8 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Diet and Exercises

Your baby is now the size of a raspberry! About 8 weeks pregnant means you are now entering the second month of pregnancy. The baby is growing at an amazing rate and your doctor visit time is just around the corner. This article will list out some of the recent development of the baby and the difficulty the mother has.

How Many Months are 8 Weeks Pregnant and What Trimester is It?

In this 8 week old pregnancy, you are in your second month. You are now in the first trimester. This period will have a lot of trivial, but significant changes that happen to the body.

What is The Size of The Baby and Its Weight?

A baby at 8 weeks pregnant is the size of a raspberry. 8th week pregnancy baby size is 0.6 inches and 1.6cm in length. The baby weighs about 15 grams, with the slow development of fingers and toes happening simultaneously.

What Does a Pregnant Belly at 8 Weeks Look Like?

8 weeks pregnant belly is still small. However, the uterus is slowly expanding to accommodate the baby. At this stage, there is little for people to understand that you are indeed pregnant. However, for a mother 8 weeks pregnant with twins, the stomach might be slightly bigger for her, compared to a mother carrying a single baby.

See More: 7 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms:

Here are some symptoms that may be fairly common for all mothers in their 8th week.

1. Fatigue:

Your constant companion in the first-trimester journey will be fatigue. With the 8 weeks of pregnancy baby growth, and fatigue will be natural because of the changing hormones and your body will also start producing blood for your baby. Blood pressure and sugar levels go down during this period. All these lead to fatigue.

2. Sore Breasts:

The other common thing you will notice is sore breasts. Your breasts will start to feel heavy and also sore. The lobules that produce milk, start to expand.

3. Morning Sickness:

Another constant companion is morning sickness. When does someone ask you how you feel at 8 weeks pregnant? Your answer would be nausea. Therefore, it is essential to stay hydrated and look out for some home remedies that will cure morning sickness.

4. Enhanced Sense of Smell:

During this period, your sense of smell is extremely exceptional. You will be able to smell the slightest smell around you and this can sometimes really irritate you.

5. Cramps:

Pregnancy cramps are normal. As the uterus expands, the ligaments in the abdomen start to stretch out.

6. Constipation:

Constipation will be constant throughout your pregnancy. Eating fibre-rich foods and drinking lots of water can help to a large extent.

7. Spotting:

Let this not alarm you. Vaginal spotting will be normal. If you think it is going out of hand, it is best to talk to your doctor.

Changes in The Pregnant Body at 8 Weeks?

Changes in your body at 8 weeks pregnant can be slightly significant.

The first change you will notice is your breasts. Your breasts will be heavier than before and thus can appear big.
For mothers carrying twins, you might start to a very small bulge in their stomach.
A heightened sense of smell will now start taking shape and you will see yourselves perceiving the slightest smell/odour around you.

Fetal and Physical Developments of The Baby at 8 Weeks Pregnancy:

Just like you, the baby also undergoes a lot of changes. Baby progress at 8 weeks pregnant could seem very trivial but it sure is significant. Here are some you should know.

Your baby now has a nose, eyelids and lips. This means the baby will now start to look more human, than simply a mass of tissue.
Heartbeats and movements begin at this stage. The baby will start to twitch and make many other small movements.

8 Week Pregnancy Diet:

Here is what your diet chart should look like now.

1. Fruits:

We don’t have to stress it enough for you. These fruits contain nutrients and vitamins that are essential for the baby’s growth. Include a lot of fruits in your daily diet. Take this in the form of salad or simply make juice out of them with very minimal sugar.

2. Vegetables:

The next go-to is fresh green veggies! There is nothing like a good salad! A salad is a complete food and makes sure to take them in between meals. Do not miss out on the green leafy vegetables, pulses and cereals.

3. Nuts:

Nuts are a great source of energy. They are enriching and regarded to be the powerhouse of nutrients. All those times you feel hungry at odd hours, much on to some raw nuts. Roasted or fried, take away the essence of the nuts.

4. Dairy Products:

Include a lot of dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese in your diet.

What Not To Eat:

1. Tobacco and Alcohol:

They are a strict no when you are carrying! The damage that these can cause will have a lasting impact on the baby, affecting his nervous system as well.

2. Caffeine:

For the safe side, caffeine should also be kept at bay.

3. Processed Food:

Processed food is considered unhealthy and therefore, avoid the consumption of processed cheese or junk.

4. Raw Meat:

Raw meat and fish contain bacteria that can harm the growth of the baby and trigger certain diseases in the mother. Watch out!

See More: 9 Weeks Pregnant Baby Development

Exercises at Eighth Week of Pregnancy:

1. Planks:

The planks are safe at this point. They help to strengthen the abs and your back. However, if you feel like it is stressful we advise you to stop them.

2. Brisk Walking:

Brisk walking is an ideal exercise, as they do not unnecessarily put pressure on ankles and knees. Remember to choose the right road to walk.

3. Swimming:

Swimming is a healthy exercise during pregnancy. They don’t put pressure on your joints. It is important to choose the right stroke so that it does not affect you.

4. Yoga:

Prenatal yoga is particularly helpful because they keep the joints limber and ensure a sense of flexibility.

Pains and Health Issues: 8 Week Old Pregnancy:

Some Pains and health issues crop up during your pregnancy. Here are the most common ones.

1. Vaginal Discharge:

This will be recurring. You will notice a milky vaginal discharge. You can simply wash this off. This is healthy.

2. Bloating and Gas:

Bloating is common. Passing gas or farting ensures that the body feels a little relaxed as the relaxin hormone works to relax the muscles of the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract. This will make food move slowly and this can lead to gas and indigestion.

3. Cramps:

Cramps are a common pain during pregnancy. Most often, as the uterus expands to accommodate the baby, the muscles expand and this can trigger cramps. They are normal. When the cramps become unbearable, rush to the doctor.

8 Weeks Pregnant Scan and Medications:

8 weeks pregnant development will be apparent now. Your scan will show the baby’s webbed feet and toes. He or she would have had a tail during the time of conception. That will be gone now. Baby’s arms and legs will also move around.

What To Do And What Not To Do:

What To Do At 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Follow a strict diet, one that is high in essential nutrients.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor. It is time to get the monthly checkup done.
Try to stay a little active by practicing yoga or doing low-aerobic workouts. They are very essential.

What Not To Do?

Do not work out on high aerobics.
Ensure that you stay away from tobacco, caffeine and alcohol.
Do not stress yourself and remember to relax.

Additional Tips During 8 Weeks Pregnancy:

It is time to do some squats. Squats will tighten your thighs and strengthen them. This will be helpful during labour. Stay in the position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat it about 5 times.
SPF will become a must for some people. Due to hormonal changes, you will notice dark spots and freckles on your face. SPF can be helpful now.
Headaches become frequent. When the blood volume increases, it can trigger headaches. Talk to your doctor and ask him/her how to tackle this.
Keeping track of your weight. When you eat high-calorie-based fruits, you need to know what’s the right quantity. Otherwise, you may put on unnecessary weight.
If you haven’t begun exercising, it is time you do so. Slowly slip into the exercising mood and take it gently. Do not overdo it. Begin with a warm-up and do appropriate planks.

See More: 8th Month of Pregnancy Symptoms

Check List for 8 Weeks Pregnant Woman:

Find the right doctor for you. Find one whom you are very comfortable with and who is available for you.
Schedule your prenatal care appointments.
Start shopping for comfortable clothes and look out for good quality maternity bras.
Watch your diet!

Changes in your body at 8 weeks pregnant can sometimes be too overwhelming to grapple with. However, you need to prepare yourselves for the many more changes you will witness. Learn to remain positive and listen to music to relax a bit. This way, you sure will have a healthy pregnancy.

Q1. At 8 Weeks Pregnant, Where is The Baby Located?

Ans: The head of the baby is in the uterus, a little curled into it. The baby is safe in the amniotic sac and the placenta is slowly developing out to it to provide it with proper nutrients.

Q2. Sex During 8 Weeks Pregnancy Safe or Not?

Ans: Sex is safe at this point. Just ensure that you or your partner do not exert too much pressure on the stomach.

Q3. What Are The Chances of Miscarriage at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy?

Ans: The chances are high at this point. The baby is just forming and is hardly a thing. Therefore, the baby should be given adequate nutrients to ensure safe growth. Excess travelling or falling down hard on the floor can impact pregnancy negatively.

Q4. Are Cramps at 8 Weeks Pregnancy Normal?

Ans: Yes, cramps at this point are normal. The uterus is expanding to accommodate the growing baby and this can put pressure on the abdominal muscles as well. Hence you experience cramps. However, it is necessary to clarify with your doctor what is normal and what is not.

Q5. When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Ans: Schedule an appointment with your doctor at the beginning of the 8th week. This is ideal as the scan and ultrasound can help the doctor tell what you should eat and how healthy the baby is.