How Many Months Is 8 Weeks
You can proudly say now that you are one month and three weeks pregnant!
If youre anything like most new moms, then there are probably 1,001 questions whirling around in your head. Now is the time to starting putting pen to paper and jot those questions down.
Youll likely be visiting your doctor this week for your first prenatal appointment. At this appointment, your doctor will spend a good chunk of time with you and be prepared to answer all your questions.
For this first appointment, be prepared to talk with your doctor about your familys medical history, your medical history , and your last period dates.
Also, be ready for a full cervical and breast exam as well as a possible transvaginal ultrasound .
How Likely Is A Miscarriage And Can I Prevent It
Unfortunately, miscarriages are common. 1 in 5 women will have a miscarriage in the first 3 months of pregnancy , for no apparent reason. But most miscarriages are a one-off and theres a very good chance that a next pregnancy would be successful. You are not at higher risk of another miscarriage if you have had 1 or 2 early miscarriages.
We still dont always know why miscarriages happen, so this makes it very difficult to prevent them. It is important to know that miscarriages very rarely happen because of something you did or didnt do. The most common cause of early miscarriages is chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, and these happen by chance.
Many women who do everything they can to have a healthy pregnancy still, sadly, lose their baby. But there are some lifestyle choices, such as drinking heavily or smoking during pregnancy, that can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Bright red vaginal bleeding is common but not normal at this time. This is most often due to a slight threatened miscarriage which will settle but more uncommonly it can be due to an ectopic pregnancy which is altogether more serious. With an ectopic pregnancy there may be a sharper more severe pelvic pain which may cause nausea and vomiting. The lower tummy and pelvis may be very tender and painful. The risk of an ectopic pregnancy is low in women who have not had one before but much higher if they have had one before or if they have a history of pelvic infection. In these cases a medical assessment is imperative.
If you have bleeding in early pregnancy and you have associated severe abdominal pain you are at a high risk of miscarriage. In about 40% of cases there is shown to be a fetal abnormality incompatible with life. Unfortunately if a miscarriage has begun, there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Nausea and vomiting can become more severe at this time. Uncommonly this may require medical assessment and hospital admission for rehydration. An antiemetic such as Cyclizine can be helpful and is thought not to harm the baby.
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Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor
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What are some ways to get a better nightâs sleep?
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Is it safe to travel when pregnant, and when is the best time?
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When and how to contact the doctor between appointments?
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What types of antenatal tests are needed or recommended for you, and when will they be scheduled?
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When will the first ultrasound scan be?
Your Babys Development At 8 Weeks
When youre 8 weeks pregnant, your baby has a quick heartbeat and is starting to develop facial features, fingers and toes.
- Heartbeat: Babys heart is beating 150 to 170 times per minute, about double the rate of yours. Youll probably be able to hear and/or see it on an ultrasound at your 8-week doctors appointment.
- Facial features: The lips, nose and eyelids are developing and becoming more distinct.
- Fingers and toes: Your babys fingers and toes are developing too theyre webbed for now. Oh, and their tail is almost gone.
- Babys sex: Its too early to tell babys sex since the organs havent developed enough yet. You will be able to find out over the next few weeks if youre getting non-invasive prenatal testing . If you arent, youll probably be able to see babys parts at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound around 20 weeks pregnant.
Pregnant with Twins?
At 8 weeks pregnant, you have likely found out by now that there are two heartbeats in there. Your healthcare provider will help steer you on the best path for your pregnancy.
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Is It Typical For Pregnancy Symptoms To Change Or Disappear At 8 Weeks
You may be concerned if your pregnancy symptoms seem to disappear or change unexpectedly.
While there is a chance that a sudden change in pregnancy symptoms can signal a miscarriage, it can also be the result of the typical hormonal fluctuations that come with pregnancy. Its not uncommon for morning sickness and other early pregnancy symptoms to decline or change as the end of the first trimester approaches.
If youre worried that something is wrong, you should reach out to a healthcare professional. They can offer reassurance, diagnostic testing, and helpful advice. You should let them know during your prenatal appointments what symptoms youre experiencing and if symptoms have changed.
As you navigate your eighth week of pregnancy, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, so youll want to consider:
- attending or scheduling your first prenatal medical visit
- exercising regularly
- avoiding alcohol and smoking
How You Might Feel At 8 Weeks Pregnant
With constant exhaustion and nausea, an achy 8 week belly and emotional swings that wont quit, its understandable that you might be tired of this pregnancy thing already, and its normal to wonder how youll get through the next eight months. If you feel this way, dont worry. Things should start to get better in about a month, when the wondrous second trimester begins. Until then, take it easy and be gentle with yourself. Growing a person is hard!
If youre 8 weeks pregnant with twins, you may feel extra tired and nauseous, since youve likely got a higher level of those pregnancy hormones that are needed to create two babies.
Remember: If youre feeling nauseated, extra hungry or extra tired, its all because babys growth is in overdriveand because your bodys still adjusting to all those hormonal changes. Try to remind yourself it will be worth it.
Also, know that having no pregnancy symptoms at 8 weeks is totally normal too. So dont worry if youre not feeling too different yet. We promisesoon you will!
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You At 8 Weeks Pregnant
Your uterus is about the size of a tennis ball. Its putting pressure on your bladder, so you might be feeling the need to go to the toilet more often.
Your body is zinging with hormones to help your baby grow. Nausea peaks around this time, so you might feel quite sick. You might also feel more emotional, and you could be happy or grumpy at a moments notice. Or you might feel like you have a lot of energy.
Either way, emotional swings are normal when youre pregnant.
Early ultrasound If youre not sure when you became pregnant, or if youve had a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, your doctor or midwife might recommend an ultrasound scan in very early pregnancy, often at 8-10 weeks. This ultrasound scan can check for the babys heartbeat and work out the age and due date.
Weight Gain And Nutrition
During the first trimester, most women need to gain an extra one to four pounds to support their growing baby. Women of a healthy weight can achieve this by following their usual diet, so there’s no need to make too many changes just yet.Gaining weight becomes more important in the second and third trimesters your doctor will track this during visits. At week 8, folic acid is still vitally important experts generally agree that expectant mothers should take it until week 12 to lower the risk of neural tube defects.
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Eating Fruit During Pregnancy
Fruit is always your friend but consider it your best friend while you’re expecting. Not only does nature’s sweetest bounty contain essential vitamins and other nutrients that are good for you and your baby, but it plays a starring role in keeping you regular pass the prunes, please!
More sweet news: The right fruit can stand in for just about any vegetable you’re shunning when pregnancy aversions and nausea may be keeping you from bellying up to the salad bar. For instance, opt for dried apricots when you can’t stomach broccoli.
A good rule when it comes to fruits and veggies: Brighter colors spell better nutrition. Select your produce by the color of its “inner” rainbow and you’ll find nutrients worth their weight in gold.
What To Expect At 8 Weeks Pregnant Checklist
Heres your week 8 pregnancy checklist with the only arrangement:
- Now might be a good time to start wearing a more supportive bra. Your breasts are going to feel increasingly heavy and uncomfortable as time goes on. A well-fitting, supportive bra will increase comfort and minimize later sagging.
Its not uncommon for women at this stage of pregnancy to find the experience overwhelming, even if they have the support of friends and family. Take a moment to acknowledge how far youve come and how well youre coping! In fact, one of the best ways to care for your growing baby is to take care of yourself.
This means taking time out of your day to rest and relax this will make it easier to deal with tiredness and nausea. Make sure that your diet is nourishing and healthy. And if possible, try to incorporate a little exercise into your daily routine. A short walk or a few laps in the local swimming pool will make a world of difference to how you feel!
Dont be shy to call upon the support of others around you. Let friends and relatives know that youd really appreciate their generosity in helping you out around the house or with personal tasks. Tell work colleagues how youre feeling and see if theyre willing to make adjustments in the office to make things easier for you. And of course, make sure to reach out to your trusted healthcare professional for expert medical advice.
References
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What To Expect At 8 Weeks Pregnant
Facty Staff Writer
The early stages of pregnancy are a time of rapid transformation. By week eight, the baby’s development is well underway, and the mother is usually starting to experience major body changes. Knowing what to expect at this point in your pregnancy lets you feel more prepared for this unique experience and recognize when you might need to seek medical advice.
Add Some Healthy Snacks
Eating a few healthy snacks during the day is one way to fight off some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Eating small meals and snacks more often can give more energy throughout the day, fend off dizziness associated with low blood sugar, and prevent that empty stomach nausea from sneaking up on you.
So, keep healthy, easy-to-grab snacks, like apples and peanut butter or hummus and whole wheat pita chips, within reach.
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Changes In Your Body At 8 Weeks Pregnant
The amount of blood being pumped around your body to your womb increases this week, so you might notice that your heart rate is raised to support this blood flow.
Your body is very clever and around week 8 it produces a hormone called progesterone. This hormone helps relax your heart tissue and blood vessels to keep your blood pressure at optimum rates. You may also be faced with pregnancy cravings so be careful about the number of additional calories you might be consuming. Stick to the recommended 300 extra per day .
There are some things to watch out for like constipation and the dreaded piles. You might also get some headaches and remember to see your doctor if you need some help coping with the pain as any painkillers need to be baby safe.
Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
For the past several weeks your little one has been called an embryo, but from this week onward your baby is called a foetus â offspring in Latin. While the embryo has been in a curled up tadpole shape, this week the foetus starts to uncurl.
The legs are getting longer but it will be a little while before there are distinct features like the knees and toes. Even though the legs are catching up, the foetusâs arms are still longer as the upper body grows faster than the lower half.
The foetus is getting nourishment from the yolk sac while the placenta develops and slowly attaches to the wall of the uterus. When the placenta is ready, it will take over the job of providing nutrients and oxygen to the foetus.
Itâs still too soon to know whether youâre expecting a boy or a girl. You may be able to find out at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan, often held between 18 to 21 weeks. If you feel like taking a guess in the meantime, have some fun with our Baby Gender Quiz.
Now is also a great time to start writing a list of favourite boy and girl baby names. Wondering where to begin? Our Baby Name Generator will help you get started!
RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL
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Your Baby’s Development At 8 Weeks Pregnant
Your little embryo has made a lot of progress during the last week, growing at a rate of 1mm per day. Theres definitely been a growth spurt in your babys arms and legs and theres now more definition where the knees, elbows, wrists, and ankle will be.
“Your baby’s arms will be longer than their legs because their head and upper body is growing faster than the rest of them,” says Kate, “and the external parts of their ears are also forming.”
“Your placenta is also getting ready to start looking after your baby. It’s forming chorionic villi, or little branches which help it attach to the wall of the womb, to enable your blood supply to feed your baby over the coming months, as well as taking away any waste products.”
On a cuter note, your baby now has a little upper lip, a nose and tiny eyelids too, so they are looking a lot more baby-like this week. Their legs are getting longer too and their tiny fingers and toes are also starting to form.
Your Baby At 8 Weeks Pregnant
As the limbs continue to lengthen and grow, the foetus shape is changing and starting to look like less of an alien. The upper lip and nose are starting to form and, although the hands and feet are still webbed, fingers and toes are beginning to develop.
At this stage, your baby is still getting its nutrients from you in the yolk sac, while the placenta continues to develop. Babys heart is beating fast, too. At around 150 to 170 beats per minute, its almost twice as fast as your own.
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Pregnancy Symptoms During Week 8
White discharge
You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge 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.
Growing breasts
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.
Abdominal bloating
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.
Heightened sense of smell
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.
Weird pregnancy dreams
Headaches
Severe morning sickness
Don’t see your symptom?
How Far Along Am I In My Pregnancy Symptoms
Heres the honest truth: Youll have pregnancy symptoms all through your pregnancy. The good news is, those symptoms will change as your pregnancy progresses and your belly and baby continue to grow. For most people, the second trimester brings relief from the worst of the nausea, and youll feel your energy return until you get closer to the end of your pregnancy. And if youre still symptom-free at 8 weeks pregnant, no symptoms may soon progress to plenty of symptoms. So take heartwhatever youre tired of, itll change soon.
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How Your Baby Is Developing
He is growing at the rate of 1mm per day, all across his body. Though theyre still webbed, his fingers and toes are starting to separate.
His heart is beating at a rate of 160-180 bpm and he is starting to exhibit his first jerking, twitchy movements, though you wont feel them for a good few weeks yet.
