8 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Tater Tot

Welcome to Scary Mommy’s pregnancy week by week guide! We’re here to give you all the info about what to expect when you’re expecting: be it symptoms, your pregnancy week by week size and development, your changing body, or ultrasounds and appointments. Here’s everything you need to know about week 8.

Your Body at 8 Weeks Pregnant

You’re Feeling Curvier

While it might not be obvious from the outside that you’re pregnant, your clothes know otherwise. Your pants and bras might fit a little snugger. Weight gain is slow at this point but your uterus has now increased from the size of a fist to the size of a grapefruit to accommodate your baby. Above the waist, you might be feeling a little voluptuous since your breasts are growing and gearing up for lactation. So splurge on a pair of yoga pants and a comfy bra — you deserve it.

You’re Moody

If you’re feeling moodier than a mood ring, relax. This is completely normal. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), emotional changes are common between the first six to ten weeks of pregnancy. Not only are your hormones playing with your mental health but you may be worried about finances, lifestyle changes, and whether or not you’ll make a good parent (psst, we’re pretty sure you will). Again, completely normal. Connect with your inner Oprah and invest in a meditation app so you can carry some Zen with you wherever you go. And remember: you got this.

Your Heart is Pounding

This baby’s got your heart expanding in more ways than one. Because your baby needs a lot of support to grow, your blood volume has now increased by 40 to 50 percent and your heart is beating faster.

Your Baby At 8 Weeks Pregnant

At week 8, your little bean is about the size of a tater tot, or about half an inch long. With most of their facial features formed, and the trunk straightening out, your little one is shaping up to look like the little bundle of joy you’ll soon be sharing cuddle parties with. They now have little webbed toes and fingers, which means they’re able to swim around in your womb. Let the kicking begin.

All major organs have also completely formed, and will continue to grow. And if you think your heart is beating fast now, you’re not alone. Your little one’s heart is beating anywhere from 80 to 180 beats per minute. Don’t worry — that’s a good sign! Another cool thing? Despite the external genitals still being unrecognizable, according to the APA, your baby’s sex has already been determined. Now you’ve got some thinking to do: to have a reveal party, or not?

Your Symptoms and Health at 8 Weeks Pregnant

Sensitivity to Smells

As if food aversion wasn’t enough to deal with, you’re also sensitive to smells at week 8. Not only will some scents make you more queasy than normal but you might even experience a heightened sense of smell. That’s right — you’re part bloodhound now.

Pregnancy Acne

Thought you left pimples behind in high school? Think again. During pregnancy, some women experience oiler than normal skin and acne, especially during the first and second trimester. Just like in high school, you can thank the influx of hormones for your new shine. Before treating your new zits with over-the-counter treatments, be sure to consult with a doctor first regarding its safety. Certain medications can’t be used while pregnant.

Constipation

Don’t be embarrassed — feeling constipated, bloated, and experiencing gas is completely normal during pregnancy. Generally, anxiety, a low-fiber diet, and minimal physical exercise are the main reasons why you’re experiencing constipation. In order to keep you regular, drink lots of water, add more fruits and veggies to your meals, ensure you’re going out for at least a brisk walk each day, and take some time to meditate. You might also want to skip out on iron supplements since they too can contribute to constipation.

Vaginal Discharge

If you’ve noticed some thin milky discharge on your underwear during week 8, that’s a good sign. According to Medical News Today, this discharge is called leukorrhea, and it’s your body’s way of taking natural steps in protecting your birth canal from infection and protecting its natural bacterial environment.

Double Trouble

You still don’t know you’re having twins, but your body does. Clothes might feel more snug, your heart rate is increased and, as is always the case with twins, you’re experiencing most of the above symptoms more intensely than you would be if you were carrying one baby. Not that you’ll know the difference for another 2-6 weeks.

The contents of this article have been medically reviewed by Ruth A. Tessler, M.D. in July, 2019.

Written by Brianne Hogan.

Read More:

7 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Gummy Bear

9 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Piece Of Sushi