Eight Weeks Pregnant

At eight weeks pregnant, the size of your baby is about the equivalent to a boysenberry. If you have an ultrasound now, it is likely that the embryo will resemble a bean shape and have a large head; especially compared to other body parts. This is because the brain is developing quickly during this time.

Your Baby’s Development

Along with the brain, at pregnancy week eight, the placenta is also starting to be the primary source of nutrition for your baby. The yolk sac will shrink now as the placenta is able to do the majority of the work. The umbilical cord will also start doing more during this time, such as transport nutrients to your little one and removing any waste.

The nose and ears will be developing during week eight of pregnancy. There will still be some bulges at the side of the head, where the outer ear is still to form. There is likely to be a small bulge between the eyes where the tip of the nose has developed. The eyelids are also developing. These will eventually cover your baby’s eyes over the next few weeks and the eyes will remain closed for some time during pregnancy.

The lungs will also be developing at eight weeks pregnant. These will develop throughout the whole of pregnancy and it is unlikely that they will finish development until you are full term – at 37 weeks pregnant! This is why doctors prefer babies to remain in the womb until they are classed as full term to avoid the need of respiratory assistance.

Changes in You

Your uterus will be growing much more by pregnancy week eight. While you will likely not look pregnant, you will start to feel it with the uterus pushing on your bladder. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may start to see a bump forming. This is because those who have had a baby before will have stomach muscles that are much more relaxed. However, it is unlikely that people around you will be able to tell that you are pregnant.

Symptoms at Eight Weeks Pregnant

There are a number of symptoms that expectant mothers complain about at eight weeks pregnant. One of those is abdominal cramping. This is not something to necessarily be worried about, unless it is accompanied by some bleeding. Light cramping is due to the muscles in your uterus expanding to make room for your growing baby. The pain should only be mild – like a mild period pain. If you are worried about any pain that you are experiencing, talk to your doctor, midwife or caregiver about it. If it remains persistent or gets worse, then definitely talk to your caregiver as this may be a sign of another problem or miscarriage.

Lower backache is also common during pregnancy week eight. This, again, is due to the uterus. As the uterus grows, more pressure will be placed on your spine. You may find that you have a sharp pain in your buttock or thighs or it may be just along your lower back. The area of the pain will be dependent on where the uterus is.

Your breasts will continue to grow at eight weeks pregnant. It is likely that your breasts will have grown larger but they may also be sore and tender to touch. It is worth switching to a maternity bra now. These bras will not be underwired, which will help to avoid problems with the developing milk ducts, and will offer the support that your growing breasts need.

You have five weeks left until the end of the first trimester. This is an exciting but apprehensive time for many expectant mothers – both first timers and those who have been through it all before. Take the time to relax when you can and put your feet up. This will help with many of the early pregnancy symptoms and will help you prepare for the next seven months.