8 Weeks Pregnant: At week 8, you’re officially about two months pregnant! Your baby is growing quickly, and pregnancy hormones are at high levels, which can make symptoms more noticeable. Also, and you might be experiencing a mix of physical and emotional changes.
At this stage, your baby’s fingers and toes are forming, and their tiny heart is beating fast. Keep up with your prenatal vitamins, drink plenty of water, and rest as needed. If any symptoms feel extreme, check with your doctor for guidance.
This stage is part of our Fetal Development Stages of Pregnancy, helping you understand how your baby is developing and what you can expect.
Common 8 Week Pregnancy Symptoms
At 8 weeks, your body is undergoing significant hormonal changes, leading to various symptoms. These can vary from woman to woman but may include:
Morning Sickness & Nausea: One of the most common symptoms, caused by rising hCG levels. Eating small meals frequently can help ease nausea.
Fatigue & Exhaustion: Your body is working hard to support the pregnancy, which can leave you feeling drained.
Breast Tenderness: Hormonal changes lead to sore, swollen breasts, preparing for milk production.
Frequent Urination: Increased blood flow and hormonal changes put extra pressure on your bladder.
Bloating & Gas: Progesterone slows digestion, leading to bloating, constipation, and excess gas.
Cramps & Mild Abdominal Pain: Mild cramping is normal as the uterus expands. However, severe pain should be checked by a doctor.
Mood Swings & Emotional Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can make you feel overly emotional or irritable.
Headaches & Dizziness: Due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.
Increased Hunger & Food Cravings: Some women experience cravings or aversions to certain foods.
Increased Vaginal Discharge: A thin, milky-white discharge (leukorrhea) is normal and helps prevent infections.
8 Weeks Pregnant and No Symptoms?
If you don’t have noticeable symptoms, don’t panic. Every pregnancy is different. If your doctor confirms healthy development, there’s no cause for concern.
Baby Development at 8 Weeks Pregnant
At 8 weeks, your baby is no longer an embryo but officially a fetus! Here’s what’s happening:
Size: Your baby is about the size of a raspberry, measuring 1.6 cm to 2 cm (0.63 to 0.78 inches).
Heartbeat: Your baby’s heart is beating at 150-170 beats per minute.
Limbs & Face: Tiny fingers and toes are forming, and facial features like the nose and eyelids are becoming more defined.
Internal Organs: The intestines, kidneys, and brain are developing rapidly.
Movement Begins: Though you can’t feel it yet, your baby has started to move.
8 Week Pregnancy Ultrasound & HCG Levels
An ultrasound at 8 weeks pregnant typically confirms the baby’s heartbeat and measures the Crown-Rump Length (CRL) to estimate due dates. Normal hCG levels at this stage range from 10,000 to 200,000 mIU/mL.
8 Weeks Pregnancy Food Chart (Vegetarian)
| Meal | Food Suggestions |
| Breakfast | Oats with almonds and banana, or whole wheat toast with avocado and a glass of milk |
| Mid-Morning Snack | Greek yogurt with flaxseeds and walnuts |
| Lunch | Brown rice with dal (lentils), mixed vegetable curry, and chapati |
| Afternoon Snack | Fruit smoothie with spinach, dates, and chia seeds |
| Dinner | Quinoa with tofu stir-fry and steamed broccoli |
| Evening Snack | Roasted makhana (fox nuts) or hummus with whole-grain crackers |
8 Weeks Pregnancy Care & Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and constipation.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Include iron, folic acid, and calcium in your diet.
- Avoid Harmful Foods: Stay away from raw seafood, unpasteurized dairy, and excessive caffeine.
- Get Regular Check-Ups: Follow your prenatal care routine and attend all appointments.
- Exercise Safely: Light walking or prenatal yoga can help maintain fitness and reduce stress.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
Note: Dr. Abhilasha Prakash (MBBS, DGO, MS) is a leading gynecologist at Abhilasha Nursing Home with over 32+ years of experience. She specializes in gynecology, obstetrics, and infertility, providing expert care and guidance for expecting mothers.
FAQs About 8 Weeks Pregnancy
Q 1. What does an 8-week pregnant belly look like?
Your belly may not be visibly large yet, but bloating can make it appear bigger.
Q 2. Can I travel at 8 weeks pregnant?
If your pregnancy is normal, short trips are usually fine. However, consult your doctor before traveling.
Q 3. Is spotting normal at 8 weeks pregnant?
Light spotting or brown discharge can be normal, but red bleeding should be checked by a doctor immediately.
Q 4. Can an 8-week pregnancy be aborted?
If considering termination, speak with a qualified healthcare provider to understand your options.
Q 5. How can I predict my baby’s gender at 8 weeks?
While some myths suggest symptoms like cravings or morning sickness can indicate gender, the only accurate method is a DNA test or ultrasound after 18-20 weeks.
Q 6. What if there’s no heartbeat at 8 weeks?
Sometimes, the heartbeat isn’t detected early. Your doctor may recommend another scan in a week to confirm viability.
Q 7. What should I do if I experience severe cramps or bleeding at 8 weeks?
Contact your doctor immediately, as it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Conclusion
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is rapidly developing, and your body is adapting to hormonal changes. From morning sickness and fatigue to baby growth milestones, every pregnancy journey is unique. Stay proactive about prenatal care, follow a balanced diet, and consult your doctor for any concerns.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming guide on 9 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms & Baby Development to stay informed about your pregnancy journey!
Also You can read our Guide for:
| 1 Week Pregnant Symptoms | 2 Week Pregnant Symptoms |
| 3 Week Pregnant Symptoms | 4 Week Pregnant Symptoms |
| 5 Week Pregnant Symptoms | 6 Week Pregnant Symptoms |
| 7 Week Pregnant Symptoms |
Other Important Guide to Read:
Note: For Pregnancy Checkup and consultation you can visit Abhilasha Nursing Home Agra. Get Direction