8 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More
A General Overview :
Congratulations, you’ve made it to another week. Now, you’re 8 weeks pregnant and your little one is developing from an embryo to a fetus. There are a lot of changes happening at this stage of pregnancy, for both you and your baby. We’ll take you through more details and insights of what to expect. Some women don’t look pregnant at the 8th week of pregnancy, however, the feeling is definitely taking over.
How Big is Your Baby at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy?
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 0.62 inches and weighs about 0.04 ounce. He or she is as big as a raspberry.
Your Baby’s Development at 8 Weeks
You may wonder about your baby’s heart rate at 8 weeks pregnant. Well, your little one has a fast heartbeat and is starting to develop fingers, toes as well as facial features.
- Heartbeat: your baby’s heartbeats 150 to 170 times per minute; you will be able to hear it during the 8 weeks pregnant ultrasound.
- Facial features: at the 8th week of pregnancy, the baby’s lips, eyelids, and nose are developing to become more distinct.
- Fingers and toes: baby’s fingers and toes are developing too and the tail is gone now.
How many months are 8 weeks pregnant?
8 weeks pregnant marks 2 months of pregnancy. You’ve 7 months left to meet your precious little one.
Twin Development 8 Weeks Pregnant
By 8 weeks pregnant, you have probably found that there are two heartbeats inside your uterus. You’re having a twin, how exciting this is! Your healthcare provider will help you make sure both babies are safe and doing great.
By the end of the 8th week, your babies will measure about half an inch long. At this stage, they will start to look like real babies.
8 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect?
- Morning sickness: at 8 weeks pregnant, you may be dealing again with nausea. The good news is that nausea will decrease during the second trimester. Consider eating crackers before leaving the bed and try dividing your food into four or six small meals during the day.
- Abdominal cramping: this is another common symptom that many pregnant women experience during the 8th week of pregnancy. This is totally normal as your uterus keeps on growing to contain your growing baby. However, if your cramps become severe, call your health provider right away.
- Frequent urination: Going repeatedly to the bathroom? That’s also totally normal. Your baby grows, your uterus expands adding pressure on your bladder.
- Back pain: many pregnant women experience back pain especially around the lower back. This happens because the muscles in your back are making harder work to keep up with the growth of your baby.
- Diarrhea: by 8 weeks pregnant, your digestive system may become extra sensitive. In order to overcome this, consider staying hydrated and eating healthy meals. However, if you experience diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, check your health provider and don’t take any anti-diarrheal medication.
- Light spotting: having a few drops of blood can be normal, however, if the bleeding gets heavier, contact your health care provider instantly.
- Trouble sleeping: the huge change in hormone levels, as well as the discomfort, lead to trouble sleeping. You may consider listening to relaxing music, practicing light yoga exercises, taking a warm bath, or drinking some milk. Another good idea is changing your sleeping position. Grab an extra pillow and replace it between your knees for extra comfort.
- Fatigue: you may feel more tired or exhausted due to the increased levels of progesterone hormone. Take a nap whenever you feel sleepy or tired.
- Dizziness: pregnancy hormones that your blood vessels relax can cause low blood pressure and a feeling of dizziness. Dizziness could also happen from sitting down, standing up or lying down suddenly or too quickly. If you feel dizzy, just lie down and make sure you eat well and stay hydrated.
- Breast changes: having some changes in your breasts can happen in early pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones affect your breasts as they start preparing to provide food for your precious little baby. You may notice some changes such as the nipples and areola get darker, your breasts become larger and may feel sore.
8 Weeks Pregnant Belly
At 8 weeks pregnant, you will feel and definitely look pregnant. By this time, your belly may start to show or not. Your uterus is expanding and is taking extra time to look on the outside as well.
8 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
Depending on your personal preferences, your ultrasound at 8 weeks pregnant can be performed across your abdomen or inside your vagina. Your healthcare provider may consider a vaginal ultrasound to check if your bladder isn’t full or your uterus is still too small to see. An ultrasound can ensure that your baby is doing well and growing in a healthy way.
By eight weeks pregnant, you might have your first prenatal checkup. You will be amazed to see your baby’s little arms and legs moving inside your uterus. Your baby’s taste buds are now forming, preparing them for their first meal. Your doctor will need to know your blood type, check your hormone levels as well as checking the red and white blood cells. You may also get checked for infections and abnormalities. You will also give a urine sample to check signs for a UTI.
8 Weeks Pregnant: What to Consider?
- Take care of yourself and stay active; ask your healthcare provider about the exercises that are safe for you to do.
- Buy a few stretchy clothes to help you feel more comfortable. Don’t forget to get a bigger bra size as your breasts will keep growing throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Checklist at 8 Weeks Pregnant
- Schedule your 12-week prenatal visit
- Take more naps to overcome exhaustion
- Stay well-hydrated
- Add extra stretchy pieces of clothes to your wardrobe
- Exercise regularly and stay active
- Limit caffeine and quit smoking
- Cut down on alcohol
- If you’re working, check your maternity leave