In this article you will be able to read about everything related to being pregnant in week 8. You will find information about the baby's development, how the mother's body is changing and tips you may need along the way. When you are pregnant in week 8, the embryo is the size of a raspberry.

Baby: In week 8 the embryo is 13 millimeters

The embryo develops and grows every day, so at the end of this week of pregnancy the embryo is about 15 millimeters!

Embryo development

This week, the major organ systems such as the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and lungs are being built. They are now starting to grow and develop at full speed! So are the brain, the stomach, the central nervous system and the vertebrae. Can you believe that all this is happening inside that tiny 15 millimeter embryo? It's actually quite amazing.

So there is a huge development going on this week. The heart is even starting to pump blood around in all the tiny blood vessels that have formed. Arms and legs continue to grow and hands start to take shape like little paddles. The toes of the feet also start to develop and the embryo can make small, tiny movements. Two indentations that will become eyes are formed and eyelids are created, as are two small buds that will form ears. The mouth and nose are developing but so far they have a common hole where the tongue starts to take shape.

Mom: Pregnant in week 8

By now you have entered the eighth week and have probably known about the pregnancy for a few weeks. For some, the news is joyful and easy to digest, while for others it comes as a surprise that takes some time to accept. Whatever your feelings are and however far you have processed all the thoughts about your pregnancy, remember that all feelings are okay. You have about 32 weeks left to prepare for everything that lies ahead!

Diet and stomach problems

When you are pregnant, your body releases the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. This can cause your bowels to work more slowly than usual, and you may become constipated or feel bloated. To ease or counteract these symptoms, eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising can help keep your bowels moving. If you still have problems with a sluggish stomach or constipation, certain foods can help. For example, try kiwi or pear and various seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds) as part of your breakfast or snack. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids so that the fiber does not make you constipated. You can also use over-the-counter constipation medicines, your midwife can guide you on this when you see her!

High-fiber diet

Tips for high-fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, root vegetables, beans, lentils, cereals, grains, pasta and whole-grain rice. And drink plenty of water to make the most of the fiber! However, if you suffer from IBS, it may be healthy to avoid an overly high-fiber diet - talk to your midwife for advice if you're not sure what type of food is right for you.

Movement during pregnancy

Movement also helps the intestines to work and is a good way to prepare the body for the stresses of pregnancy, especially at the end.

You may have heard of pelvic pain, or 'pelvic girdle pain' as it is commonly known? It can affect some women and often occurs in the latter half of pregnancy. Pelvic pain is caused by the hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy to soften the joints and make the joints in the pelvis more mobile, so that the baby can pass through.

Unfortunately, some women can experience incredible pain, but by exercising the muscles around the joints you can stabilize your pelvis and hopefully counteract any pain as your pregnancy progresses. If you have been exercising before you got pregnant, you can continue to do so as long as it feels good. If you haven't exercised before, now might be a good time to start strengthening your body a little - if it feels right for you and you have the energy! The most important thing is that you give your body what it needs.

If you feel energetic and well, high-fiber foods and exercise can help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Listen to your body and what it can handle, and keep moving to the extent that works for you. We know it can feel heavy! A good balance of doing what you know is good for the long term with what you need right now is the absolute best equation, but don't push yourself towards something that costs you more energy than it gives. If cardio feels difficult to find motivation for, strength training with a focus on shoulders, back, inner torso muscles, seat and thighs is recommended. Light pelvic floor training and squats are great throughout the pregnancy and then it is enough to do it for a little while when the urge comes.

You can read about week 7 here.

You can read about week 9 here.