8 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Update

Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds...and so are you! This week, your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit. It is still low in your pelvis but will continue to increase in size and eventually reach all the way up to your belly button…and higher.

Safely nestled within this strong muscle, your baby’s movements are just beginning to flicker. Your little one may even kick or jump if they're startled (although you can’t feel these movements yet!).

They're starting to look more and more like a real (miniature) baby. Their knees, elbows and ears are appearing, and their fingers and toes are no longer webbed together like a little duckling. They even have eyelids, but their eyes will remain shut for about 20 more weeks.

How many months is 8 weeks pregnant?

8 weeks pregnant is about 2 months pregnant.  

Baby’s Size at 8 Weeks Pregnant

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a raspberry.

8 Weeks Pregnant: About Your Body

Congrats! You’re wrapping up your 2nd month of pregnancy! It may be starting to feel very real to you now, as it’s likely you’ll have your first prenatal appointment to confirm the pregnancy, see your little gummy bear in an ultrasound and hear the whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of your baby’s tiny heartbeat!

During your first visit, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the impending changes coming to your body (and life!)…even if you think they’re silly.

Topics to discuss with your caregiver on this visit:

  • OTC medicines you can take (and ones you should avoid)
  • Foods to skip during pregnancy (learn the short list of foods to avoid)
  • Any symptoms or changes you’ve noticed with your body

Pregnancy Symptoms at 8 Weeks

By now you may be starting to feel some of these symptoms:

  • Morning Sickness: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are due to the surge of progesterone in your body. Food and smell aversions may also begin to present themselves. If you’re suffering from nausea, there are some remedies that might help settle your stomach. These include crackers (simple carbs can do the trick to settle nausea…you may even want to keep some by your bed); ginger (an effective remedy for many people), especially with sugar (crystalized ginger, ginger ale, ginger chews or lozenges); and drinking lots of water. If your situation is really bothering you or you have a dry “cotton” mouth, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help. Be sure to ask!
  • Bloating & Diarrhea: Thanks to the same hormones that cause nausea, your digestive system may also be very wonky. Fortunately, these symptoms usually improve by the second trimester.
  • Fatigue: Your body is working very hard! Even though your baby is still small there are BIG changes happening, so make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. Listen to your body when it’s telling you it needs a break.

         

         

         

        8 Weeks Pregnant To-Do List

        • Write down a list of questions to ask the doctor during your first prenatal visit. 

        • Discuss when you want to announce your pregnancy! Many couples prefer to wait until the 2nd trimester because the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases. However, it’s a personal choice!

        • Take care of YOU and your baby—listen to your body and continue to make healthy choices: Eat right, drink plenty of water and continue to exercise.

        Myth or Fact?

        Mosquitoes prefer pregnant people.

        A few studies suggest that yes, pregnant people appear to be about twice as alluring to mosquitoes than non-pregnant people, although we don’t know why. It could be increased body temperature, or it could be that you are breathing more, and thus expelling more carbon dioxide (which the bugs flock towards). Mosquitoes also seem to discriminate by blood type, preferring type O over types A and B. To repel mosquitoes naturally, try oil of lemon eucalyptus. You can also use DEET, but don’t put it directly on your skin (because some of it gets absorbed). It’s better to dab a bit on your socks, pant cuffs or neck of your shirt. (Worried about mosquitoes after Baby arrives? Check out Shoo Mosquito Net!)

        < 7 Weeks Pregnant | 9 Weeks Pregnant > 

        About Dr. Harvey Karp

        Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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        Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.