The 8th week of pregnancy: Info & Tips

The baby's development in the 8th week of pregnancy

The heart is developing: The embryo's heart has already been beating since<LINK> week 5, but only now are forming within the heart heart valves and walls. The heartbeat is still almost twice as fast as the mother's. However, it cannot yet be heard.

Further development of individual organs:If in previous weeks of pregnancy rudiments of various organs were already present, they now continue to develop steadily. Thus, the liver as a bulge between the heart and the umbilical cord and the intestine also continues to take shape. However, it is too large to fully fit into the baby's abdominal cavity. For this reason it protrudes into a kind of loop into the umbilical cord to transport waste products from the embryo's body there – this leads to the so-called umbilical hernia. This is something completely natural and initially harmless. In about four weeks the digestive system will then move back.

Development of the limbs: From the paddle-shaped beginnings of arms and legs, gradually elbows and knees emerge, so the embryo develops more and more human limbs. Also fingers and toes are slowly forming, but are still connected by small membranes, the so-called 'webbing'.

Bone formation: In the 8th week of pregnancy, bones slowly form from the cartilage in the embryo's body. Also the skull bones form around the brain: however, these remain only loosely connected until after birth so that the brain can continue to develop. In addition, your baby will turn its head for the first time in the 8th week.

Sensory organs and nerve cells interconnect: By the 8th week of pregnancy, the sensory organs have already progressed far and are increasingly linking with the brain. Thus, first connections between the eyes and the olfactory cells in the brain. The nervous system, which is progressively maturing, already communicates with the muscles. The development of the nervous system is a critical developmental step during which the embryo is more vulnerable to toxins such as nicotine or alcohol.

Note: If the mother did not know about the pregnancy until the 8th week and smoked or drank, there is no reason to panic: the body decides in early pregnancy according to the 'all-or-nothing' principle, so a pregnancy only continues if the baby has not been harmed.

Development of the eyes: By week 8 the embryo's eyes have moved to their future position on the head. The optic nerve is forming and the eyelids are developing. The latter will be closed over the eyes by at the latest in the 12th week of pregnancy be closed over the eyes.

Week 8: The first prenatal check-up

If you have only taken a pregnancy test at home so far, it's now time to see a doctor: The first prenatal appointment should take place between the 5th and 8th week of pregnancy. At this examination, the gynecologist asks about the mother's general health, issues the maternity record and calculates the due date. In addition to the first ultrasound examination of the embryo, also potential risk factors such as pre-existing conditions or a family predisposition to certain diseases are queried for the pregnancy. In addition, the doctor determines the blood and urine values, as well as body weight at the beginning of the pregnancy.

After this first appointment, further prenatal check-ups once a month. In the last two months of pregnancy, appointments then take place every two weeks.

By the way: Prenatal check-ups can also be carried out by your midwife. The only exception is the ultrasound, for which usually only doctors have the appropriate equipment.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

By the end of the 2nd month of pregnancy, a small clump of cells the size of a pomegranate seed has now become a 9 to 16 centimeter large mini person grown. That corresponds about the size of a raspberry. On the ultrasound image you can now see the miniature human form of your baby, on which the tiny hands and little feet become visible appear. The jaw, with teeth forming inside, also usually appears as a bright spot in the head area.

Week 8: Physical changes in the mother

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Externally, in the 8th week of pregnancy there is usually still no belly or only a minimal bulge to be seen. Internally, however, numerous changes have occurred: For example, the uterus has already doubled and also some pregnancy complaints are now really making themselves noticed again: From shortness of breath to mood swings as well as slowly growing body parts it's all part of it.

Shortness of breath: Often the woman already feels out of breath after a short effort. Because some of the oxygen goes to the child, many pregnant women feel shortness of breath.

Dizziness: During pregnancy, the mother's blood volume increases by 40 - 50 percent to supply the baby – which is hard work for the circulatory system. Many women therefore suffer from dizziness and circulatory problems, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

Mood swings: In the first trimester, the complete hormonal change is particularly evident: many women experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from insecurity and feeling overwhelmed to sadness and outbursts of anger. Often a certain sensitivity remains throughout the entire pregnancy and also in the weeks after birth.

Growing breasts: Although the pregnancy may not yet be visible on the belly, many mothers already notice in the 8th week that their breasts begin to feel tight and grow. In addition, the nipples may darken.

Frequent urination: The baby and the uterus are steadily growing and are now together approximately the size of a goose egg. As a result, the uterus can press on the bladder and you may need to go to the toilet more often than usual.

Tips: What is important in the 8th week of pregnancy

Enough rest and eating regularly: Even if nausea and loss of appetite are common in the first weeks of pregnancy, the mother should try to eat small portions regularly. This helps some women with nausea – at least the right nutrition during pregnancy provides enough energy, which is important now.
Find a midwife: Although it is still 7 months until birth, it is advisable to start looking for a midwife in your area early. They can support you until the end of your pregnancy and often prove to be a significant help in your birth preparation.
Inform your employer: If you have not yet told your employer about your pregnancy, now would be a good time to do so. If you inform your superiors now, they will have the opportunity to include your maternity protection and the subsequent parental leave in future planning.
Employment ban for high-risk occupations: In professions where there is an increased health risk, which are physically very demanding or mentally stressful, the doctor can issue an employment ban to protect the unborn child. Typical professions for this are the care and support sector as well as trades. At which week of pregnancy the employment ban applies depends on the individual situation and the doctor's assessment. The employer receives the medical certificate and must release the expectant mother from her work.

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