodate your growing baby.

One of the most significant physical changes is the rapid expansion of your uterus, which is now roughly the size of a grapefruit. So, your midriff may expand, making it a bit hard to fit into those old pair of jeans.

Other than that here are some other new or changing symptoms you can expect to experience at 8 weeks pregnant:

Strange dreams: You may experience a range of dreams, from the unusual to the surprisingly detailed and even erotic, which is a common side effect of hormonal shifts during pregnancy.
Cramping: Your growing uterus can cause some discomfort in the lower abdomen. This is known as ligament round pain.
Temperature: Your heart now working about 20% harder than usual to support the extra blood flow required by your baby. The increased blood circulation raises your metabolism, causing a slight rise in your overall body temperature.
Morning sickness: If the nausea doesn’t stop you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, consult a doctor if you fear you have trouble keeping food down.
Migraines: A common part of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Breast changes: Your breasts may feel fuller and tender. Thee may be darker pigmentation around your areolas and visible veins due to increase blood circulation.

Your Pregnancy Plan for Week 8

With your body going through so many changes, it’s important to keep up with specific nutritional needs, especially when it comes to iron.

Pregnancy roughly doubles your body’s iron requirements, and if you’re low on iron, your doctor may prescribe a supplement. Iron-rich foods, such as spinach, beans, fish, and red meat, are excellent dietary options to boost your iron intake.

While it’s easy to assume you’re now eating for two, it’s helpful to remember that your baby is still very small. You only need an extra 300 calories a day, so eating for one and a fraction is more accurate.

Another important consideration is to avoid environmental toxins. This includes chemical insecticides, paint, and paint removers, as some of these substances can be harmful during pregnancy.

Be cautious of toxoplasmosis if you have a cat. It’s best to limit direct contact with cat litter and to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables and avoid undercooked meats to reduce the risk of infection.

Your First Prenatal Visit

You are 8 weeks pregnant now and you may be scheduled for your first prenatal visit this week or next.

This initial appointment is your opportunity to discuss any symptoms or concerns with your doctor. They will likely check your weight, blood pressure, and may do some basic blood work.

If you’re feeling uncertain about what to ask, some helpful questions include how much weight you should expect to gain each week, what blood tests your doctor will be doing and how many calories you should be consuming per week.

What nutrients are most essential to your diet, and how frequently you’ll need to come in for check-ups.

For most people, prenatal visits happen once every four weeks from week six to week 28.

However, if this is your first pregnancy or you have specific medical needs, you might have additional visits scheduled.

Taking the Next Steps

At 8 weeks pregnant, your life is already full of changes and new experiences. Each day brings you closer to meeting your baby.

It’s at this stage that things start to feel a bit more real. Take time to listen to your body, enjoy the little moments, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job, mummies!

References

Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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