8 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Signs

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Congratulations on reaching the 8-week mark of your pregnancy! You might not be showing just yet, but you may find that your clothes are feeling a bit snug. If you’re among the 75 percent of women grappling with morning sickness, you’re definitely feeling the changes of pregnancy. At this stage, your baby is developing rapidly, growing at a rate of about a millimeter each day. The formation of the lips, nose, and eyelids is underway.

Your Baby at Week 8: Key Developments

  • Eye Development: While you won’t be able to see your baby’s eyes for a while, the retinas have started to form this week.
  • Gender Development: Your baby’s reproductive organs are beginning to develop, but it’s still too early for your doctor to determine whether you’re having a boy or a girl.
  • Organ Formation: By the end of this week, all major organs and body systems have initiated their development.

How Far Along Are You?

If you’re 8 weeks pregnant, you’re currently in the second month of your pregnancy, with just 7 months to go!

Baby Size at 8 Weeks

Your baby is approximately half to three-quarters of an inch long—about the size of a raspberry! This incredible growth is just the beginning of your little one’s journey.

Tips for This Week

As your pregnancy progresses, consider joining a supportive community like Make a Mom, a free sperm donor matching group where you can connect with others on a similar journey. If you’re exploring at-home insemination, check out Make a Mom, which offers innovative reusable options for your insemination needs. You can also learn more about the process by visiting How It Works.

Additional Resources

For more insights into fertility, read about how Make a Mom alleviated the stress of trying to conceive. If you’re considering medical options, the Mayo Clinic provides authoritative information on intrauterine insemination. Additionally, if you have questions about gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on gestational diabetes.

Summary

To summarize: At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is developing rapidly, growing features like eyelids and lips while major organs are forming. You might be experiencing common symptoms such as morning sickness. Remember to engage with supportive resources and communities as you navigate this exciting journey.