Fetal development: Week 8

Image of 8-week fetus courtesy of Babybond Want to see a bigger pic?

Your baby has been stretching, bending and unbending over the last few weeks and this week is about one centimetre long.

The development of the head is followed by the development of the abdomen and chest and the gradual disappearance of the tadpole-like tail. By week 8 the embryo is straightening out as its tiny bones begin to form and your baby looks more and more like a miniature human being.

Your baby now has the beginnings of every essential organ, and they are each rapidly becoming more complex. The eyelids and tongue are now forming, as are follicles for the hair and nipples.

Your baby can now demonstrate its first sensitivities to touch, starting with its facial skin.

What's happening with mum?
By the end of the second month you may be noticing changes in your own body, your waistline may already be thickening and you may be developing a fuller, softer shape. Some women will even be finding it hard to fasten up their usual skirts and trousers.

Besides feeling tired and suffering from an upset digestive system you may also have experienced some of the other less pleasant affects of pregnancy such as acne and weak gums. Many mums-to-be also find that that their tastes are altered and it’s very common to go completely off coffee and alcohol (fortunately).

If you are feeling tired, make sure you get plenty of rest and look after yourself, roping the rest of your family in to help with chores. It may sound trite, but a little gentle exercise and fresh air will help give you lift.

NB: All pregnancies are different and fetal growth rates vary, this is meant only as an approximate guide to development. If you have any concerns about your developing pregnancy then speak to your doctor.

Caring for your pregnancy

Getting enough calcium - Calcium is a very important mineral for all women, but particularly when you're pregnant so make sure you know why and where to find it.

Coping with morning sickness - It's one of the most common pregnancy complaints and can vary greatly in degree and duration of suffering. Here's what you need to know about coping with morning sickness.

Cutting back the booze - If you're one of the mums who hasn't naturally gone off alcohol then here are some tips for cutting back.

Getting exercise - Exercise in pregnancy can help ease the pains of pregnancy and labour and help you get back into shape after birth faster too. Here's some ideas for safe safe pregnancy workouts.

Pregnancy experiences

Wind and bloating? - It's very common for pregnant women to experience excessive wind and bloating in their first trimester. If you're affected read why and what you can do about it.

Symptoms in the two week wait - As someone in their 7th cycle in the dreaded 2 week wait period I was wondering if all you successful conceivers out there could report any pregnancy symptoms from your 2WW. Can you help ttcers out by reporting your early symptoms?

You can join in the discussions and share pregnancy experiences and advice with other ThinkBaby members in the pregnancy folder.

Morning sickness? - I am feeling horribly nauseous, every day all day. This morning sickness thing is a fallacy. I try dry biscuits, camomile tea, toast - nothing works.writes Lucy in her first instalment of her pregnancy diary.

Keeping a diary of your pregnancy is a great idea, on ThinkBaby you can keep an up-to-date online blog that you can email to your nearest or dearest or print out later for yourself, so why not start your own?

Other weeks