Symptoms Of 8th Week In Pregnancy, Baby Development And Tips

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How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 8 Weeks?

At eight weeks, you are two months pregnant.

Momjunction throws light on fetal development, pregnancy tests, and prenatal care tips you can follow during this week of the first trimester.

How Big Is Your Baby In This Week?

At eight weeks, your baby is about the size of a cranberry bean (1). Babies usually measure around 0.62in (1.1-1.4cm, measured from crown to rump) and weigh less than 0.035oz (1g) (2).

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. In hands digital rays are developed, feet look like plates.
BrainDeveloping
LungsStart to form
Head (5)Disproportionately large, can be differentiated from abdomen
Heart (6)Four chambers are developed
SpineThe vertebral column is developed
Nervous systemElectrical activities start inside the brain and the nervous system
Umbilical cordBlood is pumped to the embryo through it
GenitalsGenital 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).
BMILess than 25Between 25-30More than 30
Weight gain1kg0-1kg0-1kg
  • 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.

    Leg cramps at night are quite common, 8th week pregnancy.

    Image: IStock

  • Constipation: The progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down digestion. Taking more fiber (but not too much) 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. Excessive secretion of saliva, pain in thumb and index figure, and dizziness can be seen.
  • The placenta is preparing to facilitate the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus (8).

Some women may have sudden changes and different experiences. A mother of an IVF baby shares her experience of a phantom period that occurred during the eighth week of her pregnancy. She describes, “Halfway through week eight of pregnancy, all my pregnancy symptoms disappeared. Overnight, nausea and sore breasts faded away, and they haven’t returned. On Wednesday, I had light cramps, low down in the center. It was a continuous mild pain throughout the day. Since then, the cramps have been intermittent throughout each day. On three occasions this week, I’ve had light pink spotting. My emotions became more frazzled. Essentially, everything that normally happens when my period is due has happened (i).”

Changes In The Body In The 8th Week Of Pregnancy

Women may have tender breasts during this time.

Image: Shutterstock

Following are some noticeable external changes that usually 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

When To Call The Doctor

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

  • Painful uterine contractions
  • Bleeding through vagina
  • Watery fluid through vagina

Ectopic pregnancy

The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can be similar to those of a normal pregnancy. However, the signs get distinct as days pass (9). According to the data by Global Burden of Disease (GBD), 6.69 million cases of ectopic pregnancies were reported globally in 2019.

  • Light vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Weakness

Miscarriage

See a doctor if you feel dizzy, 8th week pregnancy.

Image: IStock

The symptoms of miscarriage may include (10):

  • 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 early pregnancy symptoms 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

During checkup in this week, your blood pressure will be measured.

Image: Shutterstock

A checkup in this week will include:

  • Blood test to check for glucose, hemoglobin, blood group of the partner and patient.
  • Urine test to check for proteins
  • Viral markers
  • Blood pressure
  • Weight
  • Ultrasound scan: An early scan, also called a viability scan or dating scan may be advised by the doctor to see if the pregnancy is proceeding properly. It helps:
  1. To locate the gestational sac inside the uterus and to rule out any chances of ectopic pregnancy.
  1. Check pregnancy viability by checking the fetal heartbeat or heart rate
  1. Check the gestational age
  1. Confirm singleton or multiple pregnancies
  1. Check for hemorrhage in case of any pain, bleeding mentioned by the patient

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

Tips To Follow

Listen to calm music during 8th week pregnancy.

Image: IStock

Here are some tips you must follow:

  • Eat small meals at regular intervals, avoid uncooked, spicy, deep-fried, and fatty foods.
  • Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Avoid strenuous exercises, sleep for at least eight hours a day.
  • Take good dental care, proper bathing, and change clothes everyday.
  • You may have nibble crackers before getting up from bed in the morning to ease morning sickness.
  • Follow a healthy diet, which includes lean meat, cereals, dairy products, fresh and natural foods (fruits and vegetable).
  • Don’t skip meals or lie down immediately after having meals.
  • In the case of nausea, drink lemonade or eat watermelon or sniff a lemon.
  • Chewing ginger can help relieve nausea.
  • Listen to calm music, keep high self-esteem, and communicate with the unborn baby.
  • Take prenatal vitamin supplements (folic acid, vitamin B6) daily in the prescribed doses.

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

  • Avoid extreme 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 wear.
  • Avoid arguments with your partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the fetus feel pain at eight weeks?

Studies have shown that the fetus can feel pain by the 12th week of gestation but not before that (11).

2. How much is the risk of miscarriage at eight weeks?

According to a study, the risk of having a miscarriage during the eighth week of gestation is around 1.5% (12).

3. Is it normal to experience spotting or cramping during the 8th week of pregnancy?

Yes, light spotting and mild cramping is normal during the 8th week of pregnancy. However , if the bleeding or cramping are more than mild, contact a medical health professional immediately (12).

4.What should I do if I experiences any concerning symptoms or complications during the 8th week of pregnancy?

Any symptoms that are not normal and concerning during the 8th week of pregnancy should be given immediate medical attention for the safety of the mother and the fetus.

Your baby will be approximately the size of a cranberry bean by the 8th week of pregnancy, and their heart chambers and spinal column will be fully developed. Your body will also undergo various physical and emotional changes due to the growing baby inside you. It’s also about time to prepare for your first doctor’s appointment and prenatal testing. Since you are in the early stages of pregnancy, you should be extra cautious and adhere to your doctor’s advice. If you feel any discomfort, uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding, or discharge, immediately contact your doctor.

Infographic: Allaying Your Fear Of Miscarriage At 8 Weeks Pregnancy

It is not unusual for women to have apprehensions about the safety of pregnancy and the probability of miscarriage in early pregnancy. Check out the practical tips in this infographic to get relief from your anxiety.

things that will minimize the risk of miscarriage than worrying (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Key Pointers

  • At 8 weeks, fetus measures 1.1-1.4cm and weighs 0.035oz
  • Development of head, eyes, limbs, and organs continues
  • Abdominal cramps or bleeding may signal miscarriage
  • Hormonal fluctuations can cause nausea, vomiting, tender breasts, fatigue, frequent urination, and appetite changes in women.

Week 8 of pregnancy is a crucial period marking the second half of the first trimester. Learn more about your baby’s development and how to take care of yourself in this informative video.

Personal Experience: Source

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