Week 8 of Pregnancy
Your baby is growing fast, now about the size of a raspberry! Their facial features are starting to form, fingers and toes are becoming more distinct, and tiny movements may begin, though you won’t feel them just yet.
Baby’s Size
Your baby is about the size of a raspberry.
Baby’s Development at 8 weeks
Baby movements
Your baby is moving! These first movements are more like spontaneous twitches and stretches. They start at about 7 to 8 weeks and are visible on ultrasound. You won't feel your baby move until sometime between 16 and 22 weeks, though. Until then, your baby's movements aren't strong enough for you to notice.
Getting ready to breathe
Your baby's respiratory system is forming. Breathing tubes extend from your baby's throat to the branches of their developing lungs.
Nerve network
A network of nerves is spreading through your baby's body, making connections not only with each other but also with muscles and other tissues, as well as organs like the eyes and ears.
Pregnancy symptoms during Week 8
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You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. But vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem.
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Rising levels of hormones cause your breasts to grow in preparation for making breast milk. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Other breast changes you may see include visible veins on your breasts, darker nipples, and more pronounced bumps on your areolas.
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Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling bloated, similar to the feeling some women have just before their period. That's why your clothes may feel more snug than usual at the waistline, even early on when your uterus is still relatively small.
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You might feel like you have a superhuman sense of smell right now. Unfortunately, most of what you're smelling may make you want to throw up. A heightened sense of smell often goes hand in hand with food aversions – both are linked to surging levels of pregnancy hormones, and both tend to fade by the second trimester.
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First you give birth to ... your partner. Then you make a speedy getaway in a school bus. Finally, you're engulfed by a tidal wave. Pregnancy dreams are all over the place, and can reflect the excitement you feel, as well as the fear and worries you may have about becoming a parent.
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Headaches are common during pregnancy due to factors including increased blood flow and fatigue. Cutting back on caffeine during pregnancy, though important, can also lead to an aching head. Ask your provider before you take pain medicine for a headache. In general, acetaminophen is safe to take as directed during pregnancy, but aspirin, ibuprofen, and most prescription migraine drugs are not. You can also try a number of natural headache remedies to ease your discomfort, like getting a massage, using a compress, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, and taking a shower.
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Most women feel nauseated during pregnancy at some point, and about half vomit. But an unlucky 3 percent of expecting moms experience hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an extreme form of morning sickness that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other complications. Call your provider if you can't keep anything down (including fluids); vomit blood; have lost more than 5 pounds; feel weak, faint, or dizzy; have a fever or abdominal pain; or have dark and strong-smelling urine.
Pregnancy checklist at 8 weeks pregnant
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Create a fun time lapse of your pregnancy by documenting your growing bump every week or so. Check out these tips on how to get the best bump photos week after week. Even if you don't see a noticeable bump yet, start taking photos now so you have a starting point for comparison.
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In early pregnancy you may be more exhausted than you ever imagined you could be. It takes a lot of energy to make a new life! Pregnancy also brings a host of sleep disturbances such as frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, and snoring. Get more rest by turning in early – you'll be glad when you wake up refreshed the next day. Practice the basics of good sleep during pregnancy by watching what and when you eat, using the right pillows, learning how to relax, and practicing good "sleep hygiene." Sleep hygiene means sticking to a sleep schedule, establishing a bedtime routine, and blocking light and noise in your bedroom.
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It's always important to use sunscreen, but during pregnancy it can help you avoid a condition called melasma or chloasma – darker patches of skin on your face or body, which may be triggered by hormonal changes. Women with darker skin are more likely to experience melasma, but it can happen to any expecting mom. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask. These darker spots will eventually go away after pregnancy. Staying out of the sun and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day (whether or not it's sunny) is the best way to prevent melasma.
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Wondering how much pregnancy weight to gain? It depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index and whether or not you're carrying twins or multiples. If you're at a healthy weight, aim to gain 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week after that. Check out our pregnancy weight gain calculator to find your target weight range.
8 Weeks Pregnant Belly
For many expecting moms, it's still too early to have a true pregnancy bump. But it may be getting harder to hide the changes your body is undergoing. If you're not ready to share your news, you may have to get creative with loose clothing that hides your chest and belly. An oversized cardigan, button-down shirt, or sweatshirt over leggings may do the trick for now.
The first trimester isn't usually a beauty enhancer. Thanks to fatigue and nausea, you may have dark circles under your eyes and a pale or greenish tint to your skin. (Early pregnancy can bring new meaning to the phrase "green around the gills.") But never fear, it won't be too long before you're sporting a beautiful bump, thicker hair, and glowing skin. Pregnancy affects women differently, but many expecting moms feel (and look) amazing in the second trimester, so hang in there.
Tips & Resources
Prioritize rest and hydration as your body is working hard to support your baby’s rapid development. Fatigue and nausea may still be strong, so listen to your body and don’t push too hard.
Start thinking about your support system. Share your pregnancy news with those you trust, and begin involving your partner in planning and preparation.
Understand early pregnancy symptoms by referring to the Third Trimester Pregnancy Tip Sheet, which also includes insights into the full journey ahead.
Begin journaling or tracking symptoms to discuss at your first prenatal appointment.
Familiarize yourself with common terminology using our Labor & Delivery Terminology handout to feel more confident when speaking with care providers.
If you haven't already, download the Preparing for Your New Arrival guide to get ahead on early preparations for birth and beyond.