In the Week 8, your baby is
the size of a Kidney Bean
At week 8, your baby is growing rapidly! Experience early pregnancy changes as key organs develop—stay rested and nourish your body.
Welcome to Week 8 of pregnancy! By now, you're probably becoming more familiar with the changes happening in your body. This is an important stage as the baby grows rapidly. Here's everything you need to keep in mind during your eighth week of pregnancy.
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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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!
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.
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.
Preterm signs
If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Stay active
A moderately intense 30-minute physical activity on most days of the week is great.
Dental hygiene
Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period
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.
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.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check hCG levels, confirm the pregnancy, and assess your overall health, including iron levels and blood type.
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.
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.
Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings. You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge and more frequent urination.
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.
Yes, mood swings are common due to hormonal changes. It’s completely normal to feel more sensitive or emotional during this stage of pregnancy.
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.
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.
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.
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.