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As your 7th week of pregnancy sits in the rearview mirror of your gestational journey, you might be wondering, what does being 8 weeks pregnant look like?
Well, in most cases, it’s probably more of the same.
Regretfully, you’ll probably still be dealing with those weird early pregnancy symptoms you’ve come to know and love and are still anxiously awaiting the moment when your morning sickness takes a hike (byyyeeeee!).
With the 8th week of pregnancy, however, you’re getting closer and closer to the milestone finish of your first trimester.
It’s always exciting to learn what’s happening inside your body during each week of your pregnancy. Lucky for you, we’ve researched for you and have all the information you need on what you can expect during this exciting new week!
How Many Months Are You at 8 Weeks Pregnant?
First things first, you might be wondering: “How many weeks is 8 weeks pregnant?” We don’t blame you if you’re a little confused. After all, our supposed nine months of pregnancy is actually 40 weeks, so the math can get a little fuzzy.
During your 8th week, though, you’re in your second month of pregnancy.
Considering the first four weeks of pregnancy technically happen before conception occurs, though, this week marks the one-month mark since you and your partner conceived your baby.
Should You Announce Your Pregnancy Yet?
From the second you see your first positive pregnancy test, you’re probably anxiously awaiting the moment when you get to share the big news with the world.
That being said, though, there’s often confusion about when to announce a pregnancy.
While you’re free to tell people whenever you want, there is more of a chance of miscarriage before the end of your first trimester. In fact, studies have shown approximately 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage – 85% of which occur before the 12-week mark.
Suppose you learn this information and want to err on the side of caution. In that case, it might be safer to wait until you’re outside of that first-trimester window to announce, especially if this is your first pregnancy after a miscarriage.
There’s also a school of thought among loss moms that sharing a pregnancy at any point in the gestational process is valid, and we agree! Some loss parents even feel that their grief can be validated and acknowledged by their community if they announce and then lose a baby.
While we fervently hope that this is not something you and your partner have to go through, knowing all sides of “when to announce” is a good thing. However you decide to handle the announcement is deeply personal, and we support you in whatever you choose!
How is Your Baby Developing During the 8th Week of Pregnancy?
Let’s say you go to your doctor, and they decide to give you an 8 week pregnant scan – what will they see? What is happening inside your belly during week 8?
The answer is quite a lot!
From brand new reproductive organs to a fading tadpole-ish appearance, here’s a list of everything going on with your little one when your 8 weeks pregnant:
- Ovaries or testes are starting to form at this point. Unfortunately, though, it will still be quite some time until an ultrasound tech can see your baby’s gender.
- Your baby is losing its “tail.” Up until now, your baby more closely resembled a tadpole than a human child. At 8 weeks pregnant, their body is straightening out and beginning to lose its embryonic tail.
- Their nose and upper lip look more defined.
- Ten little fingers and toes are starting to form. As your baby’s arm and leg buds get longer, their little digits are beginning to take shape, as well.
- They are starting to grow an intestinal system. Strangely enough, there isn’t enough room inside your tiny embryo for their digestive system yet. Their intestines will form inside the umbilical cord before moving into their abdomen once there’s room.
- Outer ears are starting to develop. Sure, your little bean’s inner ears have already been growing, but now their external ears are present, too. Neat!
8 Weeks Pregnant Baby Size: What “Fruit” is the Baby?
Okay, okay, we get it – while all of this information about baby’s development is interesting, there’s only one thing most of us are focused on – what does the 8 week pregnant baby size compare to?
Here’s a list of different size comparisons during the 8th week of pregnancy:
Is it Possible to Start Showing at 8 Weeks Pregnant?
When I was 8 weeks pregnant, I distinctly remember taking my weekly bump picture and wholeheartedly believing I was already starting to show. My husband and I stood swooning over my tiny “belly” and couldn’t believe I had already grown so much.
Cut to me being 9 weeks pregnant and excitedly preparing to track my weekly growth when suddenly I noticed my bump was as flat as a pancake.
Was something wrong? No, I’d just fallen victim to the trickery that is pregnancy bloating.
No matter how badly we might be waiting for our bump to make its big debut, I’m sad to say it probably won’t be happening at 8 weeks pregnant. What you might notice, however, is that your pants are starting to feel a bit snug.
Give it a few more weeks or months, though – you’ll be rocking that beautiful bump in no time!
From Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy to Morning Sickness – What Symptoms are Normal?
I wish I could tell you that your symptoms at 8 weeks pregnant will be much better than they were at 6 or 7 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, though, you’re in for more of the same.
Some common, or even unusual, early pregnancy signs you might experience during your 8th week include:
- Sore Breasts
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- High Emotions or Mood Swings
- Vaginal Discharge
- Metallic Tastes in Your Mouth
- Strange Cravings
- Plus, Many More
Luckily, as you approach the end of your first trimester, many of these side effects should start to subside. Fluctuating hormones cause many of the strange symptoms listed above during the initial weeks and months of pregnancy.
Should You Be Concerned About Being 8 Weeks Pregnant with Cramping?
Whether you’re dealing with recurrent miscarriages or this is your first pregnancy, the fear of losing your baby can be all-consuming. It’s not unusual for expectant mothers to scan their bodies for signs that something is going wrong.
Cramping and lower back pain in early pregnancy, for example, are triggers for some people as these can be early signs of miscarriage.
If you start to experience sensations like these, though, try not to stress. Cramping and lower back pain can also be regular parts of early pregnancy.
If you’re 8 weeks pregnant with cramping and feel concerned, however, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to check on your baby. They can schedule an early pregnancy ultrasound scan to check for your little one’s heartbeat and confirm everything is going okay.
Try to Enjoy Every Moment of Your 8th Week of Pregnancy
When you’re 8 weeks pregnant, it’s an exciting time of change and development for you and your little one.
While you still might not be feeling your best, your little raspberry-sized baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Plus, you’re one week closer to feeling like a normal human being again (well, hopefully, at least!)
Take some time to forget about your achy boobs and upset stomach, so you can enjoy all of the little moments your pregnancy has to offer.
How did you feel when you were 8 weeks pregnant? Did you experience any symptoms that we didn’t discuss?
Kristen Bergeron is a freelance writer from Florida. In addition to writing, she is a wife, mother of two beautiful girls, Hadley and Scarlett, and a part-time photographer. After overcoming infertility and having two successful IVF cycles, she’s made it a personal goal to help educate men and women on the realities of fertility struggles. She is passionate about supporting fellow women who are trying to navigate the complicated world of conception, pregnancy, and learning to be the best mothers we can be.
