8 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

Find out what to expect when you’re 8 weeks pregnant. Find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 8-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 8 of pregnancy

Your unborn baby is no longer a blob of cells and is beginning to take on the appearance of a little human being. Your baby’s face is taking shape during the eighth week of pregnancy, with the formation of the eyelids, the beginning of nasal prominence, and the commencement of upper lip development.

His limbs and legs, which were previously only stumps, are now sprouting fingers and toes. His little frame doesn’t stop his heart from pumping at a rousing clip.

8 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 8 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 2 months of your pregnancy. Just another 7 months to go! Congratulations, you’ve already made great progress!

How big is your baby at 8 weeks pregnant?

A baby of 8 weeks is usually between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch long (1 to 2 centimeters), making him or her roughly the size and shape of a kidney bean or a raspberry. Just think, last week your “little bean” was only about 1 cm (0.4 in) long, and now look at how much growth they’ve had in just a week!

8 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

The embryonic stage has matured into the maturation stage this week. Over the course of the last eight weeks, the single-celled embryo has multiplied into roughly a billion cells, which have differentiated into more than 4,000 unique anatomic structures. Over ninety percent of the roughly 4,500 recognized adult body parts make their debut during embryonic development.

The embryo has developed elbow flexion and the ability to clasp hands. As it develops inside the amniotic sac, the embryo is capable of rolling over, squinting, grasping, and pointing his toes. The embryo’s touch to his face typically causes him to duck his head. Even at this early stage, the embryo exhibits sporadic signs of respiration.

The kidneys and digestive tract begin functioning during the ninth week after conception. The majority of digestive enzymes are initially produced by the stomach and pancreas. Until about 10 weeks after conception, a few loops of intestine remain just under the umbilical cord because there is not enough room in the fetal abdomen for the whole intestine.

The kidneys initiate the process of removing waste products from the circulatory system. The developing embryo begins to urinate in the amniotic fluid. Peristalsis is the process through which an adult’s esophagus and intestines contract after he swallows food, helping to move the food along. The embryo’s big intestine begins peristalsis in week eight, and it continues throughout his entire life.

Beginning in this week, males undergo a physical change that results in the development of testicles. The testes begin to secrete testosterone and a hormone called anti-Müllerian hormone. The rest of a man’s genitalia grows with the help of these hormones. Even if the embryo possessed a Y chromosome and was genetically male, without these two hormones the embryo would develop feminine genitalia.

All of the embryo’s internal organs were visible through the translucent skin up to this time. The epidermis forms a second layer of cells about week eight following conception, concealing the interior organs but revealing most of the blood arteries.

Your body at 8 weeks pregnant

This week could be the beginning of your expanding waistline, even if it hasn’t shown just yet. You may be able to feel your enlarged uterus, which is now about the size of a softball, if you press your abdomen.

Every day, you’re undoubtedly feeling more and more of the affects of pregnancy. Continual nausea may be a common ailment. And you’ll probably feel some discomfort in the core. You probably want to tell everyone you know the good news about why you’re in such a bad mood, given all your complaints.

Some expectant mothers have such faith in their own abilities that they wait until after the first trimester, or even until they’ve had their 20-week ultrasounds, to tell anyone the good news. Then there are the women who sit by their phones, ready to call as soon as the pregnancy dipstick registers a positive result. Making the choice of when to reveal your secret is not an easy one.

8 weeks pregnant Miscarriage concerns
Waiting until the end of the first trimester (that’s 12 weeks!) is when most people advise making the big announcement. Between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy is when most miscarriages occur. Many women choose to keep their pregnancy a secret until there is very little chance of a miscarriage happening.

Infertility and Announcing Your Pregnancy:
Keeping a pregnancy secret might be challenging, if not impossible, if you have been trying for a while. Many couples have shared their infertility issues with friends and family, who may now feel almost as anxious as you do about the results of your test. After experiencing infertility, you may be eager to break the “don’t tell until the first trimester is finished” rule and share your good news with the world.

8 Weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly

Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)
Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)

Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

8 weeks pregnant: possible symptoms

The first trimester (0 to 18 weeks) of pregnancy is different for every woman, and every pregnancy. According to the Office on Women’s Health, one of the most common early signs is a missed menstrual period.

Common signs and symptoms

The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might include:

Spotting or light spotting (also called implantation bleeding). Implantation bleeding, in women who experience it, can be a confusing symptom of pregnancy. When the embryo implants into the uterine wall, some blood may be released. However, only about 20 to 30 percent of women experience this bleeding, which is really more like a pink or very light red discharge of blood. Any bleeding that is not your period should be discussed with your doctor.
Cramping.Mild cramping during pregnancy is common during week 8. As your baby grows, your uterus and other tissues around it will grow as well. It’s important to see a doctor right away if you experience discomfort that’s worse than period cramps, especially if it’s followed by a high temperature or diarrhea.
Morning sickness. This could be the week that morning sickness finally hits you if it hasn’t already. Nausea that usually occurs in the morning can strike at any moment. It could be set off by anything, including certain motions, odors, an empty stomach, or perhaps nothing at all. Keep some crackers or other simple starchy snacks on hand for those unexpected spells of nausea.

Exhaustion. It’s normal to feel wiped out from pregnancy exhaustion. Naps may assist when your progesterone levels rise and cause you to feel increasingly sleepy, and some women report that modest exercise and small meals help, too. Too little iron can lead to anemia, which in turn can make you feel weary all the time.
Moodiness.The surge of hormones that occur during pregnancy can cause a woman to experience an outpouring of feelings, including sadness and even tears. Additionally, it is not uncommon to notice shifts in one’s mood.
Frequent urination. It is also typical to have to use the restroom more frequently than usual during this time. Your kidneys are putting in extra hours of effort in order to handle the more fluid that is currently in your body.
Mood swings. The remainder of your pregnancy could be rife with emotional ups and downs. The first trimester is when mood swings are most likely, the second is when they tend to lessen, and the third is when they can return. You can quickly and easily feel better by doing things like eating healthy, talking to friends, sleeping, and doing modest exercise.
Constipation. When your hormones change, your digestive system slows down, causing constipation.

Food aversions. It’s possible that you will become more sensitive to certain odors and tastes when you’re pregnant. Hormonal changes can explain these food preferences, as well as most other pregnancy symptoms.
Nasal congestion. A rise in hormone levels and blood production can cause your mucous membranes to swell, dry out, and bleed easily. As a result, you may feel stuffy or have a runny nose.
No symptoms week 8 pregnant. That’s right, it’s possible to be eight weeks pregnant with no symptoms whatsoever! Every pregnancy and every woman is different. For example, some women never experience morning sickness, so if you’re one of the lucky few, enjoy these nausea-free days without worry.

8 weeks pregnant belly size

Your belly is still and not showing yet tiny at 8 weeks. It probably doesn’t even look like it could be growing anything but a few cells at this point. In fact, it’s more likely that the rest of your body has grown more than just the embryo itself! Even though it’s small, there are many changes happening inside that are preparing for life outside of you.

Most first-time pregnancies don’t show until around week 12. If you’ve had previous pregnancies you may show earlier as a result of stretching of the muscles in your uterus and belly.

8 weeks pregnant ultrasound

At your 8-week checkup, you may get a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound, which is safe and can give you your first look at your baby. But it’s important to know that at this point in the pregnancy, you might not be able to see or hear your baby’s heartbeat yet.

Can you see a baby at 8 weeks on an ultrasound?

The first ultrasound is referred to as a “dating” or “viability” ultrasound. It’s usually done between 7 and 8 weeks to confirm your due date, look for a fetal heartbeat, and measure the baby’s length from “crown to rump.” This ultrasound will also reveal whether you are expecting a single baby, twins, or multiples!

Preparing for Pregnancy

Start your week 8 pregnancy out on the right foot by taking prenatal vitamins, consuming enough of orange juice (which is a good source of folic acid), and engaging in regular physical activity. Do not drink alcohol, use drugs, or smoke cigarettes if you are trying to conceive; you may not know when you became pregnant. Talk to your doctor about whether or not any medications, including those you use regularly, pose any risk to your unborn child.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.

8 weeks pregnant hCG levels

At 8 weeks pregnant, your hCG levels can range from about 31,366–149,094 mIU/mL.

8 weeks pregnant: your checklist (what to expect)

This Week: Your First Doctor’s Visit

Get ready to be poked and prodded! Your first prenatal visit will include a complete physical and a medical history as well as a battery of tests. Here’s what to expect:

Urine samples: Your doc will test the golden dew for blood sugar levels (which can indicate gestational diabetes) and infections. If you’re not a pro at peeing in a cup the first time, don’t worry, you’ll have plenty more practice—you usually do your thang in a cup at the beginning of each visit.

Blood samples: They’ll take blood to test your hCG levels and check for anemia; immunity to rubella (German measles) and possibly chicken pox; and for sexually transmitted diseases with unpronounceable names like syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia. They’ll also be checking your blood type, Rh factor, and hemoglobin levels. Don’t worry, this doesn’t happen at every appointment

The Physical: For this and almost every other visit, you’ll step on the scale and they’ll cuff you (to check your blood pressure). But for this first, more comprehensive physical, the doc will also feel you up (checking your breasts for irregularities) and may perform a Pap smear if you haven’t had one lately. Then there’s the pelvis. Some OBs will just palpitate your belly to feel your uterus; others prefer to do an internal exam.

The Chat: If this is your first time with the OB or midwife, use this visit to get chummy (you can always find a different one if this one doesn’t laugh at your jokes). Write down questions or concerns and bring them to the appointment, along with a pen for the answers. It’s not too early to start talking about expectations for the birth, like what kind of pain medications your provider might give you or if he or she has experience with water births or any other types of birthing technique you’re interested in trying. Don’t forget simple questions, too, like the best way to reach your provider (especially after hours).