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8 Weeks Pregnant—Symptoms, Best Self-Care Tips And Common FAQs

8 Weeks Pregnant

8 weeks pregnant is two months pregnant already! 

The next four weeks are the last month of your first trimester. Time flies! 

By now, you’re pretty far along on your pregnancy journey, but there’s still a long way to go (around seven more months).

Below we’ve covered a range of information you may need at eight weeks pregnant, such as what’s happening in your body and your baby at this stage, typical pregnancy symptoms you may experience at week 8, and how to take care of yourself over the weeks and months to come.

What happens at 8 weeks pregnant?

At pregnancy week 8, your baby is about the size of a raspberry; by the next week or two, your little one will have almost doubled in size!

At this stage, limbs are growing fast. Your baby’s arms and legs are becoming more distinct, though it’s too early to see each part of the arm or leg. Your baby’s fingers and toes also form at the end of each limb!

Your baby is also beginning to uncurl from the rolled-up position it had been in previously. The head uncurls slightly, and the spinal tail will shorten. 

Arms and the general upper body develop later than the lower body, so the fetus is top-heavy.

The placenta is still developing at eight weeks, so the yolk sac delivers the most nourishment your baby gets. The placenta will not be ready to nourish your little one until around 12 weeks.

Facial features such as eyes, ears, and mouth continue to develop. 

You may have already had your first ultrasound or will have it soon. During this examination, you can witness your little one moving around inside. These movements will be small and vague but noticeable!

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What are common pregnancy symptoms at eight weeks pregnant?

At eight weeks pregnant, you’ll experience a range of symptoms as your body adjusts to this stage of pregnancy. 

Your baby’s development is speeding up; they already have limbs and vague facial features. All of this growth is taxing to the body, so it’s normal for these symptoms to appear.

Common early pregnancy symptoms you may experience at week 8 include:

1. Morning sickness

The dreaded morning sickness. 

This is nausea and the need to vomit that comes with being pregnant. 

This symptom can start as early as five weeks but is experienced by most women by week 8. You may experience nausea and vomiting or just nausea. 

Either way, this symptom is uncomfortable and difficult.

Morning sickness is usually most severe in the morning, hence the name, but it can happen at any time of the day or night. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do to eliminate morning sickness, but we can reduce its severity with a diet that aids digestion and eases nausea.

2. Fatigue

Feeling more tired than usual lately? That’s completely normal. 

You’ll likely experience chronic fatigue and even exhaustion at eight weeks pregnant. This symptom happens due to large amounts of the hormone progesterone surging through the body.

You may feel exhausted in the middle of your first trimester but less so during the second. Tiredness and fatigue show up again as symptoms of the third trimester.

3. Breast tenderness, swelling

Tenderness and soreness in the breasts happen due to increased blood flow and processes that help prepare your body to feed your baby

This symptom can start as early as five weeks pregnant but is usually noticed by most women around 7 to 8 weeks and tends to last throughout the first trimester.

4. More frequent urination

Need to pee? A lot? Frequent urination is a common symptom of pregnancy. It tends to show up around 6 to 8 weeks into pregnancy and lasts until birth and a few weeks later. 

This symptom happens because your growing uterus places pressure on the bladder. It also occurs because your body produces more fluids than usual.

Frequent need to pee can be frustrating because sometimes you’ll go to the bathroom and won’t get much out. You may also experience some leakage occasionally, so be prepared.

5. Food cravings

Food cravings are probably in full swing by week 8. You may strongly desire sweet and fatty foods such as chocolate or chips. 

Hormone fluctuations in the body affect our sense of taste and smell, which may cause these cravings. 

You may also experience food aversion – strong impulses to avoid certain foods. That improved sense of smell and taste can make some foods feel overwhelming, whereby smelling or being near them makes you feel sick.

Some pregnant women crave non-food items, such as ice or clay. The causes of such cravings, known as ‘pica,’ are unclear but may have something to do with nutrient deficiencies. 

If you experience cravings for non-food items, then consult your healthcare provider.

8 Weeks Pregnant

6. Headaches

Hormone fluctuations and changes in blood volume can cause headaches during pregnancy. Headaches are most common in the first trimester and tend to subside by the second trimester.

7. Mood swings

Mood swings are normal pregnancy symptoms but can be challenging to deal with. 

You may notice that you’re more irritable, anxious, or sad than usual, followed by sudden shifts in mood and emotion—drastic hormonal changes cause this symptom. 

Stress management and doing things you enjoy are important here.

8. Stomach and digestive issues

Hormonal changes can lead to stomach pain, bloating, gas, and constipation. These symptoms are hard to avoid but can be managed by following a healthy diet and focusing on foods that aid digestion.

9. Lightheadedness

You may notice some dizziness or lightheadedness if you stand up quickly. This happens due to changes in blood pressure and circulation.

10. Sleep issues

As a result of all the symptoms listed above, you may find it difficult to sleep. Try to get as much rest as possible, and encourage sleep with peaceful music, reading a book, or drinking warm milk. 

Find healthy ways to fall asleep to give your body sufficient rest.

11. Vaginal discharge

You should notice some vaginal discharge by now and until the end of your pregnancy. Discharge is typically clear or milky white.

Even though the above symptoms cause discomfort and irritation, they are not usually a cause for concern. 

However, if symptoms persist or seem severe, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.

8 weeks pregnant

Self-care at 8 Weeks pregnant

All the physical changes and rapid rate of baby development by week 8 are a lot to process. That’s why soon-to-be moms must practice effective self-care throughout this beautiful journey to motherhood. 

Below you’ll find some essential self-care tips to remember now and until the end of your pregnancy.

1. Get comfy

You may not be showing just yet, but it won’t be long until your pregnant belly starts to show. 

You can prepare by adding some stretchy clothing to your wardrobe. If necessary, get clothes and underwear fitted as your body grows. 

Comfort is key during pregnancy, so don’t leave yourself stuck with uncomfortable clothing. 

2. Exercise regularly

You don’t need to stop exercising completely because of pregnancy. 

As a pregnant woman, you are encouraged to stay physically active with light aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, and swimming. 

Of course, don’t overdo it. Too much physical exertion at this time can harm you and your baby. 

Still, regular physical activity is vital to a healthy pregnancy.

3. Connect with other parents

Now is a great time to cultivate your support system. 

You may want to connect with other pregnant parents who have already been through it. 

Sharing this journey is a great way to bond with others and can make you feel less stressed.

4. Eat well

Pregnancy hormones can affect your appetite. 

Sometimes you’ll get powerful food cravings, while you may not want to eat anything at other times. 

Notice these appetite changes and try to nourish your body every day. 

Aim for fresh foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and avoid highly-processed foods. 

It’s also imperative to avoid alcohol and tobacco during this time, as these toxins can harm your baby’s health.

8 Weeks Pregnant FAQs

How soon do you start showing?

Most women don’t show their baby bump in the first trimester. The pregnant belly usually starts to show around 16 to 20 weeks pregnant – sometime in the second trimester.

8 weeks pregnant

Why am I so bloated and uncomfortable at eight weeks pregnant?

Digestion slows down when you’re pregnant. 

Levels of the hormone progesterone increase significantly during pregnancy. 

Progesterone is a muscle relaxant. There are muscles in your digestive tract, so these relax too. That leads to slower digestion, which leads to bloating, nausea, and gas. 

These are some of the longer-lasting pregnancy symptoms and may not subside until the end of your pregnancy.

How do I know if my baby is okay in the womb at eight weeks?

7 to 8 weeks pregnant is when most women have their first prenatal visit. 

This first appointment is the longest of all prenatal appointments that follow because it involves several tests and examinations to check the health of both mother and baby. 

This appointment will involve a transvaginal ultrasound, during which your healthcare provider will look for your baby’s heartbeat. They will tell you about the health of your baby.

Do you need more sleep when pregnant?

Yes. Sleep is essential during pregnancy. 

Pregnant women need more sleep than non-pregnant women. 

You should aim for a couple of extra hours of sleep each night from now and moving forward, or supplement your sleep with a daytime nap. 

You’ll need as much rest as possible to ensure your baby develops healthily.

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How much weight should I gain in the first trimester?

How much weight you should gain in the first trimester depends on your weight before you become pregnant. 

However, generally, you should gain somewhere between 2 to 5 lbs. during your first trimester and about one lb. per week after that.

Conclusion

It may be hard to believe you’re already two months pregnant, but it’s true! 

That tiny embryo from just a few weeks ago is now looking much more like a little human and will form the precious baby to whom you’ll give the miracle of birth over the next seven months. 

Taking care of yourself now and moving forward is crucial for your well-being and the baby’s, so do all you can to rest, get plenty of nutrients, take your prenatal vitamins, and manage stress. 

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