8th Week Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development, And Body Changes

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How many months pregnant are you at 8 weeks?
How big is your baby in this week?
What symptoms do you experience in the 8th week of pregnancy?
Changes in the body in the 8th week
Risks during the 8th week of pregnancy
When to call the doctor
How to prepare for the first OB appointment?
Your OB/GYN visit
Tips to follow
Tips for dad-to-be

How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 8 Weeks?

At eight weeks, you are two months pregnant.

Momjunction throws light on the developmental milestones your baby reaches, the pregnancy tests, and the tips you can follow to care for yourself in this week.

How Big Is Your Baby In This Week?

At eight weeks, your baby is about the size of a cranberry bean (1). The baby measures 0.62in (1.6cm, measured from crown to rump) and weighs less than 0.035oz (1g) (2).

[ Read: 9th Week Of Pregnancy ]

Baby Development At 8 Weeks Pregnancy

Here is how the baby’s body parts are developing in this week:

Body parts	Developments
Eyes (3)	Begin to form with pigmentation of the retina
Limbs (4)	Growing longer. Hands and feet look like paddles
Brain	Developing
Lungs	Start to form
Head (5)	Disproportionately large
Heart (6)	Four chambers are developed
Spine	The vertebral column is developed
Nervous system	Electrical activities start inside the brain and the nervous system
Umbilical cord	Blood is pumped to the embryo through it
Genitals	Genital buds begin to form

While the baby grows inside of you, your body undergoes several changes as well.

Symptoms Of Pregnancy At 8 Weeks

Here is what happens to your body during the eighth week of pregnancy:

Weight gain: Here is the ideal weight gain as per your BMI (7).

BMI	Less than 25	Between 25-30	More than 30
Weight gain	1kg	0-1kg	0-1kg

Fatigue: As the body works harder to nourish the embryo, you will start feeling tired and need more rest.

Morning sickness: The increased level of hormones in the body can make you feel queasy.

Food aversions and cravings: Due to the hormonal fluctuations, you may develop cravings and aversion towards certain foods.

A heightened sense of smell: You’ll become more sensitive to certain smells, which can cause nausea too.

Leg cramps: Leg cramps at night time are quite common. Drinking a lot of water and stretching the legs can help relieve this discomfort.

Constipation: The progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down the digestion process. Intake of more fiber can help prevent constipation.

Bloating: Due to the fluctuations in the hormonal levels, the digestion process is slowed down, resulting in the formation of gas.

Vaginal discharge: The increased blood flow to the pelvic area increases the production of body mucous and prevents infections of the birthing canal.

In addition to these, you will experience visible physical changes during this week.

[ Read: 7th Week Of Pregnancy ]

Changes In The Body In The 8th Week Of Pregnancy

Following are some noticeable external changes that happen at this time:

Tender breasts

Women who already have children can show up the bump early as the abdominal muscles get stretched in the previous pregnancies.

Weird dreams are normal owing to the many thoughts you have at this time.

Anxiety

Sometimes, you may experience symptoms that could indicate complications or risks for you or the baby,

Risks During The 8th Week Of Pregnancy

Here are some risks of pregnancy you could experience during the eighth week.

1. Ectopic pregnancy:

At this time, there is a chance of an ectopic pregnancy (8), which happens when the fertilized egg gets implanted in the fallopian tube, or cervix, ovary or the cornua instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is detected only during an ultrasound scan.

2. Miscarriage:

An early miscarriage can take place even before ten weeks of gestation. Around 10-20% of women are susceptible to early miscarriages (9). This could happen due to some unknown reason or underlying health issues such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, diabetes, or uterine problems like fibroids. Developmental abnormalities of the uterus or an unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs can also cause an early miscarriage.

If you notice any unusual symptoms during this week, seek medical attention right away.

When To Call The Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor.

Ectopic pregnancy:

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to the symptoms of a normal pregnancy. However, the signs get distinct as days pass (10).

Heavy nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain and cramps

Weakness

Light vaginal bleeding

Pain in the neck and shoulders

If the pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube, then the tube may get ruptured and result in heavy bleeding and pain

[ Read: 18th Week Of Pregnancy ]

Miscarriage:

The symptoms of miscarriage include (9):

Bleeding in early pregnancy: brown discharge, bright red spotting or blood clots

The tissues are sloughed off through the vagina

A gush of pink vaginal fluid

Abdominal pain or cramps

The symptoms of early pregnancy start to disappear slowly

Dizziness and lightheadedness

If you do not experience any of these symptoms, set up an initial visit to the doctor for a basic checkup. Read on to know what your first OB appointment entails.

How To Prepare For The First OB Appointment?

For your first OB/GYN visit:

Carry all the medical records that include the medications and supplements you are taking. The doctor can accordingly advise you to continue or stop the medications.

Make a note of the LMP (last menstrual period). It helps in calculating the due date. If you have irregular periods or forget the date, then the doctor will go for an early scan to determine the gestational age.

Make a list of the questions you have and get all your doubts cleared. Also talk about any concerns about the pregnancy, especially if you have had complications in the previous one.

Read on to know more about the visit to the OB/GYN.

Your OB/GYN Visit

A checkup in this week will include:

Blood test to check for glucose

Urine test to check for proteins

Blood pressure

Weight

Ultrasound scan: An early scan, also called as a viability scan or dating scan may be advised by the doctor to see if the pregnancy is proceeding properly (11). It helps:

Rule out any chances of ectopic pregnancy

Locate the gestational sac inside the uterus

Check pregnancy viability

Check the fetal heart rate and gestational age

Confirm singleton or multiple pregnancies

Check for spotting or bleeding in case of any pain mentioned by the patient

The doctor will also ask you about any specific health issues and recommend further tests if necessary. It is important that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle during this vulnerable period.

[ Read: 5 Weeks Pregnant ]

Tips To Follow

Here are some tips you must follow:

Eat small meals at regular intervals.

Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Avoid strenuous exercises.

Nibble crackers before getting up from bed in the morning to ease the discomfort of morning sickness.

Follow a healthy diet, which includes lean meat, cereals, dairy products, fresh and natural foods (fruits and vegetable).

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Don’t skip meals or lie down immediately after having meals.

Avoid uncooked, spicy, deep-fried, and fatty foods.

In case of nausea, drink lemonade or eat watermelon or sniff a lemon.

Chewing ginger can help relieve nausea.

Take the vitamin supplements (folic acid, vitamin B6) daily.

If you have any concerns and discomforts, talk to your partner about it and consult a doctor if necessary.

Avoid chemical treatments of hair.

Avoid taking medicines without your doctor’s permission.

Your partner can also pitch in to make you feel better during this week. Find out how next.

Tips For Dad-to-be

Here is what your partner can do:

Accompany you to the prenatal visits.

Help with daily household chores.

Go for a walk or accompany you during light exercises.

Plan for the baby’s room or how to prepare for the little one’s arrival.

Go shopping for maternity wears.

A calm mind and a healthy body is the secret to a healthy pregnancy. The eighth week is an early period of your pregnancy when you need extra care. So follow the doctor’s advice and stay happy, positive and healthy.

Have any experiences to share with us? Let us know in the comment section below.