8 weeks pregnant: Baby’s development, symptoms, and tips

Your baby is graduating from an embryo to a foetus this week, and has grown again. It now measures around 16 mm and is starting to uncurl a little at the head. Its arms are longer than its legs at the moment, but both are growing longer and developing paddle-looking feet and the form of tiny fingers on the end of stubby hands. You wouldn’t be able to distinguish knees, ankles and thighs at this point, but it won’t be too much longer.

On your baby’s face, the early signs of facial features are taking shape. The nose and upper lip are forming, while the baby’s ears start to develop their shell shape.

Your baby is still inside its amniotic sac and moving around lots, though it’s unlikely you’ll be able to feel it yet. The placenta is continuing to develop but is not yet in use, as the baby still gets its nourishment from the yolk sac.

Feeling tired, sick and low on energy are all common symptoms of pregnancy at 8 weeks. This is a challenging time, but it won’t last forever. Hopefully you’ll see these symptoms dissipate by the end of this first trimester. Remember to try and stick to a healthy, balanced diet if you can face it.

Sore breasts

Physically, you might notice sore breasts, abdominal twinges as your body adjusts to growing a new baby, and perhaps even back pain. If you have any severe pain, or continuous bleeding, talk to your midwife or GP.

Digestive system slowing down?

Hormones can also wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing bloating, gas and constipation. Try to follow a healthy diet with plenty of nutritious fruit and veg. If you’re getting continuous symptoms it might be worth keeping a food diary, as that might help you identify if any particular foods are causing you a problem.

Feeling anxious?

At 8 weeks pregnant, there are no kicks to keep you up at night and no bump to make you uncomfortable, but you might find you’re having trouble sleeping. This might be because you have a busy mind.

If you’re feeling anxious at bedtime, try writing in a journal or talking to your partner. It can help to get those worries off your chest so that you can get a good night’s sleep. Another cause of night-time waking might be that you need a wee. Try to make sure you keep hydrated during the day and see if that helps you feel less thirsty in the evenings.

You’ve probably been waiting for this first antenatal appointment, which might be the first time you see a medical professional since finding out you’re pregnant. It’s a big one – up to an hour long – with plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions. 

It’s a good idea to go prepared by first making a note of what you know of your family history, and also listing any questions you might want answered. If you’re allowed, take your partner with you so that they can hear the information the midwife gives you and provide any answers to the medical history on their side of the family that you might not know.

During this appointment, you will discuss upcoming appointments and blood tests, and your midwife should tell you how to book for your antenatal screening blood tests if you haven’t already. These should be carried out before you are 10 weeks pregnant. You will also decide which hospital to attend for your ultrasound scans, which would usually be the same hospital where you opt to have the baby. Of course, you have plenty of time before then and you can always change your mind about where you wish to give birth later on.

This is also an opportunity to ask all the questions you have been building up. Talk to your midwife about any symptoms you’re experiencing or worries you might have.

One of the things you definitely need out of this appointment is a FW8 form, which you can use to apply for a maternity exemption certificate. This entitles you to free prescriptions and free dental health care for the duration of your pregnancy and for a year afterwards.

Week-by-week bump photos

Though you probably haven’t developed a bump yet – most first-time mums don’t see a bump until 12 weeks or more – it might be nice to start taking pregnancy bump photos, which can help you track your progress through your pregnancy and give you a nice memento afterwards.

Maternity wear

If you’re thinking of buying maternity wear, it’s worth considering what you’ll need most – for example, if you work in a professional environment, you might need to think about buying maternity workwear. Whereas if you’re able to wear more relaxed clothes, maternity leggings and dresses or tunics with plenty of room in them will probably do the trick. Talk to friends who’ve had babies about what they got the most use from and try Vinted or eBay for second-hand bargains. Remember that both your bump and your breasts will get bigger, so shop accordingly.

Build your stamina

If you feel well enough to get out and about for some exercise, it’s a great idea to get fresh air and keep active. Building strength through pregnancy will give you the stamina you need to carry and birth your baby. (Plus, they get quite heavy once they’re out in the open too!) 

It’s never too early to start your pelvic floor exercises. Follow our pelvic floor exercise guide to see what to do and how often.

Folic acid and other supplements

Remember to keep eating fresh food containing lots of folic acid, and you should now also make sure that you get enough vitamin B from your diet, and/or from supplements if necessary. You will also need more iodine during your pregnancy in order for your baby’s thyroid gland to develop properly.

Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable supplement which will give you the folic acid, vitamin B and iodine that you need.

After you give birth, you won’t need quite as much folic acid as during your pregnancy, but women who breastfeed still need more than other adult women.

What should I be feeling at 8 weeks pregnant

You’ll probably still be feeling the little internal tugs and pulls that indicate your body is adjusting to carry a baby. Your breasts might be sore, and you might be experiencing the more uncomfortable first trimester symptoms of morning sickness, fatigue and nausea.

Emotionally, those hormones might still be giving you a rough ride, and it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed – especially if you are also feeling unwell and/or anxious. If you decide to pay for a private ultrasound scan at 8 weeks you might find it gives you some reassurance about your baby’s progress. However, don’t feel obliged to do this – you only have a few weeks more to wait until your dating scan.

Can you have a bump at 8 weeks pregnant?

If you’ve been pregnant before, you might find that you notice a bump earlier than you did in your first pregnancy, as your body has already accommodated a baby before and doesn’t have to do the same work to make room. However, if this is your first baby, you’re unlikely to have a bump at 8 weeks – although bloating might make you think you do!

Can I dye my hair at 8 weeks pregnant?

The NHS advises that, while the levels of toxic chemicals found in hair dye are very low, it might be wisest to avoid dying your hair until after 12 weeks pregnant, to avoid the risk of chemicals affecting your developing baby.

Is it safe to fly when 8 weeks pregnant?

Yes, you can fly throughout your first and second trimester. Some airlines might require a medical certificate in the third trimester, and it’s recommended you avoid flying in your final weeks of pregnancy because of the risk of going into labour while on the flight!

Can I feel flutters at 8 weeks pregnant?

The first time you feel your baby move it will probably feel like gas bubbles gently popping in your tummy – but lower down – or some people say it’s like butterfly wings fluttering inside you. You’re unlikely to be able to feel anything at 8 weeks, as your baby is still so small.

You should start to feel the baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, though some people – particularly second-time mothers – feel it earlier.

Got questions? At the HiPPBabyClub, we bring you real-world advice and support from HiPP parents, midwives, nutritionists and more. Join our Baby Club to find out more.