8 Weeks Pregnant: Prenatal Testing

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A lot is happening with your body at 8 weeks pregnant! Find out everything you need to know about being 8 weeks pregnant including what will happen at your first prenatal doctor’s appointment. 

 

8 Weeks Pregnant

 

You are now 8 weeks pregnant! Can you believe it? You are 2 months into pregnancy.

 

At this point, you have probably seen your doctor or midwife or at least scheduled your first prenatal visit.

 

When you see your healthcare provider they will take a complete health history and organize prenatal testing.

 

8 weeks pregnant

Prenatal Testing

There is nothing to be scared about when it comes to your prenatal testing. The testing includes blood and urine tests to be sure you are free of communicable diseases like HIV and hepatitis and check blood type and blood count.

 

They will also do a urine pregnancy test to confirm you are pregnant. 

 

Also– these might include nutrient levels if you tend to be deficient in any areas.

 

Depending on your age, ethnic background, and family history, your doctor may recommend further prenatal testing of varying degrees of invasiveness.

 

Your doctor will also offer you genetic prenatal testing. 

 

Remember that any and all genetic prenatal tests are optional. These tests are commonly used to identify any risks early in the pregnancy.

 

When I was pregnant I usually opted out of these tests, but this is a personal decision each person needs to make. There are pros and cons to doing genetic prenatal testing. You need to decide which is best for you.

 

It is important that you attend your prenatal appointments. These appointments help you feel comfortable during your pregnancy and are most important to make sure your baby is healthy. 

 

When Should I Tell People I am Pregnant?

 

It seems like everyone always struggles as to when to tell people they are pregnant. If you are like me you are jumping for joy inside and want to shout your pregnancy from the rooftops, but announcing your pregnancy too early can cause heartache for you later if for some reason you miscarry.

 

Most women wait to tell people they are pregnant until they are at least 12 weeks pregnant because the risk of miscarriage substantially decreases at week 12. 

 

Again, deciding when to tell people you are pregnant is a decision you and your spouse should make together. 

 

How Big Is Baby at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is as big as a raspberry and weighing almost half an ounce 

 

How Is My 8 Week Fetus Developing?

There are many changes happening during week 8. Your baby’s eyes are now a visible part of the face and the ears and mouth have formed. The heart is now has a heartbeat and is beating anywhere from 140 to 170 beats per minute. The trunk is starting to straighten out and the neural tube has completely formed. 

 

8 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

Typically in most pregnancies, you will receive an ultrasound around 8 weeks. This is so exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You haven’t seen your baby yet or heard a heartbeat, but you will during this 8-week pregnant ultrasound.

 

8 Weeks Pregnant Bump

At your 8 week prenatal visit with your OB, you will start measuring your belly. In the first trimester, healthy weight gain is about 2 pounds each week. Around 8 weeks your total weight gain should be about 4 to 6 pounds. 

 

Everyone’s 8 week pregnant bump looks different! I remember by 8 weeks not being able to wear a single pair of my old pants, but many of my friends didn’t even look pregnant! 

 

Regardless, the size of your 8 week pregnant bump doesn’t matter as long as you taking care of yourself because everyone gains pregnancy weight differently.

 

If you are concerned with weight gain, consult your doctor! 

 

8 Week Pregnant Symptoms

Sore Breast

As your breasts increase in size and weight they now are super tender to touch. You can’t wait till the end of the day when you can take your bra off.  The reason for such sore breast is the milk ducts are preparing for milk production. 

 

Be sure you wear a supportive bra during your pregnancy as it will help with sore breasts.

 

Fatigue

You will be so tired at 8 weeks. Naps are amazing during the first trimester.

 

 Sleep while you can now! Go to bed earlier and make it a point to get at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night. 

 

Slow down and say no to social outings– it’s ok to say no to friends and stay in to rest and maybe if your lucky catch a nap.

 

Morning Sickness


Morning sickness is more like all day sickness for some. 

 

Sometimes it’s all day, mid-day, or just in the morning. 

 

Whenever it is –it isn’t fun. 

 

However, try adding some ginger to your diet and see how that helps or even keep crackers always with you. Sometimes just the thought of what to eat made me sick. I learned that if I never got really hungry I wasn’t as sick.  

 

Sensitive Smell

If it isn’t bad enough you suffer from morning sickness you also will have a very sensitive nose and things that have never bothered you before now seem so stinky.  I will never be able to steam broccoli again!

 

Constipation

At 8 weeks pregnant constipation happens. Don’t worry, you aren’t the only pregnant women struggling to go number 2. 

 

Constipation at 8 weeks is normal and for some women, it will last your whole pregnancy. 

 

To keep this from happening, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating those fruits and veggies high in fiber. 

 

Strange Dreams 

It’s totally normal to have more vivid strange dreams during your pregnancy. No one is really sure what causes them other than your mind is in a new stage of thoughts and an increase in anxiety.

 

When I was pregnant my strange dream always consisted of snakes… And I hate snakes. Sometimes I would do some dream interpretation for fun with some of my weird ones! 

 

How Many Months Is 8 Weeks Pregnant?

You are 2 months pregnant at 8 weeks!

 

What to Do at 8 Weeks Pregnant?

Pay attention to your needs. Now that you are growing another life inside of you remember to take care of yourself. 

 

It’s important to be aware of the medications you are taking and to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any prescribed or over the counter medications you are taking.  

 

By now you should have already stopped all alcohol consumptions and have decreased your caffeine intake. 

 

To feel your best get plenty of rest and make it a habit to do 30 minutes of pregnancy approved exercise daily. 

Your exercise shouldn’t be rigorous it can be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood.

 

When you are taking care of yourself it easier to take care of the baby growing inside of you. 

 

How are you feeling at 8 weeks pregnant? What weird pregnancy craving do you have this week? Share in the comments!

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Our pregnancy calendar is researched & written by our Pregnancy Editor, Dara Duff-Bergeron. Although she rocks, she is not a health care professional. It’s just for entertainment purposes and any recommendations or information provided should not be used as a substitute for the real deal – a trained medical professional.

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