PREGNANCY
8 Weeks Pregnant: Hang that Ultrasound Up!
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, and...so are you!
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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PREGNANCY
Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp
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Bestsellers
Your baby is growing quickly…and so are you! Right now, your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit. It’s still tucked low in your pelvis, but it will keep expanding upwards—eventually reaching your belly button and beyond.
Safely nestled in this strong muscle, your baby is beginning to make tiny movements. They may even kick or startle—but you won’t feel those flutters just yet.
They’re starting to look more recognisably like a little baby, too. Their knees, elbows, and ears are forming, and their fingers and toes are no longer webbed. They’ve even developed eyelids, though their eyes will stay shut for another 20 weeks or so.
At 8 weeks, you’re about 2 months along.
Your baby is about the size of a raspberry.
Congratulations—you’re finishing your second month of pregnancy! Things may feel more real now, especially if you’re heading to your first antenatal appointment. This is often when you’ll see your “gummy bear” baby on an ultrasound and hear the whoosh-whoosh of their tiny heartbeat.
Bring along a list of questions—no concern is too small or silly. This is the time to get answers.
By now, you may be noticing:
Mosquitoes prefer pregnant people.
True! Studies suggest pregnant people are about twice as attractive to mozzies, possibly due to higher body temperature or increased carbon dioxide from heavier breathing. Mosquitoes also seem to prefer type O blood over A or B.
To keep them at bay, try oil of lemon eucalyptus for a natural repellent. DEET-based repellents are considered safe in pregnancy—just avoid spraying directly on large areas of bare skin. Instead, dab a little on clothing like socks, cuffs, or collars.
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
