How Big Is My Baby at 8 Weeks?
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing at an incredible pace. They now measure about half to three-quarters of an inch long, meaning they’ve officially graduated from blueberry-sized to raspberry-sized.
Your 8-week pregnancy scan can help confirm your due date, detect a heartbeat, and ensure your baby is developing as expected.
Baby Development at 8 Weeks
Estimating your baby’s exact size is becoming trickier. While they’re growing about a millimetre a day, this growth occurs throughout the entire body, not just in length.
Your little one is experiencing growth spurts in their arms, legs, back and other areas, laying the foundation for exciting changes ahead. Their body is developing rapidly to support a healthy pregnancy.
Facial Features Are Forming
At this point, your baby is starting to resemble a tiny human more than an embryo. A close-up scan might reveal:
- An upper lip forming
- The tip of a small button-like nose becoming more defined
- Thin, delicate eyelids beginning to develop
Although their hands and feet are still webbed, tiny fingers and toes are beginning to separate and that little tail is almost gone
Your Baby Is Starting to Move
Your baby isn’t just growing, they’re moving, too! Although you can’t feel it yet, their limb buds are beginning to twitch and move spontaneously.
Meanwhile, the amniotic fluid volume is increasing, and your womb is expanding to accommodate your fast-growing tenant. It won’t be long before you feel those first fluttery kicks
Pregnancy Symptoms at 8 Weeks
Morning Sickness: What to Expect and How to Cope
Even though your bump may not be showing, you might already feel snug in your clothes. That’s because your uterus has grown from the size of a fist to a large grapefruit.
If you’re one of the 75% of women experiencing morning sickness, you’ll know it’s rarely confined to the morning. It can linger all day and night.
Possible Causes of Morning Sickness
- Higher levels of hCG and oestrogen
- Relaxation of digestive muscles (due to progesterone)
- Rapid stretching of the uterus
While uncomfortable, morning sickness is usually a sign that your pregnancy hormones are doing their job.
How to Ease Morning Sickness
- Eat small, frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach
- Avoid strong smells and trigger foods
- Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers or toast
- Sip water or herbal tea throughout the day
When to Call Your Doctor:
If you’re losing weight (more than 2.5kg) or unable to keep food down for over 8 hours, speak to your doctor. They may recommend a pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medicine. Most morning sickness improves by weeks 12 to 14.
Nutrition Tips at 8 Weeks Pregnant
Why Vitamin D Is Important
Vitamin D is essential for supporting strong bones and teeth, helping with calcium absorption, and potentially lowering the risk of gestational diabetes in later pregnancy
Sources of Vitamin D include:
- Sunlight
- Fortified milk and dairy
- Supplements (check with your doctor first)
Choosing the Right Fruits
Go by this simple rule: the deeper the colour, the better the nutrition. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre, which benefit both you and your baby.
Eating a rainbow of produce ensures a well-rounded, nutrient-dense pregnancy diet.
Wellbeing Tips for Week 8
Managing Headaches
Hormonal changes and a nearly 50% increase in blood volume can cause pregnancy-related headaches.
Safe headache relief tips:
- Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Naproxen
- Speak to your doctor before taking anything
- Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy
If headaches are frequent or severe, it’s best to consult your midwife or GP.
Protect Your Skin From Melasma
Hormonal changes can lead to melasma, a condition where dark patches appear on your skin. You may also notice darker freckles, areolas or a vertical line down your stomach (linea nigra)
Skin protection tips:
- Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Use a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- Avoid direct sun exposure
Most pigmentation changes fade after pregnancy.
Bleeding After Sex: What’s Normal?
Light bleeding after intercourse is common in early pregnancy due to your cervix becoming more sensitive. Although it’s usually harmless, it’s always wise to mention it to your midwife.
Sex during pregnancy is safe unless advised otherwise and may offer emotional and physical benefits.
Avoid Hot Tubs and Saunas
Raising your core temperature above 38.3°C (101°F) can pose risks, especially in early pregnancy.
Safe alternatives:
- Keep bath water below 37°C
- Limit soaks to under 10 minutes
If you’ve already used a hot tub, don’t panic. Most people exit before temperatures reach concerning levels.
Soothe an Upset Stomach Naturally
If nausea continues, try easing your symptoms with protein and complex carbs, such as:
- Whole wheat crackers with cheese
- Granola and yoghurt
- Smoothies or light soups if solids are hard to manage
Stay Hydrated
Vomiting can cause dehydration. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of fluids daily, including:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Broth-based soups
Ginger Helps Soothe Nausea
Known for its natural anti-nausea properties, ginger can be consumed in various ways:
- Ginger-carrot soup
- Ginger muffins or biscuits
- Herbal tea with fresh ginger
- Crystallised ginger or ginger sweets
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest a vitamin B6 supplement or changing your prenatal vitamin to one with less iron and more B6.
FAQs About Being 8 Weeks Pregnant
1. Is it normal to have cramps at 8 weeks pregnant?
Yes, light cramping is usually due to your uterus expanding. However, consult your doctor if the pain is severe or persistent.
2. When will my bump start showing?
Most first-time mums start to show between weeks 12–16, although some may notice changes earlier.
3. Can I still exercise at 8 weeks pregnant?
Yes — gentle activities like walking, swimming and prenatal yoga are usually safe. Always consult your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine.
4. Should I be feeling movement yet?
Not yet. You’ll likely feel the first movements (called “quickening”) between weeks 16–25, especially if it’s your first pregnancy.
5. What foods should I avoid at 8 weeks pregnant?
Avoid undercooked meat, unpasteurised cheese or milk, high-mercury fish and anything that may pose a listeria or salmonella risk.
6. Is bleeding after sex at 8 weeks a concern?
Light spotting is common and usually harmless. Still, notify your midwife or GP to be sure