👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now about the length of a cotton wool ball, roughly sixteen millimetres from crown to rump and growing at an astonishing pace.
This week marks a special milestone: the embryo is now called a foetus, meaning “offspring”. The head is beginning to uncurl and looks proportionally large to make room for the fast-developing brain.
Facial features are taking shape: a tiny upper lip forms, the nose tip becomes more defined, and thin eyelids start to cover the eyes as the retinas develop underneath.
Arm and leg buds are lengthening. Cartilage is forming that will later turn into bones, and the widened tips of the arm buds hint at the first little hands. Toes and knees will follow in the coming weeks.
Internal organs and body systems are well underway. By the end of this week, the essentials have begun to form, laying the groundwork for growth and fine-tuning over the next months.
The placenta is embedding more deeply, sprouting branching villi to attach firmly to the womb and support nutrient and oxygen exchange. The umbilical cord continues to act as your baby’s lifeline.
Although you can’t feel it yet, your baby may already be making tiny, spontaneous movements in the roomy, steadily increasing amniotic fluid.
🌸Your body this week
Even if you doesn’t look pregnant yet, you might feel it: bloating, a tighter waistband, and slightly swollen, tender breasts are common now.
The placenta is gearing up to take on more of the workload, which can make you feel extra tired or nauseous while hormones surge.
Frequent urination can continue as the growing womb presses on the bladder. Try drinking plenty through the day and a little less close to bedtime.
Food likes and dislikes may shift. Strong smells can be off-putting, and a metallic taste in the mouth is a frequent early quirk.
A thin, milky vaginal discharge (leukorrhoea) is normal and helps protect against infection. Seek medical advice if there’s itching, burning, an unusual smell or bleeding.
Headaches, mood swings and bloating can all make this week feel challenging. Be kind to your body, rest, gentle movement and small, regular meals often help.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 8 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Nausea and Morning Sickness
Queasiness can be all-day rather than just mornings. Eat small, frequent snacks, keep hydrated and try ginger or lemon to settle the stomach.
Fatigue
Hormonal changes and early placenta development can leave you wiped out. Short naps and light activity, like a brief walk, can boost energy.
Bloating, Gas and Constipation
Slower digestion may bring fullness and wind. Add fibre gradually, drink water and keep moving to support a comfortable rhythm.
Frequent Urination
More trips to the loo are common. Stay hydrated during the day and consider easing off fluids in the hour or two before bed.
Breast Tenderness and Changes
Breasts may feel swollen, tingly or sore as ducts and blood flow increase. A soft, supportive bra can ease discomfort.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
Leukorrhoea is typically thin and milky. Use breathable underwear and avoid douching, which can upset the natural balance.
Food Aversions or Cravings
Follow your appetite while aiming for balance. If you ever crave non-food items (like clay or starch), speak to a healthcare professional.
Headaches and Heartburn
Hormones and digestion changes can spark headaches or acid reflux. Rest, fluids, smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods may help.
✨Tips for week 8
Arrange your Booking Appointment
If not already set, contact your GP or midwife to book the first appointment between weeks 8 and 12. Screening options and your pregnancy plan can be discussed there.
Keep Taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D
Continue a daily 400 microgram folic acid supplement until at least week 12, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D to support healthy bones and muscles.
Manage Nausea with Small, Regular Meals
Aim for six light meals or snacks a day. Plain crackers, yogurt, fruit and simple carbs are often easier to tolerate.
Time Fluids to Protect Sleep
Drink generously in daylight hours and reduce intake later in the evening to limit overnight bathroom trips.
Gentle Exercise Helps
Work towards 150 minutes of moderate activity a week if that feels comfortable. Even a brisk ten-minute walk supports mood, digestion and sleep.
Healthy Eating Without ‘Eating for Two’
Focus on colourful fruit and veg, whole grains, lean protein and dairy or fortified alternatives. Fruit can be especially helpful if salads aren’t appealing right now.
Look After your Emotional Wellbeing
It’s normal to feel anxious or low. Try mindfulness, rest where possible, and talk to a midwife, GP or someone trusted if worries build up.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol, Limit Caffeine
If you smokes or drinks alcohol, seek support to stop. Keep tea, coffee and energy drinks to a sensible minimum.
Consider Antenatal Classes
Ask about local or online classes to learn about pregnancy and birth, and to meet other parents-to-be.