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 a turning point as the baby grows rapidly. Here's everything you need to remember 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.
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 or breathless 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 & puts pressure on your bladder, but it should not be severe.
At Week 8, your baby is still tiny but is beginning to resemble a little human. Soon, becoming a foetus and measuring about the size of a kidney bean (or rajma), your baby is growing rapidly, and its major body systems are starting to take shape. Here’s what’s happening!
Organ Development
Your baby’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys, become more specialised as they develop into fully functional systems. The heart beats strongly, pumping blood through a rapidly developing circulatory system. The brain is growing, and Fingers and toes are present.
Physical Development
Tiny fingers and toes are beginning to take shape, while your baby's little arms can now gently bend at the elbows and wrists.
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 has formed. It’s incredible to think about such detailed features forming early in pregnancy.
Weight of the Foetus
Though tiny, they are growing rapidly. Small projections are forming where the ears will be, and the hands and feet are becoming more defined.
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.
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 feels more physically and emotionally noticeable. Symptoms you may have experienced earlier are likely in full swing now.
Breasts
At 8 weeks, hormonal changes may make your breasts feel tender and larger and cause the areola to darken. Tiny 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 pigmentation, acne or increased oiliness due to pregnancy hormones. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can help prevent this. Nails may grow more quickly but could also become brittle.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Symptoms
Your respiratory system works harder to supply oxygen to you and your growing baby, which may sometimes leave you feeling breathless. The cardiovascular system is also adapting, with your heart pumping more blood to compensate for the increased blood volume, which can sometimes cause light-headedness or a faster heartbeat.
Uterus and Cervical Position
By Week 8, your uterus is about the size of a tennis ball and begins to rise above the pelvic bone. This might cause frequent urination, mild cramping or pressure as the uterus expands to make room for the developing foetus.
Vaginal Discharge
An increase in vaginal discharge is expected at this stage. Typically, it will be snot-like or mucus-like and helps protect against infections. However, consult your healthcare provider if it changes colour, develops a strong odour, or causes discomfort.
Dental Care
Hormonal changes may make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Vomiting or sugary foods can also affect your teeth. Gentle flossing and a soft toothbrush can help manage your symptoms. Consult your dentist for a checkup, personalised advice, and care.
Labour signs
Track the interval between each contraction in an hour to understand labour progression.
Take it easy
Take care of yourself by cutting back on strenuous tasks and refraining from intercourse.
Early arrival
Discuss premature labour signs with the doctor to address concerns and get proper guidance.
Preterm signs
If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials.
Stay active
Keep practising regular prenatal exercises like deep breathing, yoga and moderate walking.
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.
Ultrasound
An 8-week scan is most commonly performed vaginally, as this method provides a more precise image at an early stage. You may hear your baby’s heartbeat during this scan—a truly special milestone.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may order blood tests to assess your overall health, including iron levels and blood type.
Routine Tests
These might include screening for infections and testing for conditions like hormonal levels, blood counts and 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.
