We are in the eighth week of pregnancyAnd in “Mothers Today” we continue with a new installment to explain in detail what changes happen inside you, how your baby grows and what physical and emotional effects the mother usually experiences in each of these stages.
It's been six weeks from fertilization And we can say without a doubt that we are in a key phase of the first quarter. It is a stage in which it is very likely that the morning sickness and the tiredness, but also where things begin to happen very important changes in your body which you'll notice more clearly. We offer you all the information, organized and expanded, so you know what's happening in your pregnancy week by week.
Week 8 of pregnancy: the fetus and cell specialization
The eighth week of the pregnancy calendar is not yet very noticeable in the bellyBut inside, intense and fascinating processes are taking place. Your baby is still very small, but the rate of growth and differentiation of its cells is spectacular.
- The embryo begins to lose its embryonic tail or its "small bean" shape, to acquire more human characteristics and become slightly more elongated. The end of the strictly embryonic period is approaching, and what will soon be known as the fetal stage is beginning.
- It measures between 1,3 and 2 centimeters (about the size of a small cherry) and usually weighs around 1 to 3 gramsDespite their tiny size, cell specialization already initiates a highly relevant process where structures as small as the cell appear. retina, Eyelids, the superior lip, the nose and external ears.
- As the body lengthens, it also begins the process of ossificationThat is, the progressive hardening of the bones and joints of the elbows, wrists, ankles, and knees. Webbed feet and the hands are separating and soon we will be able to count the 20 fingers, although this week they remain joined by thin membranes in some areas.
- The limbs already show the elbows In a recognizable way, the arms and legs have lengthened and the torso and neck begin to straighten, giving the embryo an increasingly human silhouette.
- Another key aspect of this phase is the development of the MusculatureThanks to the fact that the small fetus already has muscles, its development can begin during this eighth week of gestation. first movementsThey are still involuntary and are due to the maturation of the nervous system and muscle tissue, so you won't notice them yet.
Changes in the skin, heart, and brain
In addition to the external structures, internal organs and tissues essential for the baby's life are being formed:
- A very important change that happens in the eighth week is that the embryo's skin formsIt is a very thin and translucent skin, which reveals the skeleton still formed by soft cartilagesThis transparency allows the internal structure to be clearly seen in the ultrasound.
- El heart The embryo already has four differentiated chambers, and the aortic and pulmonary valves begin to distinguish themselves. Blood is pumped very forcefully and rapidly, around 150-180 beats per minutemuch faster than an adult's heart rate.
- As to brainIt hasn't fully formed yet, but it's already attached to the spinal cord and the first signs are appearing. neural pathwaysThese connections will form the basis of all future movements, reflexes, and cognitive functions.
Organs begin to form
The fetus during this stage has a very characteristic appearance: may seem “big-headed”This is because the head grows very quickly, as it houses the developing brain, and represents a very large part of the total body length.
The embryo has been changing in the previous weeks until, during this eighth week, the formation of key internal organs such as the brain, liver, and gonads, which will give rise to testicles or ovariesAlthough it is still too early to determine the sex on the ultrasound, the foundation of the internal genitalia is already developing.
- Los lungs and the heart They continue to mature, and their heartbeats can now be heard via ultrasound. This is one of the most exciting moments of the first medical checkups.
- Los intestines They grow so fast that for a time they "collide" with the liver. It is then that what is known as a tumor is formed. physiological umbilical herniaPart of the intestine projects into the umbilical cord because there is not yet enough space in the baby's abdomen.
- This small bump is something completely naturalIt is not a malformation, but a normal phase of development. The intestines return to the abdomen and the physiological umbilical hernia disappears around the tenth week of fetal development (approximately the 12th week of pregnancy).
Placental function and new fetal needs
In the eighth week of pregnancy, an essential change for the baby's development is consolidated: the placenta is now functional and assumes the leading role in the nutrition and respiration of the embryo.
- Until recently, the embryo fed on the yolk saca small sack full of nutrients. However, the rapid growth of these weeks means their needs for oxygen and nutrients increase significantly.
- Over the past few weeks, the umbilical cord And it's already working, carrying blood to the placenta and returning it to the fetus. From now on, the placenta is responsible for feeding the future babytransporting oxygen, water and nutrients from the mother's blood.
- The embryo becomes almost entirely dependent on this structure, which also eliminates the metabolic waste of the fetus. Therefore, everything that enters your bloodstream becomes highly relevant, from food to toxic substances like the tobacco and alcohol.
- The placenta will continue to grow and implant better in the uterus in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, your blood volume It increases to meet the demands of the baby and the placenta itself.
This increase in blood volume has direct consequences for the mother's body:
- It may appear or worsen feeling tired and drowsiness, as the body works at maximum intensity.
- The risk of developing some varicose veindue to pressure on the venous system and hormonal changes that relax the walls of the blood vessels.
Our first ultrasound
One of those moments that every mother and father eagerly anticipates, with a touch of nervousness, has arrived: the first ultrasound of the pregnancyIt is often scheduled precisely around week 8 of pregnancy, although the regular or official ultrasound is usually placed somewhat later.
Up until this eighth week, it's quite likely that no one outside your close circle knows you're pregnant yet.You continue to wear practically the same clothes, although you may notice that some pants are a little tighter or that the waist feels more tense; in a short time it may happen that you cannot wear your usual clothes due to the increase in volume.
From now on, it's common to start seeing changes like the weight gain (around one kilogram, although it varies greatly from woman to woman) and a slight feeling of bloating. Therefore, it is essential to:
- Los blood and urine tests initial tests to assess your general condition and rule out infections.
- El blood pressure controlwhich will be repeated throughout the entire pregnancy.
- The first ultrasoundWith these tests, the healthcare professional will check if the pregnancy is progressing normally, confirm the gestational age, and assess the number of embryos.
What can be seen in the 8-week ultrasound?
The ultrasound scan at around the eighth week can usually be clearly visualized gestational sac, the embryo and, in most cases, the heartbeatThe specialist can also:
- Measure the length cranio-rump (from the crown to the buttocks) to adjust the gestational age.
- Check that the The pregnancy is well implanted in the uterus and there are no signs of ectopic pregnancy.
- Assess whether it is a pregnancy single or multiple.
If the embryo or gestational sac is not clearly visible in this first ultrasound, the specialist will assess whether it is necessary to repeat the test later or rule out situations such as anembryonic pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, in which case the gestation would not be evolutionary.
It is worth knowing that scientific societies usually recommend a scheduled ultrasound between weeks 12 and 14, where a more precise dating During pregnancy, the following is initially assessed: fetal morphology and important ultrasound markers are measured, such as nuchal fold, combined with specific analyses to estimate the risk of some genetic diseases.
Week 8 of pregnancy: changes and symptoms in the mother
In the eighth week of pregnancy, an important change occurs in the body of the expectant mother: the uterus begins to grow more noticeably and adapts to accommodate the constantly expanding baby. Although the abdomen is not usually visible to the naked eye, the mother may perceive different sensations.
It is common to notice:
- Mild twinges and cramps in the lower abdomen, due to the stretching of the ligaments and tissues that support the uterus.
- Discomfort in the groin and legsand in some women even sciatic pain due to the pressure that the uterus begins to exert on this nerve.
- An increase in the bloated feeling abdominal, although it hasn't yet resulted in a visible belly.
In addition, some of the classic symptoms of the first trimester may continue or appear:
- Nausea and vomitingwhich are usually more intense in the morning, but can appear at any time of day.
- Heartburn or acidity of the stomach, due to hormonal changes and relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
- Constipation, due to the effect of progesterone on intestinal transit.
- Aversion to smells and tastes that used to go unnoticed and now seem unpleasant.
- Mood swingsirritability or heightened emotionality, closely related to the hormonal whirlwind.
- Tiredness, headaches, and sleepinessThe body spends a great deal of energy on the formation of the placenta and the growth of the embryo.
- Breast enlargement and sensitivity, with a feeling of tension or even mild pain upon touch.
- Cravings or a sudden craving for certain foods, which in many women alternates with an aversion to others.
On the other hand, the increase in blood volume and the adaptation of the urinary system make it common to need urinate more frequentlyThey may also appear menstrual-like pains in the pelvis, completely normal as long as they are not accompanied by heavy bleeding or intense pain.
Some women experience a slight pink or brown staining at this stage. Although it often doesn't indicate anything serious, it's always advisable to consult a specialist, especially if the bleeding is frequent, heavy, or accompanied by significant abdominal pain.
Changes in the breasts and skin
The breasts are one of the areas where pregnancy changes are noticed first:
- Going to increase in size as you prepare for future breastfeeding, so you may need to buy new bra sizes.
- Due to hormonal changes, the areola (the skin around the nipples) may begin to darken and show small bumps (Montgomery tubercles), which are completely normal.
- It can intensify sensitivity or discomfort in the breasts, so a supportive bra is recommended, preferably without rigid underwires if they are uncomfortable.
It is important to remember that each body is unique And each woman will experience these changes differently, more or less noticeably. Not noticing many symptoms doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, as long as medical checkups are normal.
Emotional health in week 8
In addition to physical changes, many things happen during this stage. emotional changes: excitement, fear, uncertainty, joy, doubts about the future… All of this is expected and very common.
- Factors like Stress and anxiety They can affect both the mother's well-being and hormonal regulation and, indirectly, the development of the pregnancy.
- The mother's emotions act as a major regulator of physiologyTherefore, it is important to take care of your rest, ask for help if necessary, and reserve spaces for self-care.
- If you experience intense sadness, persistent apathy, panic attacks, or very negative thoughts, it is advisable to discuss this with a healthcare professional to assess the need for psychological support.
Care and recommendations in week 8 of pregnancy
As the pregnancy progresses, it is important to pay more attention to the basic care that your body needs, both to combat bothersome symptoms and to promote the healthy development of the baby.
Food and supplements
- It is essential to maintain a varied and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, quality protein and healthy fats.
- It's not about “eat for two”, but of nourish yourself better: to meet your requirements of proteins, iron, Calcium, iodo, zinc, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and, of course, folic acid.
- It's important not skipping meals and maintain a good hydration Drinking water throughout the day also helps prevent constipation.
- Consult your doctor or midwife about the advisability of taking vitamin supplements (for example, folic acid, iron or iodine) depending on your tests and your particular needs.
Hygiene habits and infection prevention
- Wash your hands thoroughly hands and utensils in the kitchen before preparing the food.
- Wash properly fruits and vegetables before consuming them, especially if they are going to be eaten raw.
- Cook well meat and fish and avoid the raw food of animal origin to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis o listeriosis.
Harmful substances and medication
- It is a priority eliminate toxic habits such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. The placenta does not prevent these substances from passing through and they can affect the baby's development.
- Do not drink drugs Do not take supplements on your own. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any treatment.
Physical activity and rest
- Don't hesitate to do it gentle and regular exercise Every day unless your doctor advises otherwise. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, or Pilates for pregnant women help improve circulation, control weight, and maintain overall health. back and pelvis.
- If you've never done any sport, it's best to... do not start with intense training Now; opt for walks and moderate movement.
- Respect your hours of sleep And, if you need to, incorporate short naps. Fatigue in the first trimester is very common and is due to the high internal energy expenditure.
Travel and everyday life
In general, if the pregnancy is progressing normally and your healthcare professional does not indicate any specific restrictions, It is possible to travel or fly by plane in week 8 without any special problems.
- On long journeys, whether by car, train or plane, try stay well hydrated and take frequent breaks to stretch your legs.
- Continue with your daily life avoiding only sudden physical exertion, high-risk activities, and situations of intense stress as much as possible.
Next, we leave you an explanatory video about the changes that happen in the creature that grows inside you:
Don't miss the next installment in Mothers Today about the ninth week of pregnancyIn this series, we'll continue to guide you step by step through this very special stage, answering your questions and helping you understand everything that's happening both with your baby and in your own body. Understanding these changes and knowing how to care for yourself will give you greater peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the journey to motherhood even more.