You're now 8 weeks pregnant, and your baby is growing faster than ever. At this stage of early pregnancy, your baby’s body systems are forming, and your pregnancy symptoms might be getting stronger. Here’s everything to know about your baby’s development at 8 weeks, how your pregnant body is changing, and what to expect this week.

How Big Is My Baby at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

At 8 weeks, your baby (still called an embryo) is the size of a raspberry.

• Baby length: 1.6 to 2 cm (0.63–0.8 inches)
• Baby weight: Less than 2 grams
• Comparison: About the size of a kidney bean or the top of your finger

Even though your baby is tiny, the fetal development happening now is huge. Photo by Viktor Hanacek from picjumbo.com

Baby Development at 8 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby’s major organs and body parts are forming during week 8 of pregnancy. Here’s what’s going on inside your womb:

1. Brain and Nervous System

• The baby's brain is growing rapidly and splitting into five parts.
• Neural pathways and nerve cells are forming — around 250,000 neurons per minute!

2. Facial Features

• Baby’s face is taking shape with tiny eye sockets, eyelids, a nose tip, and upper lip.
• Ears are forming — inside and out.

3. Limbs and Movements

• Arms and legs look more like little paddles, but elbows and knees are starting to form.
• Fingers and toes are developing, though still slightly webbed.
• Your baby can now make tiny, jerky movements (though you won’t feel them yet).

4. Internal Organs

• The baby’s heart now has 4 chambers and beats around 160–180 times per minute.
• Lungs, kidneys, intestines, and liver are forming.
• The intestines are temporarily pushing into the umbilical cord (totally normal right now).

5. Spinal Cord and Tail

• The spinal cord is developing, and the little tail your baby had is almost gone — your embryo is looking more human every day.

What’s Happening in Your Body at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Even though your baby bump may not show yet, your pregnancy hormones are working hard behind the scenes. Many moms experience strong early pregnancy symptoms this week. Common 8-Week Pregnancy Symptoms:

• Morning sickness (nausea/vomiting) – triggered by high hCG levels
• Breast tenderness and fullness
• Extreme fatigue – your body is building the placenta
• Food aversions or cravings
• Bloating or constipation – caused by slow digestion
• Frequent urination – due to rising hormones and uterus pressing on bladder
• Mood swings – emotional changes due to estrogen and progesterone These are all part of your body adapting to support your growing pregnancy at 8 weeks.

What Should I Do at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Here’s how to take care of yourself and your baby during week 8:

1. First Antenatal Appointment
   • Book or attend your first prenatal visit if you haven’t already.
   • Your doctor may check:
     • Pregnancy confirmation
     • Estimated due date (EDD)
     • Your weight,** blood pressure, and blood tests**
     • Possibly an early pregnancy ultrasound to see your baby’s heartbeat
2. Continue Prenatal Vitamins
   • Take folic acid daily (400–800 mcg) to help prevent neural tube defects.
   • Include iron, vitamin D, and calcium in your prenatal supplements.
3. Track Your Symptoms
   • Keep a journal of how you feel each day — it helps during doctor visits.
4. Eat What You Can
   • Small, frequent snacks can help with pregnancy nausea.
   • Stay hydrated — water, smoothies, and fruits help.

When to Call Your Doctor

Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (like a period)
• Severe cramps or abdominal pain
• High fever or chills
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pain while urinating

Some mild spotting or cramping can be normal, but always better to be safe.