8weeks
pregnant

Highlights this week

Your baby's hands and feet are beginning to take shape and her tail is almost gone.

Bra feeling snug? It's not too soon to upgrade to a maternity bra.

Should you be drinking more water now you're pregnant?

Baby development at 8 weeks

The tiny tail is disappearing and your baby has changed from an embryo and is now officially a fetus. This is the critical stage when your baby's organs are forming. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

The baby is now constantly moving and shifting, though you won't be able to feel anything for several weeks. The arms have grown and the hands are now flexed at the wrists and meet over the heart. The legs are lengthening and the feet may be long enough to meet in front of the body. It's still almost impossible to tell whether you're going to have a boy or a girl -- although reading old wives' tales for predicting your baby's sex can be fun.

Your baby at 8 weeks

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Your baby is the size of a kidney bean

length

1.6

head to bottom

weight

Pregnancy symptoms at 8 weeks

Though you're unlikely to have gained much weight, parts of you are certainly growing, like your breasts. Less obvious is the increase in your blood volume but by the end of pregnancy, you'll have 45 to 50 per cent more blood running through your veins to meet the demands of your baby. The extra demands on your circulation can make you prone to varicose veins and hemorrhoids -- read our self-help suggestions to help prevent problems developing.

Planning a vacation? Being pregnant may affect your choice of destination. You need to think about insurance, and vaccinations before you decide where to take your break. If you have morning sickness, you may be worried that it will make you motion sick or get worse at high altitudes or temperatures. Help is at hand -- follow our top tips for pregnant travelers to help plan a safe, relaxing and happy holiday.

Parent Tip: Turning the day around

"I found it really tiring going to work by bus and train so my husband gave me a ride very early. He'd drop me off at 7.30 so I went swimming and had breakfast before I started work and made sure I had plenty of early nights. I felt wonderful." -- A.V.

Your body at 8 weeks

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Pregnancy Tip

Pregnancy is incredible. Take a look inside the changes in your body and your baby's body during the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

Other hot topics this week

Not feeling very hungry? Don't worry -- your morning sickness will soon pass. In the mean time make sure you are eating well.

The surge in the hormone relaxin may mean you need to alter your diet to cope with constipation.

Try to increase your calcium levels. Tired of milk? Try calcium-fortified orange juice, almonds, or low-fat cheese.

Do you like essential oils in your bath? How to make sure they are safe to use in pregnancy.

If you're feeling very sick or tired, you won't feel much like socializing. Try to reschedule or get plenty of rest if there are any major celebrations coming up.

Polly Logan-Banks

Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.

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