Week 8 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a raspberry (16 mm)
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 8
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry - roughly 16mm from crown to rump. This tiny being has come so far in just a few weeks. The heart now has all four chambers and beats at an impressive 150-170 times per minute. If you have an ultrasound this week, you might see that little flicker on the screen, and nothing quite prepares you for how emotional that moment feels. Your baby's arms and legs are developing rapidly, with tiny webbed fingers and toes starting to form. The neural tube has closed, and your baby's brain is developing at an astonishing rate - forming about 100 new brain cells every minute. Facial features are emerging too, with the beginnings of eyelids, a tiny nose tip, and upper lip taking shape.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
Welcome to peak morning sickness territory. If you have been feeling nauseous, week 8 is often when it hits hardest - and despite the name, it rarely limits itself to mornings. Many moms describe it as an all-day queasiness that makes even the thought of certain foods unbearable. Your sense of smell has likely become superhuman, detecting odors from across the room that send you running. Food aversions are real right now - yesterday's favorite meal might make your stomach turn today. The exhaustion is no joke either. Growing a placenta and supporting your baby's rapid development takes enormous energy. Your breasts may feel tender and heavier. You might notice you are running to the bathroom more frequently as your uterus expands and puts pressure on your bladder. Hang in there - relief is coming.
Tips & Advice for Week 8
Practical guidance from real moms
The Unisom and B6 combination is something many moms swear by for nausea - talk to your doctor about trying 25mg of vitamin B6 three times daily with half a Unisom SleepTab at night. Keep crackers on your nightstand and eat a few before getting out of bed. Ginger in any form - tea, candies, or fresh - can help settle your stomach. Eat whatever you can keep down right now. This is survival mode, not the time for a perfect diet. Small, frequent meals work better than large ones. Cold foods often trigger less nausea than hot ones because they have less smell. Stay hydrated - if water makes you sick, try ice chips, popsicles, or sparkling water with lemon. Take naps without guilt. Your body is working harder than you realize, even if there is nothing visible to show for it yet.
Medical Guidance for Week 8
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
Your first prenatal appointment typically happens around week 8. Expect a dating ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and estimate your due date. Contact your provider immediately if you experience severe vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (hyperemesis gravidarum), bright red bleeding, or severe cramping. Some spotting can be normal, but always report it. If morning sickness completely disappears suddenly this week, mention it to your doctor - though symptoms naturally fluctuate for many women.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.