Week 8 of 40

First trimester

What's happening with the baby

At around 8 weeks the baby is about 16mm long, roughly the size of a raspberry, according to the NHS week 8 guide. The arms are getting longer and are bigger than the legs, because the upper body grows faster than the lower body. Mayo Clinic notes that fingers have begun to form and the upper lip and nose have formed.

The eyes and nose are visible, the inner ear and tongue are developing, and the arms and legs are still made of cartilage. Until the placenta takes over from about 10 weeks, the baby gets its nutrients from the yolk sac. See Pregnancy, Birth and Baby's week 8 page.

What you might notice

Your uterus is now about the size of a tennis ball and pressing on your bladder, so you may need to pee more often. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby notes that this is the week when morning sickness is often at its worst. The NHS suggests drinking plenty during the day but less in the evening if peeing at night is affecting your sleep.

Hormones can make your gums bleed more easily, and vomiting or sweet foods can affect your teeth. Gentle flossing and a soft toothbrush help, and it's worth seeing a dentist during pregnancy (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).

Feeling anxious, tearful or flat at times is common. The NHS suggests resting, sharing your worries, and talking to your midwife or doctor.

Things worth doing

Ease nausea where you can. ACOG suggests dry toast or crackers before getting out of bed, five or six small meals a day so your stomach is never empty, and bland foods. ACOG also says ginger can help settle your stomach. If you're unsure about supplements or medicines, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
Go to your booking appointment. In the UK, NHS guidance is that the first midwife appointment is usually at 8 to 12 weeks, and you'll be offered screening tests (NHS week 8, NHS antenatal care). In Australia, if you haven't seen a doctor yet, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says now is the time to go. Timing differs between countries, so follow your local service's advice.
Flu vaccination. Flu can be more serious in pregnancy. In Australia the flu vaccine is free for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy under the National Immunisation Program (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby). Ask your doctor or midwife what's offered where you live.
Folic acid. Keep taking 400mcg a day until at least week 12, unless your doctor has advised a different dose (NHS).

For partners this week

If nausea is at its worst, keep easy snacks and drinks within reach, and take over cooking if smells are a trigger.
Offer to go to the booking appointment, and help write down questions beforehand.
Make space to talk about worries. Some days will feel better than others.

When to get help

Tell your midwife or doctor, or contact the hospital, as soon as possible if you're being sick often and can't keep food down. You may be at risk of dehydration, and severe sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) can be treated. See the NHS severe vomiting page. ACOG lists signs of dehydration to call about: a small amount of dark urine, not being able to pee, not keeping liquids down, feeling dizzy or faint when standing, or a racing heartbeat.

Get medical help if you have bleeding from the vagina, or pain and cramping in your lower tummy. Bleeding can have other causes, but it should be checked. See the NHS miscarriage page.