Would you like to know complete details about what to do in the eighth week of pregnancy? In this article, we cover comprehensive information about baby activity, mother’s activity, and pregnancy symptoms in the pregnancy eighth week.
Table of Contents
This is your Eighth week of pregnancy. Although the eighth week of pregnancy has passed, the fetus is now in its sixth week of development, i.e., six weeks after conception. Generally, conception is considered two weeks after the start of the period. This week is very important for the growth of the fetus. The eighth week marks the second month of pregnancy, or to be precise, one month and three weeks have passed.
Baby Development in the Eighth Week of Pregnancy
A child’s drawing at this time is about the size of a kidney bean, which is approximately 1.6 centimeters or three-quarters of an inch long. And the size of the fetus continues to grow at a rate of about one millimeter per day. At this time, the fetus weighs approximately 0.04 ounces or one gram. The embryo’s eyes and ears should begin to form by this time, while tiny fingers and toes are developing, resembling duck’s feet.
The fetus at this stage has started floating in the mother’s womb. The arms of the fetus float from the wrists and are folded near the heart. Legs. Other parts like knees, thighs, ankles, and toes will take some time to fully develop. The formation of the fetal respiratory system usually begins at this time, and the trachea extends from the throat to its developing lungs.
During this time, the baby’s nerves begin to branch out, attaching to the muscles, other tissues of the fetus, various organs like eyes, ears, etc., and to each other. During this time, Bruno is inside the amniotic sac, and the placenta begins to form. The placenta then gradually attaches itself to the mother’s uterine wall. By this time, the tail-like part at the back of the embryo is supposed to disappear, and from that time, the embryo slowly begins to take the shape of a human body.
If an ultrasound is done by the eighth week of pregnancy, the baby’s heartbeat can be sensed at this time. A baby’s heartbeat can be picked up by 10 weeks on a Doppler machine. But usually at 12 weeks, it is well understood. How soon the baby’s heartbeat is picked up by the machine depends on the position of the baby in the mother’s uterus, the position of the placenta, and the mother’s weight.
Physical Changes and Symptoms in the Pregnancy Eighth Week
During the eighth week of pregnancy, several changes begin to appear in the mother’s body. The normally small uterus gradually enlarges to accommodate the pregnant fetus. This week it is about the same size as a lemon. Pregnant women will experience nausea or morning sickness this week too. But if there is excessive vomiting and dehydration, there are signs of weight loss. The doctor should be informed in such cases.
These can be symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, which can cause profuse vomiting and nausea. There will be changes in the shape of the breast. Due to increased blood circulation in the breast, varicose veins develop around it. After the first few months, the dark area around the nipple, i.e., the areola, becomes relatively larger. Fatigue will continue this week. Frequent urination and some behavioral changes in the pregnant mother will be observed.
What can be done in the eighth week of pregnancy?
As there are significant changes in the growth of the baby during this time, avoid all unhealthy foods from now on. Be careful with any kind of medicine, and before taking any medication, consult a specialist to ensure its safety during pregnancy. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, try to make up for it by sleeping in the afternoon. It is normal to feel tired during this time, and it is better to accept it.
Antenatal care should be started as soon as the child’s arrival in the womb is confirmed. From the entire period of pregnancy to a few days after delivery, you should consult a doctor regularly. Most doctors will schedule your first appointment. Many may see you earlier in the eighth week of your pregnancy if you have a medical condition, a problem with a previous pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or symptoms of excessive nausea or vomiting. The first meeting can be quite long, so be prepared to stay longer.
Read Also: Seventh Week of Pregnancy.