Pregnancy Week by Week: Week 8

Although your little one's only the size of a gumball now, most of her is starting to form. Read on to find out more about what happens in week eight in your pregnancy.

Your Baby

Last week, your baby’s brain started to develop into three distinct structures. This week, other body parts are beginning: Hands and feet are forming tiny webbed fingers and toes. And the tail your little one has been sporting starts to disappear. 

The extremities aren't the only things developing! Your baby’s intestines also begin to form a middle loop, which moves into the umbilical cord because there's not enough room for it in the abdomen. Even at this early stage, the intestines are working to carry waste away from the body. 

A month from now, when there's more room in your little one's belly, the intestines will move back into the abdomen and out of the cord.

Your tiny resident is about the size of a gumball, weighing in at about 0.25 grams and measuring anywhere from 7 to 17 millimetres (roughly 0.5 inch). But the embryo's shape is more cubical than round.

Your baby’s body is also beginning to become sensitive to touch. This is because the developing nervous system is already communicating with the muscles. 

Your Pregnancy

It's time for your first prenatal visit! Whether you pick an ob-gyn, a family physician, a nurse practitioner, or a midwife, it's important that you be comfortable with his or her philosophy and practices. 

Your visits are usually scheduled once a month until the last two months, then more frequently until birth. These check-ups offer the perfect opportunity to ask questions - so don't hesitate to bring up any concerns, large or small! Write them down between visits so you won't forget. 

It’s a subject of much debate: When should you share your exciting news with the rest of the world? Some couples tell close friends and family right away, while others choose to wait until they're past the first trimester, when they’re well on their way. 

Some women prefer to wait until they're showing. When it comes to telling your boss, only you can make that decision. If you have a high-risk pregnancy (or if morning sickness is keeping you tethered to the bathroom), you may need to share the information sooner rather than later so you can discuss a flexible work schedule. 

Whatever the case, know that you can't be fired from your job for being pregnant if you work for a company of 15 or more employees, under the Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. And most states have additional legislation to protect those who work for smaller businesses. 

From the Experts

"[Fatigue] is a common symptom in early pregnancy," says expert and registered nurse Elaine Zwelling. "A good diet, plenty of sleep, and exercise can go a long way to heading off exhaustion."