8th Week of Pregnancy – Wrapping up the second month

It’s your second month of pregnancy, but your belly doesn’t show it yet. Most pregnant women are having their first prenatal appointment at this stage of pregnancy.

From the size of a blueberry, the size of your baby looks like a raspberry. The baby grows a millimeter each day and on the 8^th week of pregnancy the baby measures about .63 inches and weighs about .04 ounces.

If you undergo an ultrasound, some visible growth and development of the baby can be noticed including:

Spontaneous movements and heartbeats

The heart of the baby starts to beat at the rate of 150 to 170 times per minute that is twice as fast as of an adult. Spontaneous movements may be felt as the baby twitches the tiny limb buds and trunk. To accommodate the growing baby, the womb expands and the volume of amniotic fluid is increasing.

Nose, eyelids, and lips are forming

Viewing your baby closely would reveal that he or she looks more of a baby and less of a reptilian. The upper lip starts to form and the very thin eyelids. Likewise, the cute button nose starts to protrude.

Body changes at 8^th week of pregnancy

The pregnancy hormones are doing wild and weird things at week eight. Thus, a pregnant woman may experience host of pregnancy symptoms such as:

Increased vaginal discharge

The body’s mucous membrane is stimulated as the estrogen increases the blood flow towards the pelvic area. With this another body fluid called as leucorrhea is introduced that looks like a milky, thin vaginal discharge. This fluid maintains a healthy balance of bacteria and protects the birth canal against infection.

Constipation

Constipation is very common to happen during pregnancy that’s why if you’re experiencing it, you’re not alone. With this, the best thing to do is to eat fiber-rich veggies and fruits, take a walk, and drink plenty of water.

Spotting

Spotting during the 8^th week of pregnancy can be alarming as it may cause miscarriage. However, there are other causes of spotting that’s why you should consult your doctor the soonest possible time to rule out the problem.

Other changes in your body can be noticed not only because of the pregnancy hormones but also the increase of blood volume. You may experience headache, but be careful in taking medications. Always consult your doctor for medications that are safe both for the baby and you.

The upsurge of hormones may also cause dark spots or chloasma on the face and skin. To avoid it, a pregnant woman should wear SPF-15 when going outside.

As you’re dealing with all the discomforts brought by the symptoms of pregnancy, it is best to do exercise. This will help to tone up and strengthen your thighs that are essential to sustain during labor and help the baby descend.

Keep in mind that everything that you feel such as nauseated, extra tired and hungry are caused by the growth and development of the baby. Likewise, your body is still coping with and adjusting to the hormonal changes.

Remind yourself that everything that you have going through will be worth it.