Week 08
About the size of a grape, your little one measures about 15 mm, but in a sitting position now. In other words, from his coccyx to the crown of his head. Learn more about this week.
BABY DEVELOPMENT
Your baby is getting to be quite the human being! His fingers and toes are fully formed and he is able to touch his thumb to his forefinger. His intestine is still growing - it will reach 3 metres at birth, which is pretty impressive in someone so small, and his genitourinary tract is on its way as well. As for the sex of your baby, although it is already genetically defined, it isn’t visible yet. At the end of the eighth week, baby’s heart and vascular systems will be in place. By the time you get your next ultrasound, the pounding of his heart should be audible, beating at an impressive rate of 80 bpm (beats per minute)!
YOUR BODY
It’s around week 8 that you may start to notice your figure changing. Some women may lose a little weight while others are already starting to gain some. Pregnancy often shows surprisingly early.
You stand on the scales and see that the pounds are melting away, even though there is a child on the way? Don’t worry if you do not put on weight in the first few weeks of pregnancy, losing it instead. Hormonal changes, along with lack of appetite or nausea, are to blame. The weight changes do, however, vary a lot from one woman to another.
NUTRITION
Time to get drinking! You should be putting away plenty of water while pregnant.
It is an essential component of your blood, of which the volume has increased significantly since the beginning of your pregnancy to ensure you pass on the necessary nutrition for your baby. It is therefore essential to avoid dehydration while maintaining this increased blood volume. Drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day, and even more in hot weather. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas with caffeine, to limit passing the excitants on to baby.
TIPS
“I am 8 weeks pregnant and I've put on 5 kilos. What’s up with that?” Whether that’s your story or not, it’s good to know that weight gain naturally varies among women in pregnancy. That said, an early, rapid weight gain should be reported to your doctor, because it is rather unusual for it to happen so soon. If your weight before pregnancy was lower than average, you probably have no reason to worry. But if you were a normal or heavy weight before pregnancy, your doctor might want to monitor your diet.
Related articles
Your baby proofing action plan
Protect your baby with effective baby proofing strategies. Discover essential tips to make your home safer as your little one begins to explore and grow.
6 mins to read
How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.
5 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Discover how to emotionally prepare for parenthood, recognize red flags, and manage challenges to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood.
5 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
Learn how to address toddler sleep problems with expert tips, identify red flags, and promote healthy sleep habits for your little one's well-being.
5 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Explore helpful techniques to calm your crying baby, from addressing basic needs to create a peaceful environment, fostering comfort and connection.
5 mins to read
What To Pack for Hospital
Your due date is just around the corner. It’s time to pack your bag for the hospital. Don’t forget to include something to wear when people come to admire your little miracle.
1 min to read
Week 05
Though only around the size of a pea, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Relatively speaking!
Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 14
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt her move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks! Read more about this exciting time.
3 mins to read
Week 22
If you could look inside, you’d see your baby sucking her thumb, her sucking reflex practically perfected now. It’s nature’s way of getting her to breastfeed from birth.
3 mins to read
Week 30
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mum feels it differently.
2 mins to read
Week 38
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Once your little one has arrived, it’s easy to forget about you—but a happy mom means a happy baby.
2 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
What to ask at my baby’s health check?
A baby health check will be carried out soon after birth to ensure baby’s development is on track.
1 min to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
1 min to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
2 mins to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Pregnancy Weekly Calendar
Enjoy this amazing journey to motherhood week by week on our pregnancy calendar. Find out what changes you can expect in your body or your emotions.
