Pregnancy week 8 may come with a visible bulge baby bump and other signs such as sore breasts, frequent urination, and continuous morning sickness. The symptoms, and how much you experience them, vary from one woman to another.
This is also the week to start, if you haven’t yet, exploring your options for a maternity care provider you trust to walk with you during your pregnancy and beyond. Malaica’s personalized maternity care offers you multiple layers of support to ensure you and your baby are taken care of physically, psychologically, and with community support.
Changes in Your Body at Pregnancy Week 8
During this week, the changes to your body are more visible and your belly may be having a little bulge. If you haven’t started taking iron and folic acid supplements it’s important to get them from your doctor or nurse at the antenatal clinic.
Your breasts may begin to feel tender as your milk ducts are now beginning to form for breastfeeding. Your nipples may also be a little bigger and you may not want to wear very tight bras.
For most of you who are 8 weeks pregnant, nausea has probably become part of your daily morning routine. Vomiting in the morning, or as a reaction to certain smells or tastes is normal and some of the ways to help you cope with morning sickness are to try the Mint sweets (Tropical) and stay hydrated. Remember to drink lots of water and fluids as well to stay hydrated and ensure you replenish what you lose.
Many women at pregnancy week 8 may also experience the urge to urinate more so make sure you go to the toilet as often as you need to. During this week you may also start feeling light-headed, especially if you have been standing for too long. Avoid situations that drain your energy and rather keep off your feet as much as you can, whether you’re doing house chores or working while pregnant.
See Previous: Baby Development and Body Changes at Pregnancy Week 7
Baby’s Development Milestones at 8 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is looking less like a bean now and more like a human being. His skin has begun forming and he is developing eyelids, little fingers and toes. This is the last week of their embryo stage as the body parts finish forming so they can start growing into a fetus from the coming pregnancy week 9. They’re now the size of a raspberry.
It’s too early to start thinking of baby names because it is not completely discernible to whether it is a boy or a girl. However, their genitals are begin to form at this stage and you can get to know their sex in a few weeks after an ultrasound scan.
Personalized Antenatal Care at Malaica
The right antenatal care support at pregnancy week 8 ensures your growing body is healthy to carry your baby while monitoring your little one’s development. It also provides you with insights to take care of yourself, including nutrition advise, supplements, and mental plus emotional health support when you need it.
Speak with Malaica’s antenatal care team by booking an appointment or calling +254 746 610643 to learn how our personalized and holistic maternity care approach can support your pregnancy journey.