8 weeks pregnant
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry: around 1.6 cm crown to rump and 1 g. Fingers and toes are starting to form, still slightly webbed.
Your baby at 8 weeks
Fingers and toes are starting to form, still slightly webbed.
| Size | About the size of a raspberry |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.6 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 1 g |
Fingers and toes are forming, still joined by webbing for now. The upper lip, nose and eyelids are taking shape, and your baby is starting to make small, jerky movements that you won't feel for weeks. All the major organs have started to form, which is why the first trimester is such an important time to avoid alcohol, smoking and unsafe medicines.
How far along are you at 8 weeks?
At 8 weeks pregnant you are in the second month of your pregnancy and the first trimester. You have about 32 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 8 weeks your baby has been growing for about 6 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 8 weeks
Nausea often peaks around now. Small, frequent meals and dry crackers in the morning can help. Smells may feel much stronger.
Common symptoms at 8 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Nausea. Still going strong for many women. It usually peaks in the next few weeks.
- Visible veins. Your blood volume is rising, so veins on your breasts and tummy may show more.
- Headaches. Hormones, tiredness and dehydration can all trigger them.
- Vivid dreams. Many women notice strange, intense dreams from early pregnancy.
- Tight clothes. Bloating and a slightly thicker waist may make jeans feel snug.
- Needing the toilet often. Your growing womb presses on your bladder.
Your checklist for week 8
- Go to your booking appointment, usually between 8 and 10 weeks.
- Ask about your screening options, including the combined test at 11 to 14 weeks and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which is available from 10 weeks in many clinics.
- Book a dental check-up. Pregnancy hormones make gums more likely to bleed.
- If you work with chemicals, radiation or heavy lifting, speak to your employer about safer duties.
- Keep a simple notebook or use the tracker for your appointments and questions.
Tip of the week: Keep moving, gently
If you were active before pregnancy, you can usually carry on. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, swimming or a pregnancy exercise class. You should still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. Avoid contact sports and anything with a risk of falling. Our exercise guide has more.
For your partner
Nausea is real and can last all day.
- Keep crackers and water by the bed
- Handle strong-smelling chores like the bin
- Don't take mood swings personally
When to call your doctor at 8 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- A temperature of 38 °C or above.
- Severe vomiting, bleeding or tummy pain.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 8 weeks pregnant
When is the booking appointment?
Usually between 8 and 10 weeks. It is the longest appointment of your pregnancy, often an hour or more, because your midwife or doctor takes a full health history and arranges blood tests and scans.
What is NIPT?
Non-invasive prenatal testing is a blood test, available from 10 weeks, that looks at small pieces of your baby's DNA in your blood. It screens for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes with high accuracy. It is a screening test, so a high-chance result needs a diagnostic test such as CVS or amniocentesis to confirm it.
Can I take paracetamol for headaches at 8 weeks?
Paracetamol is generally considered the safest painkiller in pregnancy when taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory painkillers unless a doctor advises them. Tell your doctor about frequent or severe headaches.