First Trimester
Week 8: Fingers and toes are forming — no longer webbed.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Raspberry
Length
0.63 in
Weight
1 g
Week
8 / 40
💡 Expert tip
This is when many women have their first prenatal visit. You may hear the heartbeat via Doppler.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Fingers and toes distinct — webbing receding
- Elbow joints forming and working
- Taste buds developing
- Upper lip and nose tip taking shape
Science fact
By week 8, all major organ systems are present in miniature form. The embryo has increased in size over 1,000-fold since fertilisation — the most explosive growth phase in human life.
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Metallic taste in mouth
affects 93% of pregnant women, caused by estrogen
Vivid dreams
increased progesterone enhances REM sleep intensity
Heightened emotional sensitivity
brain is literally reorganizing
💛 Changes in your body
- Nausea often peaks around now
- Some women notice their pants fitting tighter
- Mood swings and emotional sensitivity common
- Fatigue may be at its worst
💙 Mental health this week
Pregnancy mood swings are biological, not psychological weakness. Estrogen fluctuates more dramatically in the first trimester than at any other point in life.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Protein needs increase to 70–100g/day — eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt
- Vitamin D 600 IU/day minimum — deficiency linked to preeclampsia risk
- Stay hydrated: amniotic fluid is 98% water and completely refreshes every 3 hours
📅 Appointment / test
First prenatal appointment (booking visit): blood tests, urine, blood pressure, weight, medical history. Usually 45–90 minutes.
✅ This week's checklist
Have bloods done: iron, thyroid, blood group, rubella immunity
Start pelvic floor exercises — prevents incontinence and aids labor
Research and book your 12-week nuchal scan
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
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