You're eight weeks pregnant, and this week may be marked by discomfort. For example, while you may not have a "bump" yet, your pants may feel tighter. Your chest may be sore or bulging out of your bra, and while some pregnant people have a ravenous appetite, many others are disgusted by the sight and even smell of food, particularly this week.
Why? Two words: morning sickness. Research shows that nearly 70% of people experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. The good news is that, in most cases, morning sickness lessens as pregnancy progresses. You should feel relief soon. If you haven't had your first prenatal visit, chances are you will this week.
Read on to learn what to expect when you're eight weeks pregnant, including symptoms, fetal development, and other things to consider.
Pregnancy Week 8 Quick Facts
- At eight weeks, you’re two months pregnant
- You have 32 weeksuntil your due date
- You are in the first trimester
Your Unborn Baby's Size at 8 Weeks
The embryo is still very small, measuring 0.63 inches. It weighs approximately 0.04 ounces and is about the size of a raspberry.
Pregnancy Symptoms Week 8
When you're eight weeks pregnant, symptoms commonly include:
- Mild cramping
- Skin issues
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Aversion to smells or foods
Kyler Elwell Silver, MD, assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says your symptoms might not be much different than in previous weeks, but they could be progressively worsening. She shares that cramping really intensifies this week, but the good news is that nausea tends to peak around week eight.
For mild cramping, Dr. Silver recommends acetaminophen—if needed. However, talk to a health care provider if you experience cramps during pregnancy that require pain medicine.
She suggests drinking lots of water, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and using stool softeners if you suffer from constipation. She also recommends avoiding foods that trigger you.That said, while uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, Dr. Silver assures that (in most cases) bloating is nothing to worry about. "Bloating is very normal and due to the hormones your body is making to maintain the pregnancy," she shares.
Another symptom you may notice is changes in your sleep. Studies have found that nearly everyone experiences changes in sleep architecture, quality, and duration. Researchers attribute those changes to the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy.
It's common to have some mild mood swings during pregnancy, but be sure to reach out to a health care provider if you have severe shifts in your mood or are experiencing other physical or emotional symptoms that seem concerning.
Which Medications Can I Take While Pregnant?
Developmental Milestones
Your little one is growing at an astounding rate, and big changes are happening this week! Your embryo's lips, nose, eyelids, and genitals are forming. Your embryo currently has webbed hands and feet, but tiny fingers and toes are beginning to differentiate, and its tail is also nearly gone.
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Prenatal Tests and Doctor's Appointments
Dr. Silver explains that most health care providers see patients for their first visit around eight weeks. Expect an ultrasound and review of your medical history. There might be a physical exam and/or a Pap smear. Your medical provider will likely check your blood count, glucose levels, kidney function, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) status. "These are important tests and are part of standard prenatal care," she says. Your provider will also likely establish your estimated due date.
Shieva Ghofrany, MD, an OB-GYN in Stamford, Connecticut, and co-founder of Tribe Called V, says a health care provider may also offer you an expanded panel of genetic tests of up to 500 recessive maternal genes, called carrier screening. This is often done before pregnancy but can also be done during pregnancy. If you are found to carry one of these recessive genes, your partner or sperm donor may be examined as well. If they carry the same recessive genes, there's a 25% chance the fetus may inherit both defective genes.
Oh, and at this stage, most providers can distinguish a multiples pregnancy from a singleton pregnancy during an ultrasound. So, if you're carrying twins or triplets, you might find out at this appointment.
"My week eight ultrasound is a day I'll always remember because it changed my life forever," recalls Pia*, 38, from Blue Springs, Missouri. "They found three heartbeats, and my jaw dropped to the floor. We only implanted two embryos, but apparently, one of them split. Triplets!"
That said, it's important to note that the timing of these tests can vary. Some health care providers opt to space them out, while others complete them at the same time. Talk to a health care provider if you have concerns or questions about the different blood tests or physical examinations.
Common Questions at this Stage of Pregnancy
Can I still work out?
You do not need to stop exercising. In fact, it can be good for you, reveals Dr. Ghofrany. But, she advises, avoiding dehydration, heat exhaustion, and overdoing it is important. "Exercise to the level where you could have a conversation," she advises.
Is my workplace safe?
"If you need to continue to do physical work that you were doing, you're safe to do that. It's very unlikely that anything you're doing is going to directly harm the fetus, so just do it to your comfort level and listen to your body to see what it is telling you," says Dr. Ghofrany.
Talk to a health care provider if you have concerns about your physical limitations or working around chemicals or other substances you think might be harmful. This is especially important if you work in farming, a factory, a salon, dry cleaning, custodial, or health care.
Should I quit caffeine?
While you may want to limit your caffeine intake, Dr. Ghofrany says giving up your morning cup of coffee is unnecessary. In fact, if you're a regular coffee drinker, she actually advises against going cold turkey, as caffeine withdrawal can make you feel sick or give you a bad headache.
Less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered moderate intake and is safe during pregnancy, according to ACOG. Though it's worth noting this includes all sources of caffeine including chocolate, tea, and coffee.
Things You Might Consider This Week
At eight weeks pregnant, you are well into your first trimester, and things are happening quickly. Now is the time to ensure that you have found a health care provider who is meeting your needs.
If you're not satisfied with the health care provider's practice after your first prenatal appointment, you have plenty of time to find one that you are more comfortable with. Don't forget to consider the location you will be delivering and ensure you're happy with it. Do whatever is right for you and ensure you feel supported doing it! Consider when and if you're ready to reveal your big news to your friends and family.
"I met with this OB-GYN for my eight-week appointment, and I knew right away that he was not a good fit, so I found another doc in the same practice that I felt more at ease with. I also ended up hiring a doula as well. Best decision I ever made because I had the best of both worlds throughout my pregnancy and even postpartum," shares Kennisha*, 29, from Hollywood, Florida.
Support You May Need This Week
Dr. Silver reminds you to get all the support you need from your partner (if you have one), family members, or friends. This might come in the way of having someone accompany you to ultrasounds or doctor's appointments.
Dr. Silver also advises those who experience pregnancy loss to reach out for support. You may need your friends and family—or a professional—to help you through this time.
It's also important to indulge in acts of self-love and care. Pregnancy can be stressful, and it's easy to forget about yourself. So whether it's taking a bath, booking a prenatal massage, or even just taking a nap, make sure to carve out time for rest.
*Last names withheld for privacy.
Head over to week nine of pregnancy
