Your baby’s development

At 8 weeks pregnant your baby is now around 1.6 cm long and their eyes, mouth and nose are beginning to be more defined. The buds of their milk teeth start to form from around now, bone cells begin to form and replace cartilage and their tiny joints are developing. Every organ is in place and their unique fingerprints are beginning to form. From this week, your tiny baby is now called a foetus, which is Latin for ‘young one’ or ‘offspring’.

8 weeks fetus
Broccoli pictogram

Baby on board! Explore your pregnancy journey

Discover something new about your baby's development every week, with exciting emails tailored to every stage of your pregnancy.

You & your body

If you’re feeling sick then you’re definitely not alone! It happens to two out of three pregnant women during early pregnancy. Your nausea may be more noticeable in the morning but it can occur at any time. The bad news is that it tends to be at its worst around now and for another few weeks, but by week 14 about half of pregnant mums feel no further symptoms and you can get on with enjoying a healthy pregnancy diet.

For the rest it can take a little longer, although symptoms can come and go throughout pregnancy. We know it’s not a total comfort, but nausea and morning sickness feelings are almost always associated with a healthy pregnancy.

These tried and tested solutions are certainly worth a go:

  • Try to nibble on some dry crackers or biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning
  • Try to eat little and often to keep something in your stomach
  • Even if you find you can’t tolerate food, it’s very important to keep drinking fluids. If you find it difficult to drink anything try sucking on ice cubes, ice lollies, or sips of fruit juice
  • Motion sickness bands can work for morning sickness too! You wear them on your wrist to press on an acupuncture point and they might just help.
  • Try ginger – it has proven effective for many people. Why not try ginger ale, dry ginger biscuits, ginger tea or root ginger grated into boiling water?

Did you know?

Thrush is more common in pregnancy. If you get it, it’s best to avoid using perfumed soap or shower gel, wear cotton pants and loose clothing and speak to your midwife before using any treatments.

Need free advice with a smile? Get in touch with our dedicated Care team.

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