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What Happens During the 8th Week of Pregnancy?
Congratulations, you have reached the 8th week of your pregnancy! By this time, your baby is about the size of a kidney bean, measuring around 0.6 to 0.7 inches (1.6 to 1.8 centimeters) in length. There are various developments that take place around this time that you should be aware of. Below are a few highlights:
Embryo Growth and Development
By the 8th week of pregnancy, the embryo is growing rapidly. At this point in time, most, if not all, of the organs have begun to develop, and some can even be seen using an ultrasound scan. The eyes, for instance, appear as dark spots, while the ears are forming, and the nose and upper lip are starting to take shape. Additionally, the fingers and toes are also beginning to grow and are no longer webbed.
Brain Development
At the 8th week of pregnancy, the baby’s brain is also developing at a rapid pace. The cerebral hemispheres are forming, and the brain is beginning to control the movements of the body.
Placenta Development
At this stage, the placenta is also developing rapidly, and it plays an essential role in your pregnancy. The placenta is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream to your baby. It also removes waste products from your baby’s blood and transfers them to your blood, which is then eliminated from your body as urine.
What Symptoms to Expect?
Around the 8th week of pregnancy, many women experience a host of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness and swelling
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings and aversions
What to Do During the 8th Week of Pregnancy?
The 8th week of pregnancy is a crucial time for you and your baby. There are a few things you can do to ensure that you remain healthy throughout your pregnancy:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Get enough rest
- Take your prenatal vitamins regularly
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the size of the embryo during the 8th week of pregnancy?
The embryo is about the size of a kidney bean, measuring around 0.6 to 0.7 inches (1.6 to 1.8 centimeters) in length during the 8th week of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms that I should expect during the 8th week of pregnancy?
During the 8th week of pregnancy, you may experience nausea and vomiting, fatigue, breast tenderness and swelling, frequent urination, and food cravings and aversions.
What can I do to ensure that I remain healthy during the 8th week of pregnancy?
During the 8th week of pregnancy, it is essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get enough rest, take your prenatal vitamins regularly, and avoid smoking and alcohol.
What is the placenta, and what is its role during pregnancy?
The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy and attaches to the wall of the uterus. It plays an essential role in your pregnancy by transporting oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream to your baby. It also removes waste products from your baby’s blood and transfers them to your blood.
What is morning sickness, and is it normal during the 8th week of pregnancy?
Morning sickness is a common symptom during pregnancy that is characterized by nausea and vomiting. It is entirely normal during the 8th week of pregnancy and may last until the end of the first trimester.