Week 8 of Pregnancy
First trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a raspberry
0.6 inches · 0.04 oz
Baby this week
- •Fingers and toes are starting to form from tiny paddles
- •Heart is beating and can be detected by ultrasound (120-160 bpm)
- •Brain is rapidly developing with neural pathways forming
- •Eyelids are beginning to form and cover the eyes
- •Tail-like structure is disappearing as baby becomes more human-shaped
You this week
- •Morning sickness may be at its peak
- •Breast tenderness and swelling continuing
- •Extreme fatigue and need for more sleep
- •Frequent urination
- •Mood swings and emotional sensitivity
- •Food aversions or specific cravings
- •Mild cramping and stretching sensations
- •Possible lightheadedness or dizziness
This week's tips
- •Schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven't already—this is the ideal time for dating and baseline health screening
- •Eat small, frequent meals and keep crackers by your bed to manage nausea; ginger tea and B6 supplements may help
- •Stay hydrated even if water sounds unappealing—try adding lemon or sipping through a straw
- •Rest when you can; growing a baby is exhausting work and your body needs the recovery time
- •Consider telling your employer and close family if you're comfortable, as you may need accommodations for fatigue and nausea
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
Week 9 brings the end of the embryonic period—your baby officially becomes a fetus. Most miscarriages happen before this point, so many parents feel relief entering this milestone.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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