About the baby…
In the eighth week of pregnancy, the baby already has about 2 cm and is in the stage between embryo and fetus. It is already the mid of the first trimester of pregnancy and soon the risks in baby’s development will diminish (most birth defects occur during the first few weeks). Your baby’s heart is fully formed and beats twice faster than yours – 170 times in a minute. The facial features and eyelids become visible, while the nose and lips are still forming. The bones are developed, as well as the hands and feet, whose toes are still united and the tail of the small embryo is slowly disappearing. The sex of the future baby has already formed – but the genitals are still indistinguishable. Vital organs are already formed, continuing their development (so there is still a risk – lower, however – for the occurrence of developmental abnormalities).
…and the future mother…
Your abdomen begins to be increasingly bloated – though still small, about the size of a tennis ball. You can face abdominal pain (sometimes even mild contractions) and back pains because the uterus grows, but these, if not very intense, are absolutely normal. In the 8th week of pregnancy gastrointestinal disorders are very common: constipation, stomach burns, bloating. Be careful not to take medicine to reduce these inconveniences and even herbal teas without first asking for your doctor about the risks involved. Weight gain should be, by now, visible mostly in the waist area. The breasts seem even larger, as the body prepares for lactation: areolas darken and prominent veins may appear on the breasts (varicose veins caused by the increased blood flow) and small protrusions called “Montgomery’s tubercles”. The nipples are hard and can eliminate a yellowish liquid. Now you can manifest the first symptoms of the skin: it becomes dry, acne appears, as well as spots. Nausea continues to bother you – most likely, you’ll get rid of them barely in the second trimester of pregnancy.
What to do in the 8th week of pregnancy:
- Check your weight gain. If you have not gained weight and you suffer from vomiting, you need to be extremely cautious, to talk to your doctor and especially avoid dehydration by drinking a high quantity of water.
- Medical control. If until now you have not had a first complete medical examination, it’s time to do it. Do not forget to make a list of all the questions and curiosities that you have, from the very beginning. Do not forget to ask your doctor what pills you can take against occasional pain and what teas for bloating can be taken without any risk.
- Paperwork. Search and try to fill whatever documents you need to release the birth certificate in time.
- Shopping. Did you find comfortable clothes for pregnancy already? It is very important to look for loose and comfortable clothes (because you will have problems with excessive sweating) and proper footwear. Also, it is essential to buy a model or two of special bras that support well your increased weight of the breasts and let the skin breathe: cotton is the best choice. It’s not recommended to squeeze the breasts in a too sharp bra or to let them free: the muscles that support them cannot support their weight for a long time.
- The skin. If you have extremely irritating acne, ask your doctor what products you can use, because some substances are harmful (generally glycolic acid can be used). If the “mask of the pregnant woman” appears, avoid the sun exposure and use a sunscreen cream which offers high protection.
- Stretch marks and cellulite. Maybe, you do not have to deal with these troubles yet, but until the end of the pregnancy, you’re likely get scared by the many stretch marks and cellulite. Start the “fight” early: look for a special cream at the pharmacy (mentioning that you are pregnant when you buy it) and get light massage in the risk areas: legs, posterior, stomach (very light massage; a strong massage might be aggressive for the skin and produces its rupture).
- Teeth. Blood circulation is enhanced and the blood level increased, which causes the varicose veins and also the swelling and bleeding of the gums (which can lead to an infection). You should, therefore, take care more than ever of the dental hygiene: use a special tooth paste for bleeding gums, wash your teeth at least twice daily with it (do not forget to brush the tongue easily as well) and also use a mouthwash. If your gums bleed frequently go to the dentist.