8 Weeks Pregnant: Things Are Getting Real!

Due dates are only an estimate. Statistically, 96% are incorrect. If you are currently 8 weeks pregnant then you are due in approximatley 32 weeks or 224 days. Due dates are calculated on 40 weeks of pregnancy but your baby might be born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Some are born earlier and some later. Put simply, labour happens when your body and baby are ready!

Use our pregnancy calculator to work out when you might be due.

Size and growth

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby has grown significantly from the tiny cluster of cells they once were. They are now about the size of a kidney bean, around 1.6 cm long, and they’re undergoing remarkable changes. The placenta is still forming, but your baby is nestled inside the amniotic sac and your body is hard at work supporting their growth. This can make you feel more tired than usual, so go easy on yourself this week.

Organ and system development

Your baby officially transitions from being an embryo to a foetus at 8 weeks, as their major organs become more complex. Their brain is developing fast and neural pathways are starting to connect; their heart is beating strong and fast, at nearly twice the rate of yours; and their tiny lungs are beginning to take shape.

Their digestive system and kidneys are also starting to form, and their intestines are slowly beginning to elongate.

Facial features

Your baby’s face is starting to look more human at this stage, with tiny eyelids, the tip of a nose, and a pair of lips becoming more recognisable. Their eyes are becoming more distinct, too. Though they are still closed, their tear ducts have begun developing, their optic nerve is forming, and pigment is developing in their retina. Their little gums are forming beneath the surface, laying the groundwork for those future baby teeth.

Limb development

Your baby’s arms and legs are lengthening, and the tiny buds that will become hands and feet are starting to form. Though their fingers and toes are still webbed, they’re gradually becoming more defined. The joints of their wrists, elbows, and knees are taking shape, too, giving your baby a more obviously human appearance, and preparing them for movement.

Foetal movement

Although it’s too early for you to feel anything, your baby might be starting to make small movements. These tiny wiggles and stretches are essential for muscle and nerve development and will become more coordinated as the weeks go on.

Physical changes

By week 8, your uterus has doubled in size and will be about the size of a lemon. You might be feeling some pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen, and while you’re not showing yet, you may notice your clothes feeling a bit snug. You might also experience bloating and mild cramping as your body adjusts to accommodate your growing baby.

Metallic mouth taste

Many pregnant women experience a strange metallic taste in their mouths during early pregnancy, known as dysgeusia. This odd sensation can make foods taste a bit funny and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes, particularly the increase in oestrogen and progesterone levels. It usually subsides in the second trimester, but until then, chewing gum or consuming citrus fruits might help to mask the taste.

Vaginal discharge

You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge during week 8. This milky, white discharge is normal and helps to keep the vagina clean and prevent infections. However, if the discharge has a strong odour, causes itching, or is accompanied by discomfort, it’s best to check in with your midwife to rule out any potential causes for concern.

Hormonal changes

Your hormones are still on a wild ride, which might leave you feeling a bit emotional or out of sorts. The hormones human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oestrogen, and progesterone are working overtime to maintain your pregnancy, which can contribute to symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, it’s important to keep listening to your body and prioritising rest.

• Eat small, frequent meals to help with nausea and maintain energy levels.
• Stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing sickness.
  Get plenty of rest and listen to your body’s need for sleep.
• Wear comfortable clothing and a supportive bra to ease breast tenderness.
• Engage in gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or antenatal yoga to boost your mood and energy levels.
  Discuss any concerns with your midwife or GP.

This week, speak to your midwife about having an 8-week pregnancy scan to get an early glimpse of your baby. During this scan, the sonographer will check for your baby’s heartbeat, provide an estimated due date, and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Although it’s still early days, this ultrasound can also help identify if you’re carrying more than one baby.

Week 8 is a time of major progress, both for your baby and your body. Take things one day at a time and remember to be extremely kind to yourself. Whether you’re navigating new symptoms, feeling all the feels, or just wondering whether you’ll ever stay awake past 8pm again, know that you’re doing an incredible job. It’s all part of the journey to motherhood!

Be sure to check out the Butterbean knowledge hub for your week by week guide to pregnancy plus lots more from birth to babe in arms. Did you know we also have courses? Check out our multi award-winning hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga courses today!