8 weeks pregnant

Week 8

It’s quite amazing to think that at only 8 weeks, minor details such as your baby’s eyes and nose and even the buds of their teeth are taking shape. Right now your pregnancy hormones are probably in overdrive, which can bring on morning sickness and even thrush.

Read on to learn more about your baby’s growth and discover ways you can ease the symptoms of pregnancy hormones.

Week 8

At roughly 1.6 cm long, your baby’s eyes, mouth and nose are becoming more and more defined and the buds of their milk teeth are beginning to form. Their organs are now in place and cartilage is being replaced by growing bone cells and joints, they even have their own set of unique fingerprints forming. All of these developments mean your baby is now medically considered a ‘foetus’ - which is Latin for ‘young one’ or ‘offspring’.

Morning sickness affects two out of three pregnant women during early pregnancy. Although nausea may be more noticeable in the morning it can occur at any time. It’s usually at its worst around now and for another few weeks, but by 12 to 14 weeks most mums feel no further symptoms. For others it can take a while longer, although symptoms may come and go throughout pregnancy. It’s worth remembering that nausea and morning sickness feelings are completely normal during a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnancy week 8

These remedies are said to ease morning sickness:

  • Try to get a good night’s sleep and plenty of rest during the day
  • Eat a dry cracker, toast or plain biscuits before getting out of bed
  • Eat little and often to keep something in your stomach
  • Drink plenty of fluids. If drinking is proving difficult, ice lollies, home-made fruit-juice ice cubes or simple sips of whatever you can stomach will keep you hydrated
  • Motion sickness bands can prove effective for some. They are worn on the wrist and positioned to press on an acupuncture point

What works for one mum might not work for another, and something that works one week might not work the next, so don’t give up – try more than one remedy. If you’d like some help with this, our team of experts have some great tips, and because they’re mums or professionals they’ll know what you’re going through at this stage – give them a call anytime on 0800 996 1000 or you can try our instant messaging service Live Chat. But if you are being sick all of the time and can’t keep anything down, get in touch with your midwife or doctor.

Thrush is also common in pregnancy. If you develop thrush, or wish to minimise your chances of getting it, avoid using perfumed soap or shower gel, wear natural fibre underwear and loose clothing which will help your skin breathe. Not all thrush treatments are safe for pregnant women, so speak to your midwife or doctor who will be able to prescribe a suitable treatment. If you can’t get in to see them soon enough, your pharmacist should be able to advise you.

38 comments

miss scott said...

is its safe to sleep on ur belly

23 June 2010 15:10
chardonay said...

thank god, i feel so much better now i hear some of you have bumps at 8 weeks aswel !!! thought i was over doing the chocolate

13 October 2010 20:18
pnefan99 said...

hi everyone just wanted to say hello and congratulations !!! i have just found out i was pregnant last week im now 8 +4 days pregnant i am over the moon and shocked as myself and my husband was tryin for a year but then decided to stop as i have alot of health problems which has got worse over last few months and was due to have an operation next month so we booked a holiday to maldives so decided to put a hold on tryin but found out i am really off my food cant drink fizzy pop and i loved it use to drink a bottle a day now cant touch it strong smells are a no go aswell and certain food cant eat either this is my 3rd child i have 2 little princesses already n fingers crossed its a little boy this time round but as long as its healthy thats all that matters , have any of you ladies started to show yet i have a small bump already im 8st and it looks weird congrats again xxx

4 October 2010 21:44
kiki-lu said...

im feeling a littel worried im only 8 weeks but i alread have a promenant bump i have in my first midwife apoint in a week this is my second baby but my first was 7 yrs ago

3 August 2010 13:53
sbayley2010 said...

feel much better now having read all this, i am in my 8th week, with my first baby and although i havent had any sickness, the nausea has been awful and being a chef around food all day does not help, but it does help to know that this is normal, and that already having a little bump is normal too i thought the mcdonalds craving had gotten out of hand...

20 November 2010 22:49
Babym121 said...

hi ladies just like to say CONGRATULATIONS .. i have got my scan next week as i had pains in one side etc and backache :( was bit worried with being my first but anyways so excited for next week hope alls ok and congrats to those who were trying for a while, mine was a surprise and now it has finally sunk in.

good luck all xxxx

16 December 2010 20:30
sharon2202 said...

It is perfectly safe to run when pregnant, I asked the doctor who told me it was fine as long as i didnt do more than i did before i was pregnant .....hope that helps

12 June 2010 23:31
Heames28 said...

Isit safe to run wen pregnant n lift my child

10 June 2010 09:09
hall said...

can you have a healthy baby at 43 i had a topic preg 2 years ago the doc said my blood is fine but im still frightned a bit

9 July 2010 15:28
broady said...

im nearly 8 weeks now an feel massive startin 2 show already this is my first baby an me an hubbie is over the moon .....glad some of the rest of u r showin as i am scared of there bein 2 when i go for my scan...good luck everyone xx

9 November 2010 22:28
mum indevon said...

Hi i am 8 weeks pregnant with my second baby i woz feeling great but today the sickness has kicked in and all i want to do is go to bed but with a 6 yearold son i have to try and keep going. I am also finding it hard to eat although i am hungary but being in the kitchen makes me worse any one got any advice.

28 January 2011 17:46
shakishaki said...

I think I have mild thrush and went to the doctor about it 3 weeks ago. In fairness she did say to go back if it was still bad after one week but I havent as it seems to come and go and often isnt too bad. I am using canesten externally only but am worried maybe I should have stopped after a week? Has anyone had the all clear to go on using it for weeks? I'll ask the midwife when I see her but thats in another 2 weeks. Can anyone reassure me? Thanks!

11 November 2010 16:46
smileandwave said...

I am in my 8th week and am still really nervous that it is not real. I am seeing my midwife next week and I think that I will feel better after that appointment.
I suffer with depression and have been advised to stop taking my medication that helps me to control it. I have stopped it now and I am now not a happy bunny and feel very down which is really annoying as I am extatic about being pregnant. I am annoying my partner with my mood swings and also annoying myself.
I am not happy in my job and would reallly like to work from home or at least do something that I enjoy. I think that if I could resolve that it would help to improve my mood.
Sorry to have moaned, ultimately I am extremely happy : )

5 January 2011 22:52
CALLY783 said...

Hi, iam 8 wks pregnant and really happy, iam so lucky to have 2 amazing children 5 yrs and 9 months, this 1 was a nice supprise, ive had major spinal surgery and allthough iam well on the way to recovery am terrified as i concieved on lots of drugs mainly morphine, am having to wean off them slowly, it has scared me ive done some harm to my baby, roll on my scan on the 16th feb x

27 January 2011 13:27
coolmummy said...

hi all congratulations :-) im 8 weeks +2 days this will be my 3 rd child i have a girl who is 5 fri an a boy who is 4 in april me an my hubby are over the moon especially as i had a few probs we decided to try for another baby in nov so i booked in to have my implant out which i did middle of nov at the end of nov i was taken into hospital as i was in agony with abdo pains they done a scan an told me i had pcos polysytic ovarie sydrome !
And was told by drs it would be very difficult to conceive if anythin impossible well that was nov im now 8 weeks pregnant shows how wrong they can get it i have had alot of pains in this pregnancy an had a early scan 4+2 days an they couldnt find anythin so wre quering ectopic then had scan 4+5 days an they found a sac i have a scan booked for this coming friday an im so scared in case nothin has progressed has anyone else had the same prob plz get bk to me x

8 February 2011 11:08
ladysunshine said...

Hello all :o) I am new to this website as I only joined today. I am 40 and after a number of years of trying and failing to fall pregnant naturally (after having been left severely scarred from loop diathermy treatment on my cervix,) I am now pregnant following my first cycle of IVF :o) Both my husband and I are thrilled to bits to finally be on the road to parenthood! I had my 8 week scan yesterday (being IVF they scan you earlier than normal) and I saw for the first time a strong little heartbeat flickering in my tummy! AMAZING! Naturally...I cried! Now that I have spoken with the midwife and have had a successful first scan, it has all become very real and wonderful.

I wanted to comment also about "smile&wave"'s comment about depression. I had taken medication for clinical depression for 15 years prior to the IVF treatment at which point I stopped taking it. My advice would be definitely to wean yourself off the medication if you can as the sudden 'cold turkey' experience is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. Stick with it and know you are going to have massive ups and downs for a while yet. Recognise the symptoms and stay strong. Talk to your friends (or chat on forums!) and you will come out the other side - it's lovely and bright over here - we're waiting for you :o)

All the best to everyone and wishing you all healthy and happy pregnancies. xx

14 January 2011 16:20
Chelle19 said...

Hello all, congratulations! :-)
I am 8 weeks pregnant and couldn't be happier, I am only 18 but I feel so ready and excited. I have a fantastic partner (he is 25) and we are literally over the moon!

I started morning sickness around 6 weeks and I definitely have a bump, but twins run in both my family and my partners family so, you'd think this would scare me but hey, the more the merrier! :-)
I'm having trouble keeping my food down at the moment but I have the most amazing book that my friend gave me (called 'The Pregnancy Bible') and according to the book most women lose weight in their first trimester due to vomiting a lot so I'm not worried, just hungry!

I keep experiencing stomach cramps that feel a lot like period pains but my doctor said that was perfectly normal. I also get very tired easily, I used to walk my dog for miles every day but I get too tired just walking half a mile. Although I'm still pushing it, I'd like to walk as it's a good way to do gentle exercise.

I'm taking these vitamins called 'Pregnacare' or something like that, you take 2 a day with a main meal and it helps develop the babies brain, eyes and spine. They came highly recommended from my doctor.

I have my first meeting with my midwife next week and then my first scan early Febuary. I cannot wait! I know I am going to cry before I even sit in the chair! :-)

I wish you all healthy and happy pregnancies :-) (see that, I can't stop smiling)

16 January 2011 18:17
Ayanna said...

Hello Mummies, I am 8 week pregnant and I am soo nervous as I am 39 years and first time at
this .....

30 January 2011 13:52
Ayanna said...

Sorry for the abrupt statement earlier... I am very new to this site and thus still getting th ehang of this . I was marroed for 14 years.. never concieved , divorced and now in a wonderful relation with a 50 years guy. He is sooo happy that I am pregnant .I was / am still in shock a nd can't believe it that after so many tries with my parnter , nothing happened. We had everything ready but never did it happened . Now , I am in a relationship only 18 months and is pregnant . i am soo nervous . He doesn't kow this . I sliently I am . At 8 weeks pregnant with 3 fibriods two in front ( near my belly button.. the pain is emmence. My back hurts and my tummy looks as if I am 4 -5 months pregnant. Happy though that I have never had any morning sickness, no thrush , but my my , my moods .. over the top !!! I am a lecturer .. and the kids in college have noticed my moods swings . My only two concerns are my fibroids and the very late eating habots and better yet ... i sometimes i don't eat for over 7 hours... very very busy at work...... any suggestions.

30 January 2011 14:04
Amy2011 said...

Hello mummys to be .. im 8 weeks and 5 days pregnant this will be my first baby im 18 years old 19 iin 2 weeks in sooooo excitedd :) .. ive had a few problems but every thing is fine me and my partner are sooo excited :)

2 February 2011 22:35
alourdes said...

hi everyone im 8weeks and 4 days i am 20yrs old and have a lil 3yr old boy jayden xx

23 February 2011 23:06
sheenie said...

hi all im 30 years old and 8 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. we are all so excited and can not wait. im due 26th december but hope i get to spend xmas with my 2 children before my baby arrives. good luck to all and congratulations....

17 May 2011 21:20
KateyBodle said...

Hiya!
I've just found out I'm 8 weeks pregnant and suffering from terrible hormone changes! Every two seconds I'm in tears!
I'm only 18 so a wee baby myself; which is very scary and it's nice to get support.
I'm terrified that cause I'm so early on something will go wrong!

Good luck all!
Xx

20 May 2011 23:55
baby gillman said...

HEY EVERYONE , CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL :) XX
Im Sarah , im 31 and 8 weeks and 4 days pregnant with my 3rd , my Due Date is January 6th 2012, i have 2 girls so hoping for a boy, this time round is definatly different, everything is making me feel sick, which i didnt have with either of my girls, so fingers crossed :) xx

31 May 2011 23:31
asmarehman said...

hi evey1 and congrats to u all xxx im 24 and i'm 8 weeks pregnant with my secound child hope it's a girl because i have a boy ,feeling really tired this time round tryin to stay healthy

7 June 2011 21:55
ganiyat said...

ooooo no early stage is hard.

24 September 2011 22:14
newmummy20 said...

hi all CONGRATULATIONS !! :-) ..

I am 8 weeks 2 days .. feeling very nervous as its my first . I get terrible morning sickness i wouldnt mind but i get it all through the day not just mornings !!! .. also there's twins on my side and his side and i am quite big for how far gone i am all my friends and family think i may be having twins :-)
. Iv wanted to be a mummy for so long i cannot wait have an appointment with my midwife in 2 weeks .. maybe i should go for emergency scan incase i am having twins AHHHH !!

Good luck everyone all my love xxxx

27 February 2011 23:40
claireyofthedairy said...

Hi all,
is there something about this site, as everybody. including yself is 8 weeks pregnant when they 1st comment! its all a little strange!

20 March 2011 21:48
malissy said...

8 weeks and 4 day pregnant! Baby number 3 is a BIG shock,as well as having a belly already I have been really sick! Keeping it under control with cheese flavor biscuits...!? Tea and coffee are a no no at the mo which is no like me at all as im a teaahoclic and never went off either with my others!
Good luck and best wishes to all other yummy mummiesx

11 October 2011 12:31
jcloughlin said...

congrats everyone!
This is my 3rd pregnancy, got a 5 year old boy and 2 year old girl! i have had 2 scans 1 shows twins the other doesn't! I am huge already and so tired! Got to wait another 4 weeks to find out whether there is 2 or not. Scary stuff x

11 August 2011 23:52
natalieb10 said...

hello, i'm new to this too.....i'm 8 weeks gone and very happy after loosing my first at 11 weeks in July....my GP has been fantastic and i have had a scan to confirm that baby is fine! i cried my eyes out i was so happy.......all of my friends are also pregnant which is fantastic to have some support although none of them actually know that i'm also having a baby yet...think i'll wait awhile longer....i also feel huge but because i'm quite skinny i think i notice my bump more.....constantly looking for ways to hide it but not been too sucessful.......loving every moment of my pregnancy.....even the sickness as i feel it is a sign that baby is doing well, all tucked up safe inside. x

29 October 2011 15:11
mommyof2 soon to be3 said...

congrats 2 every1... im 8weeks wid my 3rd :) it came as a shock but well happy now! apart from sooooooooo tired hope there onli 1 in there neva felt like this before xx

5 January 2012 14:53
aisha12 said...

YAY im pregnant!!!! 8weeks2days i had a emergency scan after a bad bleed but they babys fine and sos the womb so fingers crossed it all goes well im soooo happy !!! congrats to you all!! good luck!!xx

6 October 2011 23:53
susan28 said...

Hi every one am new just join this is my first baby me and my hubby and we excitedbut am a bit scare. Congrates to everyone all my love xxxxxxx

15 November 2011 22:49
Tia sabine said...

Hi everyone im 8+4 my ms has gone after having it for 6wks ive got a bump already lol this is my fifth baby and have my dating scan in 2wks Congrats to u all x

19 September 2011 10:28
katie8384 said...

hi congratulation to you all. I am 8 weeks +4 days and had thrush at 5 weeks i was told by my GP to only use canestan for a week but my mum advised me not to use it at all as i have had a miscarriage in the past and have tried 3 and a half years for this little one so she told me to start drinking robinsons barley water fruit juices doesnt matter which flavour and within 3 days it cleared up and has only resurfaced once but i just drank the barley again and was gone really quickly. I have been feeling sick for the past 3 weeks but havent actually been sick. I had an operation 8 weeks before i fell pregnant to check my ovaries as i have PCOS i have been getting allot of pain in my lower abdomen but the midwife has said it will be because of scar tissue stretching which put my mind at rest.

4 October 2011 13:59
carebear4785 said...

Congratulations to everybody!

After the initial shock, i am very excited to be 8 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. Although slightly worried i have no symptoms yet. Seeing my midwife for first time 2mrw which is really exciting but truly goin to worry until i have my 12week scan. :S

I too have come of my anti-depressants, although i am extremely moody one minute and fine the next, im not as bad as i thought i would be :D

Hope everybody has happy, healthy pregnancies...Good Luck to you all xxx

2 February 2012 11:40
mishka83 said...

This is my first pregnancy, 8 weeks. i feel hungry all the time but have no appetite at all, and I'm really tired. Its making work difficult as i need to rush off all the time to have a biscuit. Cant wait for this MS to go. x

28 August 2011 19:38

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