Week 8 of Pregnancy

At 8 weeks pregnant, your tiny baby is changing more and more every day. Your baby is still known as an embryo, but they're beginning to look a little more baby-like. They are now roughly 16mm from head to bottom, approximately the size of a raspberry.

Their head is still large compared with the rest of their body because the brain is developing rapidly. Tiny arms and legs are getting longer, and the beginnings of fingers and toes are developing. Your baby's facial features are changing too. Their eyes are becoming more noticeable, the ears are developing, and the beginnings of their nose and upper lip are taking shape. It's amazing how much has changed since Week 7!

What's happening with your baby this week? 

Your baby's brain and nervous system continue to develop rapidly. Their tiny heart is beating and developing, while important organs, including the liver and kidneys, are continuing to form and mature. Your baby's arms can now bend slightly at the elbows, while their legs and feet continue developing. And although you won't be able to feel anything yet, your tiny baby may already be making little movements inside the womb!

Your first midwife appointment

Around this stage, you may be getting ready for your booking appointment with your midwife. This is a chance to discuss your health, medical history and pregnancy care, as well as ask any questions you've been storing up since seeing that positive test. It can be helpful to write your questions down beforehand; pregnancy brain has a habit of making them disappear at exactly the wrong moment!

Your first scan is getting closer. For most uncomplicated pregnancies in the UK, the first routine NHS ultrasound, usually called the dating scan, is offered at around 10 to 14 weeks. At Week 8, you're getting closer to that magical moment when you may finally see your little baby on the screen. It can feel like a long wait, but there's an incredible amount of development happening between now and then.

Morning Sickness and tiredness

If you're struggling with nausea, eating smaller amounts regularly and keeping hydrated may help. Tiredness can also be particularly noticeable during these early weeks. Your body is working incredibly hard even though nobody can see it yet, so don't feel guilty about having an early night or putting your feet up when you can. If you're vomiting frequently, unable to keep fluids down or becoming dehydrated, contact your midwife, GP or maternity service for advice.

From one mum to another

Eight weeks can feel like a strange mixture of excitement and exhaustion. You may still be keeping your pregnancy a secret while secretly counting down the days until your first scan. And if you're feeling sick, tired and emotional, don't put pressure on yourself to enjoy every second. You can be incredibly excited about your baby while also wishing morning sickness would kindly disappear! Take things one day, and one week at a time.

Your Week 8 checklist

• Continue taking your recommended folic acid and vitamin D.
• Attend or arrange your booking appointment.
• Keep drinking plenty of fluids.
• Rest whenever you need to.
• Keep a note of questions for your midwife.
• Seek medical advice if you're concerned about any symptoms.
• Take a moment to appreciate just how much your tiny baby has already changed.

Next: 9 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby Is Starting to Move

The Allaboutthebump Pregnancy Week by Week series is intended as a general guide and should not replace individual medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you experience symptoms that concern you, pain, bleeding, severe sickness or have questions about your pregnancy, contact your midwife, GP, maternity unit or NHS 111 as appropriate.