8 Weeks Pregnant Belly, Symptoms and Baby

At this stage, you have now been pregnant for two months and are two-thirds of the way into the first trimester! It has been two months since your pregnancy journey began and you have come a long way. Your baby’s growth and development are continuing at a rapid rate, and you will most likely be feeling some rather unpleasant pregnancy symptoms right now.

At this stage, you need to plan your first appointment with your midwife.

Baby at 8 Weeks Pregnant

How Big is My Baby at this Stage?

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby’s development is continuing at a rapid pace. Your uterus, which is housing your baby-to-be, is around the size of a lemon and your baby is about the size of a raspberry.

Baby’s Body Development at 8 Weeks Pregnant

At this stage, your growing baby’s legs are getting longer- although they are too small to show as distinct parts of your baby’s body. At this stage of your pregnancy, your baby’s arms and upper body is growing much faster than their legs.

Your baby’s fingers and toes are also beginning to form at this stage.

Baby’s Facial Features

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby’s facial features are beginning to form: including a tiny little upper lip, a tiny little nose and a tiny pair of eyelids too. The external parts of your baby’s ears are also forming this week.

For a complete week-by-week guide of your baby’s development, you can read our article How Are Babies Made?

8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At 8 weeks pregnant, you are most likely feeling a lot more pregnant than you did previously! Early pregnancy symptoms that you may be experiencing at this stage are:

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom. This symptom is due to all of the hormonal changes your body goes through during pregnancy. The sudden changes in pregnancy hormones can cause fatigue and tiredness. If you find that you are constantly exhausted, you should consult your doctor as it may be a sign of iron deficiency- a common problem during pregnancy.

Morning Sickness or Nausea

Morning sickness, or nausea, is caused by the sudden increase in progesterone that comes with pregnancy. The rapid change in hormone levels can also cause hypersensitivity to smells- or a heightened sense of smell- which can cause nausea and vomiting- and food aversions.

Food Cravings

If you have recently been finding yourself craving odd food combinations- or a certain food much more than usual- don’t worry, it’s normal!

If you have been having cravings for ice, however, you should consult your health care professional. Craving and eating ice can be a sign of iron deficiency.

Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint that arises with pregnancy, and it is to be expected- after all, you are incubating a tiny human inside of you!

Breast Pain or Tenderness

Breast pain, or breast tenderness, is caused by the increase in progesterone that arises in your body due to pregnancy.

Nipple Sensitivity

Nipple sensitivity is caused by the increase in blood flow to your nipples, which makes them more sensitive.

Discharge

During pregnancy, you may find that you have an increase in mucus-like vaginal discharge. This is completely normal.

Constipation or gas

Digestive troubles- such as constipation, bloating or gas- are common during pregnancy. This is because the increase in progesterone slows down your digestive system. This may also result in a heavy feeling in your lower abdomen.

 

Bellies at Pregnancy Week 8

At 8 weeks pregnant, most women do not start showing yet! Most pregnant women in their first-time pregnancies, they do not start showing until around 12 weeks pregnant. However, it is completely normal if you are showing at this stage, and you should be proud of your beautiful baby bump.