Pregnancy Week 8
Pregnancy Week 8

Your baby is as tiny as the size of raspberry

As you enter your pregnancy week 8, you may experience some discomfort. Although you may not have a visible bump, your clothing might feel snug. Additionally, your breasts may be sore or protruding from your bra, and you may find food unappetizing due to morning sickness. According to March of Dimes, 70% of pregnant individuals experience this symptom. Fortunately, it typically subsides in the following weeks, bringing relief. Finally, if you have not already had your first prenatal appointment, it is likely to happen this week.

Pregnancy Week 8 Quick Facts

  • At 8 weeks, you’re two months pregnant
  • You have 32 weeks until your due date “Calculate your due date
  • You are in the first trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 8 Weeks

At this stage, the embryo remains petite, measuring a mere 0.63 inches and weighing approximately 0.04 ounces, equivalent to the size of a raspberry.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 8

During week 8 of pregnancy, you may experience several symptoms, including:

  1. Morning sickness: Nausea, vomiting, and aversion to certain foods.

  2. Fatigue: Feeling tired or sleepy due to hormonal changes and increased metabolism.

  3. Breast changes: Tender, sore, or swollen breasts due to hormonal fluctuations.

  4. Increased urination: The uterus puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in more frequent urination.

  5. Mood swings: Fluctuations in hormones can cause irritability, moodiness, or weepiness.

  6. Cramping: Mild cramping or discomfort as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing embryo.

  7. Food aversions: An intense dislike for certain foods or smells due to heightened senses.

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and some individuals may not experience all of these symptoms. If you are concerned about any symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

 Twin pregnancy in the 8th week?

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy! In the 8th week of pregnancy, you may have several prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments scheduled. These tests and appointments are important to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your babies.

Here are some of the common tests and appointments you can expect during the 8th week of a twin pregnancy:

  1. Ultrasound: An ultrasound will be performed to confirm the presence of two fetuses and to check their development. The ultrasound can also detect any abnormalities or potential issues with the pregnancy.

  2. Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your blood type, Rh factor, and to screen for any potential infections or genetic disorders.

  3. Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check your blood pressure, weight, and overall health.

  4. Prenatal vitamins: Your doctor may prescribe prenatal vitamins to ensure that you and your babies are getting the necessary nutrients for healthy development.

  5. Discussing risks: Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with a twin pregnancy, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

It’s important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations for a healthy twin pregnancy. Wishing you and your expanding family all the best!

Risk in the 8th week of pregnancy 

There are several risks that may be associated with a twin pregnancy in the 8th week, including:

  1. Miscarriage: In the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage is higher in twin pregnancies compared to single pregnancies.

  2. Vanishing twin syndrome: This occurs when one of the twins dies in the early weeks of pregnancy and is absorbed by the mother’s body. The surviving twin usually develops normally, but there is a slightly higher risk of complications.

  3. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): This occurs when there is an unequal sharing of blood between the twins, leading to one twin receiving too much blood and the other receiving too little. This can lead to serious complications, including brain damage or death of one or both twins.

It’s important for women carrying twins to receive regular prenatal care to monitor their health and the health of their babies. This can help identify any potential risks early on and allow for appropriate interventions to be taken to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and the babies.

Developmental Milestones

Your tiny offspring is undergoing rapid growth and remarkable developments this week! Its lips, nose, and eyelids are taking shape, along with its genitalia. Although its hands and feet are currently webbed, its fingers and toes are starting to distinguish themselves, and its tail is almost disappearing.

For the twin’s baby: 

At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the twin fetuses have reached an important milestone in their development. Here are some of the developmental milestones that occur during this time:

  1. Organ formation: By the 8th week of pregnancy, the fetus major organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain, have started to form.

  2. Limb development: The fetus arms and legs are starting to take shape, and fingers and toes are beginning to form.

  3. Facial features: The fetus facial features, including eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, are becoming more defined.

  4. Movement: Although the mother may not be able to feel it yet, the fetus has started to move around and make small movements.

  5. Neural development: The twins’ neural pathways are developing, which will eventually allow them to sense their surroundings and interact with the world outside the womb.

  6. Heartbeat: By the 8th week of pregnancy, the twins’ hearts are fully formed and beating at a regular rhythm, which can be detected by ultrasound.

It is important to note that developmental milestones can vary between twins and individual babies, so these milestones should be seen as general guidelines rather than strict rules.