When you have been pregnant for 8 weeks, you are on the verge of completing two-thirds of your first trimester. You may still not be able to flaunt your baby bump at this point, but you will make your first visit to the obstetrician and gynaecologist. An ultrasound scan may also be recommended to determine the progress of your pregnancy. You will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time during the ultrasound scan!
There has been a substantial amount of progress since week 7 in your baby. The baby is growing almost at a rate of 1mm per day. The formation of bones, spinal cord and intestine have begun too. Around this time, the retina starts to develop its pigment. The embryo looks more defined, and you can see where your baby’s limbs will be. Your baby would have also begun to develop a nose, lips and eyelids. The little protrusion in the spine or the tail is almost lost by week 8. Your baby’s heart rate is 150 to 170 times per minute.
Your baby is still very tiny by week eight but rapid development and growth are happening with each passing day. When you are eight weeks pregnant, baby size is almost two centimetres long. The skin at this stage is still very transparent. Various internal and external organs begin to form too.
Your body changes during pregnancy, and you may notice following changes in your body by this time:
You may experience the following symptoms at 8 weeks of pregnancy:
You may experience a heightened sense of smell as there is more blood rushing to your brain making your responses extra sharp. However, the odours or smells you may have never paid heed to might bother you now and could also trigger nausea.
You may feel nauseous around this time because of various factors such as stress, oestrogen, or a sensitive stomach.
You may feel soreness and tenderness in your breasts as they are becoming bigger and the getting ready for breastfeeding.
Constipation is very common during this time of the pregnancy as progesterone slows down the digestive process, making bowel movement difficult. Have lots of fluids to keep constipation at bay.
Due to fluctuating hormones in pregnancy, you may feel fatigued and tired. Adequate rest is very important for an expecting mother.
You may experience cramping at around 8 weeks of pregnancy. It is very common as your abdominal muscles and uterus are expanding.
Your belly may show a little or not show at all; it depends on many factors. In case you are carrying twins or more babies, then your belly may show by 8 weeks. However, in a single pregnancy, you may have a slight or no belly bump at all. The uterus and abdominal muscles are expanding, so this time, a mommy-to-be is expected to gain around half a pound (0.2 kg) per week. This means by the end of week eight, you may have gained 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 – 2.7 kg). But if you are experiencing nausea and morning sickness, then you may not have gained this much weight. In case you feel concerned about your weight gain or belly size, it is recommended to get in touch with your doctor.
At around 8 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend your first ultrasound scan. You will get to see your baby for the first time during the scan. It will be a little difficult for you to figure out your baby, as it is too tiny at this juncture. But you may be able to listen to the heartbeat of your baby. Your baby is moving in your belly; little hands and toes are forming too.
If you are battling with morning sickness, then you may develop an aversion to food. But it is very important to pay heed to your diet and nutrition in pregnancy. You should opt for small, frequent meals rather than be filling your tummy in one meal. It is also recommended to include loads of fluids in your diet to protect yourself from getting dehydrated. Your 8th-week pregnancy food should include the following:
It is important for the mom-to-be to be careful about her health all the time. Following are some dos and don’ts that are recommended in week 8 of pregnancy:
There might be a few things that you need to shop for around this time, such as:
With each passing day, you are experiencing new feelings and emotions. You are crossing new benchmarks of pregnancy with each week. Your baby is growing and making remarkable developmental changes by 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Read this article in Arabic: الحمل في الأسبوع الثامن