At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is now about the size of a raspberry or kidney bean, measuring approximately 1.6 cm (0.63 inches) long.
While still small, your baby is starting to develop more recognizable features.
Developmental Milestones: Your baby’s body is straightening out, and you can now see the beginnings of tiny arms and legs.
The heart is beating at around 150-170 beats per minute, and although you won’t feel movement yet, your baby is already making small movements inside the womb.
Additionally, the facial features are beginning to form, including the nose, upper lip, and eyes.
Common signals at 8 weeks pregnant
By 8 weeks, you may experience an increase in pregnancy symptoms due to the rising levels of hCG, progesterone, and estrogen.
Here’s what you might expect:
– Nausea and Morning Sickness: You may find yourself feeling nauseous more frequently, often referred to as morning sickness. This can occur at any time of the day.
– Fatigue: Many women feel more tired than usual at 8 weeks as the body works harder to support the developing baby.
– Breast Changes: Your breasts may feel swollen, tender, or sore as they begin to prepare for lactation.
– Frequent Urination: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your kidneys can lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
– Bloating and Gas: Due to the hormonal changes, you may notice increased bloating and gas.
– Food Aversions and Cravings: Certain smells or foods may turn your stomach, while you may begin to crave other foods as your taste preferences shift.
What to expect at 8 weeks?
An early pregnancy ultrasound at 8 weeks provides an exciting look at your baby’s development.
During this scan, you may be able to see your baby’s head, body, and the beginnings of their arms and legs.
The most exciting part is often seeing the flicker of the heartbeat on the ultrasound screen.
At 8 weeks, your baby’s size and shape are becoming more defined, though it’s still too early to determine the baby’s gender through ultrasound.
This early scan is also a great opportunity for confirming your due date, checking for multiple pregnancies, and reassuring yourself that your pregnancy is progressing well.
What comes later?
As your pregnancy progresses, the next few weeks will bring even more exciting developments.
You may choose to schedule another scan at 12-14 weeks for a reassurance scan, where the baby’s development will be more visible.
Additionally, the 16-week gender reveal scan is an option if you’re eager to learn your baby’s gender.
At Ultrascan, we provide detailed early pregnancy scans that offer a clear and reassuring view of your baby’s development.
Whether it’s confirming your baby’s size, heartbeat, or due date, our expert sonographers are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to schedule your 8-week pregnancy scan?
Contact Ultrascan, we offer state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, and our friendly team is here to ensure you have the best experience during this special time.
