Week 8 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 8

• All of those tiny systems are now formally under development.

• Did you realise your baby's cerebral cortex is developing? It is the brain's centre responsible for higher-order activities such as information processing. Neurons (brain cells) are rapidly multiplying to construct the nervous system.

• That little tadpole is now extending out as its arms and legs elongate, and little fingers and toes emerge from the webbing of its hands and feet.

• The small heart in there is now pumping 150 times per minute, almost doubling your heart rate.

• If you haven't had an early ultrasound yet, you might have one within the next several days! The beautiful pitter-patter of a baby's heartbeat will make your heart expand.

• Being pregnant is undoubtedly beginning to feel real to you. Like most women, you may be having your first prenatal checkup right now. It's acceptable to feel equally delighted and worried!

• If you are in Week 8 of your pregnancy you are in your first trimester and in the Second Month.

• 32 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy.

Baby's Development at Week 8

At week 8 of pregnancy, the baby's fingers and toes are just slightly webbed, the lower limb buds are emerging, and the foot buds are taking on a more webbed paddle form. Not only that but the baby's arms can now be used and flexed. Their embryonic tail (yes, there was one) is also gone. This indicates that the baby's body is transitioning from its early embryo C-shape to a more straight, upright look. Baby has developed almost all of the characteristics of an adult, including bones, muscles, fingers, toes, and a nose. Believe it or not, they even begin to develop eye colour.

The baby's taste buds are already growing, preparing for their first meal. Although it is still early, there is a lot of progress being made.

Baby's limbs, legs, fingers, and toes are getting more pronounced, and they are less coiled up, allowing you to notice their regular small twitches and bounces. Now there are small eyelids and ears, a definite nose, and an upper lip.

• Baby Weight: Very small to weigh (1- 1.3 grammes)
• Baby Length: Very Small (.0.5-0.75 inches)
• Baby Size: Comparable to a raspberry

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

At week 8, your hormones are running wild, giving you a superhuman sense of smell and causing your tummy to flip-flop. At this stage, you may experience a variety of pregnancy symptoms, such as:

• Sore breasts: Your breasts may feel larger, heavier, and, let's admit it, painful. This is because the milk-producing lobules in your breasts are beginning to grow. It's all for a good reason: they're preparing to breastfeed.

• Fatigue: The fight is genuine to snooze at 8 weeks pregnant. Why? As your hormones fluctuate, your body generates more blood for the baby, and your blood pressure and sugar levels may be lower than before pregnancy. Your body is also using energy to develop this baby.

• Morning sickness: Nausea may be severe at 8 weeks, again due to pregnancy hormones. Stay hydrated and nibble on healthy foods throughout the day. If you're having extreme nausea, it may be difficult to keep food down, much alone eat properly, so finding alternatives you can stomach is essential. Some expectant mothers swear by ginger, Vitamin B6, and acupressure bracelets to relieve morning sickness—all are worth a try.

• Along with morning sickness, another amusing symptom appears: an extraordinary sense of smell. Catching a whiff of an objectionable odour, even if it's completely harmless or has never troubled you before, can cause nausea, so try to avoid the fragrances you've been sensitive to.

• Pregnancy cramps: Cramping is normal around 8 weeks of pregnancy. That's because your abdominal ligaments are expanding as the uterus grows. If your cramping is severe or you have any concerns, contact your doctor.

• Constipation: If you're having problems passing stool, you're not alone. Nearly every pregnant woman has constipation during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, consume fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, avoid items that cause constipation, such as white grains and rice, and go for long walks. If you're still blocked up, see your doctor about additional options.

• Strange dreams: They are completely typical during pregnancy. These dreams are caused by a spike in hCG and are nothing to worry about.

• Spotting: It might be concerning to discover that you're spotting at 8 weeks pregnant since blood can be an indication of miscarriage. However, there are other reasons for spotting in the first trimester, including intercourse (since your cervix may be more sensitive these days). Inform your doctor so that they can rule out any concerns.

Body Changes at Week 8

With relentless fatigue and nausea, an achy tummy, and uncontrollable mood swings, it's fair that you're sick of this pregnant thing already, and it's natural to worry about how you'll get through the next eight months. Things should improve in about a month when the wonderful second trimester starts.

If you are pregnant with twins, you may feel particularly weary and queasy since you have a greater amount of pregnancy hormones required to have two kids.

Remember that if you're feeling queasy, too hungry, or overly fatigued, it's because your baby's development is accelerating and your body is still adapting to all those hormonal changes.

8-week Ultrasound

You could have your first prenatal visit around this time (also known as an 8-week pregnancy appointment), and if so, you might be able to see your foetus on an ultrasound. You may be shocked to observe the baby's limbs and legs moving about frantically in there. You can't feel it yet, but it's definitely occurring!

Your Baby Bump at Week 8

At this stage, showing a little bit is normal, but so is not showing! That's because each mother and child is unique. Know that your uterus is expanding, but it may take longer for some to show on the outside. If you're pregnant with twins, it may be easier to detect your pregnancy than it is for a singleton mom at this stage.

Starting in the second trimester, your doctor will most likely start measuring your belly, although size isn't important right now. Healthy weight gain in the first trimester ranges from one to two kgs, so you may have gained a few kgs by now. If you've been suffering from morning sickness, you may have gained very little, which is good. If you are concerned about your weight gain or belly size, let your doctor know.

Tips for Week 8

You may prefer to sleep away the day, particularly if you're feeling nauseated. However, there are certain steps you may take to better care for yourself and your baby. Here are some pointers to consider.

• For the following several weeks, you may alternate between feeling hungry and wanting to eat everything in the refrigerator. When you are hungry, consume nourishing, wholesome things that you may find difficult to swallow when the nausea returns.
• Because your blood volume has grown, you may have headaches. Try to relax and drink more water. If you are unable to manage your headaches without medication, see your doctor.
• Getting outdoors and walking for 30 minutes every day is good exercise and helps with other pregnancy problems. Unfortunately, if you have skin problems like chloasma or melasma, sun exposure might exacerbate the dark areas. Wear SPF 50+ every day, along with a hat, to protect your skin and avoid worsening spots.
• You'll probably still need to urinate often, which is normal. Just do not hold it in! You are more likely to get a UTI when pregnant, so make sure you urinate when you need to, empty your bladder completely, and wipe thoroughly to avoid infection.
• It is good to gain a few kgs throughout your first trimester. If you want to know what is healthy for your size, see your doctor.

Checklist for Week 8

• Go shopping for attractive pregnancy clothes
• Switch up your workout sessions
• Consider an entertaining approach to announcing your pregnancy
• Read about non-invasive prenatal testing and decide whether you'll proceed with it
• Begin taking weekly bump photographs to track your development
• Talk to your doctor about the vaccines you need, including the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine

Medically approved by Dr Sangeeta Raodeo, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital Mulund

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 8 of Pregnancy

1. Can your tummy show at 8 weeks?
   At 8 weeks, your baby bump is unlikely to be visible. At this stage, the baby is still tiny enough to fit within your pelvis. However, this does not imply that you do not feel bigger; many women suffer bloating during early pregnancy, which may give the impression of a bump.
2. What can I do to ease constipation in early pregnancy?
   Constipation in early pregnancy may be alleviated by drinking plenty of fluids and eating a high-fibre diet. Here are some things to try: almonds, spinach, green peas, lentils, berries, chia seeds, sweet potatoes, and prunes. You may also see your doctor about using over-the-counter stool softeners if necessary.