How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 8 Weeks?
At eight weeks, you are two months pregnant.
Momjunction throws light on the developmental milestones your baby reaches, the pregnancy tests, and the tips you can follow to care for yourself in this week.
How Big Is Your Baby In This Week?
At eight weeks, your baby is about the size of a cranberry bean (1). The baby measures 0.62in (1.6cm, measured from crown to rump) and weighs less than 0.035oz (1g) (2).
Baby Development At 8 Weeks Pregnancy
Here is how the baby’s body parts are developing in this week:
| Body parts | Developments |
|---|---|
| Eyes (3) | Begin to form with pigmentation of the retina |
| Limbs (4) | Growing longer. Hands and feet look like paddles |
| Brain | Developing |
| Lungs | Start to form |
| Head (5) | Disproportionately large |
| Heart (6) | Four chambers are developed |
| Spine | The vertebral column is developed |
| Nervous system | Electrical activities start inside the brain and the nervous system |
| Umbilical cord | Blood is pumped to the embryo through it |
| Genitals | Genital buds begin to form |
While the baby grows inside of you, your body undergoes several changes as well.
Symptoms Of Pregnancy At 8 Weeks
Here is what happens to your body during the eighth week of pregnancy:
- Weight gain: Here is the ideal weight gain as per your BMI (7).
| BMI | Less than 25 | Between 25-30 | More than 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight gain | 1kg | 0-1kg | 0-1kg |
- Fatigue: As the body works harder to nourish the embryo, you will start feeling tired and need more rest.
- Morning sickness: The increased level of hormones in the body can make you feel queasy.
- Food aversions and cravings: Due to the hormonal fluctuations, you may develop cravings and aversion towards certain foods.
- A heightened sense of smell: You’ll become more sensitive to certain smells, which can cause nausea too.
- Leg cramps: Leg cramps at night time are quite common. Drinking a lot of water and stretching the legs can help relieve this discomfort.
- Constipation: The progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down the digestion process. Intake of more fiber can help prevent constipation.
- Bloating: Due to the fluctuations in the hormonal levels, the digestion process is slowed down, resulting in the formation of gas.
- Vaginal discharge: The increased blood flow to the pelvic area increases the production of body mucous and prevents infections of the birthing canal.
In addition to these, you will experience visible physical changes during this week.
Changes In The Body In The 8th Week Of Pregnancy
Following are some noticeable external changes that happen at this time:
- Women who already have children can show up the bump early as the abdominal muscles get stretched in the previous pregnancies.
- Weird dreams are normal owing to the many thoughts you have at this time.
Sometimes, you may experience symptoms that could indicate complications or risks for you or the baby,
Risks During The 8th Week Of Pregnancy
Here are some risks of pregnancy you could experience during the eighth week.
1. Ectopic pregnancy:
At this time, there is a chance of an ectopic pregnancy (8), which happens when the fertilized egg gets implanted in the fallopian tube, or cervix, ovary or the cornua instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is detected only during an ultrasound scan.
2. Miscarriage:
An early miscarriage can take place even before ten weeks of gestation. Around 10-20% of women are susceptible to early miscarriages (9). This could happen due to some unknown reason or underlying health issues such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, diabetes, or uterine problems like fibroids. Developmental abnormalities of the uterus or an unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs can also cause an early miscarriage.
If you notice any unusual symptoms during this week, seek medical attention right away.
When To Call The Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor.
Ectopic pregnancy:
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to the symptoms of a normal pregnancy. However, the signs get distinct as days pass (10).
- Heavy nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Pain in the neck and shoulders
If the pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube, then the tube may get ruptured and result in heavy bleeding and pain
Miscarriage:
The symptoms of miscarriage include (9):
- Bleeding in early pregnancy: brown discharge, bright red spotting or blood clots
- The tissues are sloughed off through the vagina
- A gush of pink vaginal fluid
- The symptoms of early pregnancy start to disappear slowly
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
If you do not experience any of these symptoms, set up an initial visit to the doctor for a basic checkup. Read on to know what your first OB appointment entails.
How To Prepare For The First OB Appointment?
For your first OB/GYN visit:
- Carry all the medical records that include the medications and supplements you are taking. The doctor can accordingly advise you to continue or stop the medications.
- Make a note of the LMP (last menstrual period). It helps in calculating the due date. If you have irregular periods or forget the date, then the doctor will go for an early scan to determine the gestational age.
- Make a list of the questions you have and get all your doubts cleared. Also talk about any concerns about the pregnancy, especially if you have had complications in the previous one.
Your OB/GYN Visit
A checkup in this week will include:
- Blood test to check for glucose
- Urine test to check for proteins
- Ultrasound scan: An early scan, also called as a viability scan or dating scan may be advised by the doctor to see if the pregnancy is proceeding properly (11). It helps:
- Rule out any chances of ectopic pregnancy
- Locate the gestational sac inside the uterus
- Check pregnancy viability
- Check the fetal heart rate and gestational age
- Confirm singleton or multiple pregnancies
- Check for spotting or bleeding in case of any pain mentioned by the patient
The doctor will also ask you about any specific health issues and recommend further tests if necessary. It is important that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle during this vulnerable period.
Tips To Follow
Here are some tips you must follow:
- Eat small meals at regular intervals.
- Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid strenuous exercises.
- Nibble crackers before getting up from bed in the morning to ease the discomfort of morning sickness.
- Follow a healthy diet, which includes lean meat, cereals, dairy products, fresh and natural foods (fruits and vegetable).
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Don’t skip meals or lie down immediately after having meals.
- Avoid uncooked, spicy, deep-fried, and fatty foods.
- In case of nausea, drink lemonade or eat watermelon or sniff a lemon.
- Chewing ginger can help relieve nausea.
- Take the vitamin supplements (folic acid, vitamin B6) daily.
If you have any concerns and discomforts, talk to your partner about it and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Avoid chemical treatments of hair.
- Avoid taking medicines without your doctor’s permission.
Your partner can also pitch in to make you feel better during this week. Find out how next.
Tips For Dad-to-be
Here is what your partner can do:
- Accompany you to the prenatal visits.
- Help with daily household chores.
- Go for a walk or accompany you during light exercises.
- Plan for the baby’s room or how to prepare for the little one’s arrival.
- Go shopping for maternity wears.
A calm mind and a healthy body is the secret to a healthy pregnancy. The eighth week is an early period of your pregnancy when you need extra care. So follow the doctor’s advice and stay happy, positive and healthy.
