Eighth Week Of Pregnancy

You have completed almost 2 months by the 8th week of your pregnancy. Now, the embryonic stage of your baby will come to an end. You can find the early development stages of a little human being inside you during 8th week of your pregnancy.



8 weeks pregnant- Signs and symptoms Watch Video

Generally, there is a broad range of symptoms that vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. When you are eight weeks pregnant, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Sore or tender breasts
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue will likely to continue this week
  • Morning sickness
  • Weight gain
  • Flatulence and bloating
  • Constipation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Anaemia
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Food cravings and food aversions

Eating smaller meals frequently can help regulate your blood sugar and alleviate nausea. You can snack on ginger, peppermint and consume more protein. This will help you feel better. Call your doctor immediately, if anything feels extreme or makes you unusually uncomfortable.


Changes in breasts- Watch Video

  • Your breasts are growing and getting ready for lactation. During the first pregnancy, most women increase a cup size or two.
  • If you see dark veins on the skin of your breasts then, do not panic. These veins are known as varicose veins. This is normal and happens due to increased blood supply to the arteries of your breasts. These veins do not appear in all women, but most women experience them.
  • You may notice change in color of skin present around the areolas. This also occurs due to increased blood circulation.
  • Small glands on the surface of areolas, also known as Montgomery tubercles, develop during this week. The nipples grow larger.
  • The nipples and small glands on areola may begin to secrete colostrum. Colostrum is a yellowish thick substance that is often known as high octane milk.
Other changes in body- Watch Video

  • During 8th week of your pregnancy, the uterus is growing faster to accommodate all needs of your developing baby. Due to this reason, you may start feeling pressure and tightness around the lower abdomen.
  • At present, the uterus is pressing against your bladder. This makes you urinate often. This may also cause cramping pain in the abdomen and this may scare you initially. But do not worry.
Baby’s development during 8th week of pregnancy- Watch Video

The 8th week of pregnancy signifies many special things. Embryo is at the end of its embryonic stage. Now, it is ready to start the fetal stage.

  • The embryo begins to lose embryonic tail.
  • Now, the little bean is approximately an inch long. The weight of embryo is approximate three grams.
  • Nerve cells present in the brain of your developing baby are branching out to form early neural pathways. The part of brain which is responsible for sense of smell is also taking shape.
  • The intestines grow longer. They run out of room within abdomen, causing them to protrude into the umbilical cord until your 12th week of pregnancy.
  • During this week, the gonads are forming into either testicles or ovaries but they are hard to see.
  • Hardening of the bones begins to occur. The elbows, wrists, other bones and joints are taking their shape.
  • Webbed feet and hands begin to separate and grow longer. You can count all fingers and toes if you look closely.
  • The facial features are also coming into focus. The baby’s nose, jawline, and mouth are clearly visible. The ears are growing and shaping both internally and externally. The teeth are in their place now.



Connection between you and your baby- Watch Video

  • Now, the umbilical cord of your baby has developed. It has formed a living link between you and your baby. Through this connection, you are feeding your baby and removing its waste.
  • This connection works as a transmitter of the communication that is taking place between you and your baby. Now, the hormones of your body are exchanging signals with your baby to make necessary changes. The two arteries and one vein of umbilical cord are embedded in Wharton’s Jelly (a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord). The arteries spiral around one vein and make umbilical cord very strong. At one end of this cord, your baby is present while on the other end, placenta is present.




Dietary tips- Watch Video

  • Eat healthy and nutritious food.
  • To manage morning sickness, stay well hydrated by drinking fruit juices and other fluids.
  • Increase the intake of water to deal with constipation.
  • Remember to take the folic acid medication. Folic acid is essential for the healthy development of your baby.
  • Take smaller meals frequently.
  • Avoid eating oily, deep fried and spicy food.
  • Include fruits such as oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, berries, etc. in your daily diet.
  • Avoid overeating because it may cause indigestion and acidity.
  • To prevent the excessive secretion of saliva, you can munch on sugarless chewing gums.
  • Avoid staying empty stomach for long.


Care tips to follow- Watch Video

  • Prenatal testing and screening are very important during the early weeks of pregnancy. So, if you haven’t visited your gynecologist yet, this is the right time to book an appointment.
  • Always consult your gynecologist before you take any medication.
  • Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks.
  • Take proper rest.
  • You can do meditation, yoga and some exercises.
  • Maintain a good personal hygiene.