Pregnancy Week 8

What does my baby look like?

This week your baby is growing at an astonishing pace, and the details of their body are becoming more and more defined.

Your baby's head is slowly starting to take shape. Because the upper body grows faster than the lower body, the arms are lengthening and are now longer than the legs. The legs are growing too, but the knees, ankles, thighs, and toes haven't developed yet.

Around this time, your embryo is now medically referred to as a fetus and begins to look much more like a tiny human.

The eyes are starting to form

This week your baby's retinas begin to form.

Baby is growing fast

Growth happens at a rate of about a millimeter a day, but it's not just about length; it's taking place in different parts of the body too. Over the coming weeks you'll see noticeable changes in the arms, legs, back, and other areas.

• Your baby is taking on an increasingly recognizable human form. The upper lip, the tip of the nose, and delicate eyelids are beginning to take shape.
• The fingers and toes are just starting to separate, and the little tail has almost completely disappeared.

Baby is on the move!

Even though you can't feel it yet, your baby's torso and limb buds are now beginning to make small movements all on their own.

Your baby's living space is expanding too. The amount of amniotic fluid is increasing, and your uterus continues to grow.

What's happening with baby this week?

The skin is beginning to form. The optic nerves are developing, all the major organs are now in place, and the head and spine have taken shape. The tail (tailbone) has disappeared. Over the next few weeks the fingers will become more defined.

The arms and legs are lengthening, and the elbows, wrists, and ankles are starting to form as well. But the thighs, knees, calves, and toes will take a little longer to develop.

Development of the genitals

Your baby's genitals are beginning to develop, but at this stage it isn't yet possible to tell them apart on an ultrasound.

What's happening in my body?

Your baby is growing very quickly. The placenta is getting ready to supply nutrients and oxygen and to carry away waste. As part of this process, your placenta is sprouting tiny branches that will help anchor it to the wall of your uterus.

Early changes you might notice during this time

You may notice an increase in white, creamy discharge due to the higher estrogen levels of early pregnancy. White vaginal discharge (called leukorrhea) is nothing to worry about: it's normal, and it can range from clear to milky white, thin or thick, mildly scented or odorless. But vaginal discharge that's green, has an unpleasant smell, causes pain or itching, or looks unusual in any other way could be a sign of an infection or another problem.

Rising hormone levels cause your breasts to grow as they prepare to produce breast milk. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if this is your first baby. Other breast changes you might see include visible veins in your breasts, darker nipples, and more prominent bumps on your areolas.

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can leave you feeling bloated, similar to the way some women feel just before their period. So even while your uterus is still relatively small, your clothes may feel tighter than usual around the waist this early on.

During this time your sense of smell may become noticeably sharper. Many of the things you smell can trigger nausea. A heightened sense of smell often goes hand in hand with food aversions; both are linked to rising pregnancy hormone levels and usually ease up in the second trimester.

Having more vivid, strange, or unsettling dreams is common in pregnancy. They may reflect the excitement you're feeling and your worries about becoming a parent.

Even though a baby bump isn't showing yet, it may be getting harder to hide the changes in your body. If you're not ready to share the news, loose-fitting clothes can keep you comfortable during this in-between stage.

In the first trimester, fatigue and nausea can show up on your skin too; you might notice dark circles under your eyes and a paler complexion. This is a temporary phase, and many moms-to-be feel better in the second trimester.

What's happening in your body this week?

Your pregnancy may not be very obvious from the outside yet. For some women, fatigue and the other tougher symptoms of pregnancy become more noticeable during this time. Since pregnancy puts extra demands on your body, it can help to simplify your daily life as much as possible and rest whenever you get the chance.

Sleep problems, mood swings, heartburn, and cravings can all show up during this time. As uncomfortable as these symptoms are, they're a sign that the hormonal changes in your body are supporting your baby's development.

Coping with the pregnancy blues

There may be times when you feel anxious and stressed. Take care of yourself and rest as much as you can. Try to eat 6 small, healthy meals a day.

You might also try mindfulness practices. What matters most is sharing your worries; a good place to start can be talking with your doctor.

This week's early pregnancy symptoms

You may be feeling tired and unwell, and as your growing uterus presses on your bladder, you might find yourself needing to pee more often. If this starts to affect your sleep, try drinking plenty of fluids during the day but less in the evening.

Your symptoms may also include:

• a metallic taste in your mouth
• tender breasts
• morning sickness
• mood swings
• changes in your food and drink preferences
• a heightened sense of smell
• a milky white pregnancy discharge from your vagina
• light spotting (see your doctor if you have any bleeding during pregnancy)
• cramps similar to period pains
• darkening skin or brown patches on your face — this is called chloasma faciei or the "mask of pregnancy"
• thicker, shinier hair
• bloating and feeling puffy

Changes in your uterus

Even though your baby isn't showing on the outside yet, your clothes may feel a little snug around the belly. Normally about the size of a fist, your uterus may have grown to the size of a large grapefruit by week 8. There may be no obvious difference on the outside, but you can definitely be feeling pregnant.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is one of the best-known signs of pregnancy, though the name is a bit misleading. About 75% of pregnant women experience nausea, and it can start in the morning or last throughout the day or even into the night.

The exact cause of morning sickness isn't known. Rising hCG and estrogen levels in the body, the relaxing of the digestive muscles, increasing progesterone levels, or the rapid expansion of the uterus may all play a role.

Even if you're feeling nauseous, your baby will keep developing just fine. Trying to eat small amounts often can help ease both the nausea and heartburn.

If you're really struggling with morning sickness — for example, if you've lost at least 2 kilograms or you can't keep anything down for more than eight hours — talk to your doctor.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

Most women feel nauseous at some point during pregnancy, and about half will vomit. But roughly 3% experience hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other complications. Call your doctor if you can't keep anything down (including fluids), you're vomiting blood, you've lost more than 2 kilograms, you feel weak, faint, or dizzy, you have a fever or abdominal pain, or your urine is dark and strong-smelling.

Changes in your sense of smell and taste

A heightened sense of smell and taste can become noticeable during this time. All those hormones mixing with the nausea mean you might not react very well to certain smells or foods. The reason hasn't been confirmed, but one theory is that it's the mother's way of protecting the baby from potential threats. Everyone talks about cravings, but food aversions are also a very common early sign of pregnancy — you might even find that your favorites drop off the menu for a while.

Headaches

Headaches are common in pregnancy, thanks to factors like increased blood flow and fatigue. Cutting back on caffeine during pregnancy, while important, can also be a cause of headaches. Check with your doctor before taking any pain reliever for a headache. In general, acetaminophen (paracetamol) is safe to take in pregnancy as recommended, but aspirin, ibuprofen, and most prescription migraine medications are not. You can also try a range of natural headache remedies to ease your discomfort, such as getting a massage, using a compress, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, and taking a shower.

Nutrition this week

Pregnancy fatigue can be very pronounced during this time. Try adjusting your diet to keep your energy up. Complex carbohydrates (starchy foods like whole-grain bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, cereal, and legumes) are an important source of energy. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones can also help ease fatigue.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; they provide important vitamins and minerals. Constipation is common in pregnancy, and foods rich in fiber and water, like celery, strawberries, and watermelon, can support digestion. Don't forget to wash your fruits and vegetables carefully.

Eating fruit during pregnancy

Fruit is one of the important sources of the vitamins and fiber you need during pregnancy. If you're dealing with constipation, fiber-rich fruits like prunes can help.

If pregnancy aversions and nausea keep you from eating certain vegetables, fruits with similar nutritional value can be an alternative. For example, if you can't tolerate broccoli, you might reach for dried apricots instead.

When choosing fruits and vegetables, paying attention to a variety of colors is a good rule of thumb; in general, deeply and vividly colored produce has richer nutritional content.

If your symptoms are especially severe, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin B6 supplement or switching your prenatal vitamin from an iron-heavy one to a higher-B6 option.

Which exercise is safe during pregnancy?

Some women worry that being pregnant means they'll have to give up their favorite gym class. But in most cases, you don't have to stop exercising. If you already work out regularly, you can most likely keep going as long as you feel good. Since every pregnancy is different, it's always worth checking with your doctor first.

If you get the go-ahead, low-impact, pregnancy-safe exercises include yoga, Pilates, and swimming. As long as you listen to your body, you'll probably be the best judge of when to take it easy. And if you go to the gym or join a class, it's a good idea to let the instructor know you're pregnant; they can adapt the workout to better suit your situation.

Wear SPF

During pregnancy, hormone fluctuations can cause dark patches on the skin and face (melasma) or make your skin more sensitive. Your skin, freckles, and moles may look darker, and a dark line may appear running down the middle of your belly (linea nigra). Your areolas may darken too.

Don't worry, you're not alone; this affects 50 to 75% of moms-to-be. Still, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protecting yourself from the sun when you're outdoors can help.

Avoid hot tubs and saunas

It's wise to skip hot tubs and saunas. Anything that raises your body temperature above 38.3 degrees Celsius and keeps it there for a while can be harmful to your developing baby, especially in the early months of pregnancy.

If you can't resist the urge for a bath, make sure the temperature is around 36–37 degrees and try to keep your time in the tub to less than 10 minutes.

If you've already been in a hot tub or sauna, don't stress. Most women get out before their body temperature reaches the uncomfortable level of 38.3 degrees, so you most likely did too.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Wondering whether you or your partner might have an STI? If so, get checked, because it can affect your baby's development. Talk to your doctor or visit a health clinic.

Sex and spotting during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the cervix becomes more sensitive as it prepares for birth. These changes can make you more sensitive during sex and lead to light bleeding. While spotting this early in pregnancy is usually normal, it's wise to check it with your doctor for extra peace of mind.

Also keep in mind that early in the first trimester, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of implantation. Unless your doctor tells you sex isn't safe, you can carry on. Regular sex can help lower your stress levels and strengthen your relationship with your partner.

Long-term conditions

If you have a long-term health condition, let your specialist or doctor know you're pregnant as soon as possible. Don't stop taking any medication you use regularly without talking to your doctor first.

Your first prenatal appointment

You may have your first prenatal appointment in the next few weeks. At this visit, you'll be asked questions about your physical and emotional health, your family's health, any medical conditions you have, and your lifestyle. This first appointment can last up to an hour, so give yourself plenty of time.

Your doctor will decide which tests to do during your pregnancy. The answers you give during the appointment will help your care team provide the care that's best suited to you.

This first appointment is also a great chance to ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy and birth. For example, you might want to learn about screening and diagnostic tests, or talk about where you'd like to give birth.

How likely is a miscarriage, and can I prevent it?

Unfortunately, miscarriages are common. About 1 in 5 pregnancies ends in miscarriage (early miscarriage) within the first trimester. But most miscarriages are one-time events, and the chances of a later pregnancy being successful are very high. If you've had 1 or 2 early miscarriages, your risk of another isn't any higher.

We still don't always know what causes miscarriages, which makes them very hard to prevent. It's important to know that miscarriages very rarely happen because of something you did or didn't do. The most common cause of early miscarriages (the most common type) is chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, and these happen by chance.

Sadly, many people who do everything they can for a healthy pregnancy still lose their baby. But there are some things that can raise the risk of miscarriage, such as drinking a lot of alcohol or smoking during pregnancy.

Anxiety after pregnancy loss

Anxiety is very common in pregnancy. If you've lost a baby before, it can make that anxiety even worse.

Be kind to yourself about how you're feeling. It's completely understandable to feel this way. Tell your doctor how you're feeling. They can help support you and offer treatment if needed. If you need more help, you can be referred to a specialist mental health team for pregnant women and people giving birth.

Becoming pregnant again after a pregnancy loss can be emotionally challenging. It's important to get support during this time.

To tell or not to tell

Some people wait until after their first ultrasound, which usually happens around week 12, to share their pregnancy news. This is often because the risk of miscarriage drops after that point, which can mean they feel more comfortable telling people about their pregnancy.

But the first 12 weeks are often a time when you need support, and you may want to tell your close friends and family.

Are you at risk at work?

If you're worried that your job could pose a risk to your health, tell your manager you're pregnant; you can ask your workplace to reduce the risks or offer you a more suitable role. Things that can make it harder to manage work and pregnancy include:

• standing or sitting for long periods without adequate breaks
• exposure to toxic substances
• long working hours

Working through pregnancy

Being pregnant isn't an illness, but you do need to think about how to do your job safely and how to cope with the demands of your pregnancy.