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Week 8 of Pregnancy

At week 8, your baby is growing rapidly! Experience early pregnancy changes as key organs develop—stay rested and nourish your body.

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Week 8 Pregnancy Symptoms

At Week 8, pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts may peak as your body adjusts to hormonal changes. Here's what to expect during this phase.
 

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  • Morning Sickness: Nausea, often throughout the day, is common. Eating small meals and staying hydrated can help.
  • Fatigue: Your body is working hard, so feeling tired is normal. Rest whenever possible.
  • Mood Swings: Hormonal changes can cause sudden mood shifts. It's normal to feel more emotional than usual.
  • Breast Tenderness: Your breasts may feel sore or swollen as they prepare for breastfeeding.
  • Increased Vaginal Discharge: A clear or white discharge is normal. However, if it has an unpleasant smell or causes discomfort, consult a doctor.
  • Mild Cramps: Light cramping can occur as your uterus expands, but it should not be severe.

 

Your Baby in Week 8

 

At Week 8, your baby is still tiny but is beginning to resemble a little human. Measuring about the size of a kidney bean (or rajma), your baby is growing rapidly, and their major body systems are starting to take shape. Here’s what’s happening!

 

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Baby's Development in the Womb

  • Organ Development: Your baby’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys, are becoming more complex. The heart is now beating strongly, pumping blood through a rapidly developing circulatory system. The brain continues to grow, and the early stages of lung development are underway. This is also the time when external genitals begin to form, although it’s still too early to determine your baby’s sex.
  • Facial Features: Your baby’s face is becoming more defined. The eyes, which started as dark spots, now have eyelids beginning to form. The tip of the nose is visible, and the upper lip is starting to take shape. It’s incredible to think about such detailed features forming so early in pregnancy.
  • Weight of the Foetus: At this stage, your baby measures around 1.6 cm in length, about the size of a raspberry. Although still small, they are growing quickly, with tiny fingers and toes beginning to form from paddle-like hand and foot buds.
  • Movement of the Baby: Your baby’s muscles are developing, and while you won’t feel any movement yet, your little one is already making spontaneous, tiny movements. These will become more noticeable in the weeks ahead.

 

Here is what your baby looks like

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At 8 weeks, your baby is about the size of a small grape, but what’s happening inside is extraordinary. All the major organs are in place and functioning, the heart is beating at a steady rhythm, and limb buds are forming into arms and legs. It’s the beginning of a truly miraculous transformation.

Dr Veena H

Your Body in Week 8 of Pregnancy

For many, Week 8 is when pregnancy starts to feel more noticeable, both physically and emotionally. Symptoms you may have experienced earlier are likely in full swing now.

 

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Physiological Changes During Week 8 of Pregnancy

  • Breasts: At 8 weeks, hormonal changes are causing your breasts to become larger, tender, and more sensitive. The area around the nipples, known as the areola, may darken, and small bumps called Montgomery glands might become more pronounced. These changes are preparing your body for breastfeeding later in pregnancy.
  • Hair, Skin, and Nails: Hormonal fluctuations can affect your hair, skin, and nails. Hair may grow faster and feel thicker, while some women may notice acne or increased oiliness due to higher levels of pregnancy hormones. Nails may grow more quickly but could also become brittle.
  • Respiratory and Cardiovascular Symptoms: Your respiratory system is working harder to supply oxygen to both you and your growing baby, which might leave you feeling breathless at times. The cardiovascular system is also adapting, with your heart pumping more blood to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. This can sometimes cause light-headedness or a faster heartbeat.
  • Uterus and Cervical Position: By Week 8, the uterus is roughly the size of a tennis ball and begins to rise above the pelvic bone. This growth may cause mild cramping or pressure as the uterus expands to make room for the developing foetus. You might feel a sense of pressure by the end of the day.
  • Vaginal Discharge: An increase in vaginal discharge is normal at this stage. Typically, it’s thin, clear, or white and helps protect against infections. However, if the discharge changes colour, develops a strong odour, or causes discomfort, consult your healthcare provider.

 

TopTips for Weeks 8

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Preterm signs

If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials.

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Prenatal guide

Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals 

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Stay active 

A moderately intense 30-minute physical activity on most days of the week is great.

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Dental hygiene

Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.

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Take Prenatal Vitamins

Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period

Medical Scans and Check-Ups

By Week 8, your doctor may suggest a check-up to monitor your baby's growth. A scan confirms the heartbeat, measures the embryo, and rules out ectopic pregnancy.

 

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  • Ultrasound:

An 8-week scan is most commonly performed vaginally, as this method provides a clearer image at such an early stage. During this scan, you may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat—an incredible and emotional milestone.

  • Blood Tests:

Your doctor may order blood tests to check hCG levels, confirm the pregnancy, and assess your overall health, including iron levels and blood type.

  • Routine Tests:

These might include screening for infections and testing for conditions such as gestational diabetes.

Week 8 of pregnancy is a time of rapid development for your baby and significant changes for you. 
 

FAQs

How big is my baby at Week 8?

Your baby is approximately the size of a raspberry, measuring around 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) in length. Despite being so small, their organs and features are developing rapidly.

What symptoms are common at Week 8?

Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings. You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge and more frequent urination.

Can I exercise during Week 8?

Yes, light to moderate exercise is generally safe, but it’s important to avoid high-impact activities or heavy lifting. Always consult your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise routine during pregnancy.

Is it normal to feel emotional at Week 8?

Yes, mood swings are common due to hormonal changes. It’s completely normal to feel more sensitive or emotional during this stage of pregnancy.

What happens during an ultrasound at Week 8?

An ultrasound at Week 8 may allow you to see your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. It also confirms the size and location of your pregnancy. Seeing the tiny flicker of the heartbeat on the screen is often a reassuring and emotional experience.

Is it normal to have increased vaginal discharge at Week 8?

Yes, increased vaginal discharge is normal during Week 8. It’s typically thin, clear, or milky white and helps protect against infections. However, if the discharge is yellow, or green, has a strong odour, or is accompanied by itching or irritation, it’s essential to consult your doctor.

Why do mood swings happen during Week 8 of pregnancy?

Mood swings are common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, particularly the rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can significantly impact your emotions, making you feel happy one moment and teary or irritable the next.

Is cramping normal during Week 8 of pregnancy?

Mild cramping is normal as your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby. However, if the cramping is severe, persistent, or accompanied by heavy bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.