Pregnancy week 8

Your baby’s development

In week 8 the baby is about the size of a kidney bean, roughly 1.6 cm long and weighing about 1 gram. Fingers begin to show on the hands, though still webbed. Elbows and knees form and the arms and legs lengthen. The tail almost disappears. On the face the eyelids develop, the ears settle into place, and the upper lip and nose take shape. The back straightens slightly and the head is still large in proportion to the body. A part of the intestine extends into the umbilical cord and returns to the abdomen in the coming weeks; this is a normal step. The first connections form between brain cells, so the baby can make tiny, uncertain movements, though you cannot feel them. Organogenesis, the forming of the organs, moves slowly towards completion after this week; in the weeks ahead the organs will grow and mature. This rapid progress can also be followed in the length and heart rate measured at the first ultrasound.

Changes in the mother

This week the signs that your pregnancy is real may become clearer: clothes feel slightly tighter, breasts grow and veins may become more visible. Nausea may still go on, though for some it begins to ease towards the end of this stage. Tiredness, headaches, constipation and heartburn are common complaints. Plenty of water, regular walks and a fibre-rich diet help with digestive complaints. If you need a painkiller or any other medicine, do not choose one yourself; ask your doctor. If your first antenatal visit has not happened yet, it is good to plan it soon; at it your history is taken, blood group and basic tests are requested, and your questions are answered. If you vomit very often, lose weight or cannot keep fluids down, do not wait, as this may need treatment. If you feel emotionally worn out, that is very common; talking and getting support is a valuable step.

To do this week

• If the first visit has not been done, book it this week.
• Have the blood group and basic tests your doctor requests.
• For heartburn, eat small portions and avoid eating right before lying down.
• Jot down the hospital options you might consider for birth.

Tip for the partner

Write the visit questions together and join the first check-up if you can; showing interest is reassuring.

Nutrition tip

Whole grains, pulses and fresh vegetables give fibre; dried fruit and yoghurt make a good snack between meals.