Your baby

Pregnant at 8 weeks, your baby will be 2cm long now, complete with fingers and toes and paper-thin skin. Its heart will also have developed and will be beating at around 160 beats per minute.

During this week your baby will be moving around but you won’t be aware of its activities for a few more weeks.

The sex of your baby was determined from the moment your egg was fertilized but on an ultrasound you still won’t be able to see whether your baby is male or female.

Pigment will be starting to develop within the retina of the baby’s eyes and they may appear open as the eyelids have started to grow. But, the eyelids have yet to fuse and they won’t properly open until around week 26.

You

Your womb has already doubled in size, although you won’t be ‘showing’ yet. The 8 weeks pregnant symptoms will mean you may find you need to visit the toilet more often as your growing uterus presses on your bladder.

The emotional rollercoaster that you’re on may not have subsided, but antenatal tests may help put your mind at ease.

If you’re suffering from sickness, indigestion or heartburn, small portions little and often may help you to feel better. Check out our top tips to help with morning sickness.

What to think about

In a couple of weeks you will have your first booking-in appointment with the midwife. If you haven’t arranged this, don’t panic, contact your GP who will arrange it.

The early stages of pregnancy aren’t the time to start a diet. If you are worried about your weight, you should ask your midwife or GP for more information.

If you’re thinking about getting away, make sure you check out our top tips for safe travel to make sure you and your baby stay healthy.

You might be wondering when to tell people at work that you are expecting. Learn more about when to tell your employer that you are pregnant.