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Pregnancy Week 8

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The eighth week of your pregnancy

Your changing body
Your Uterus increases further in size by around this week. Breast size may go up as does blood volume. The hormones are also responsible for bringing about changes in the muscles and Ligaments which become lax to accommodate the growing Uterus.

Your growing baby
By the end of week 8, your baby will be about 15–18 mm in length, weighs 1 g and is the size of a bean. The transition from an Embryo to the Fetus is taking place (complete absence of the embryonic tail).

Nerve connections within your baby’s brain start developing. The process of bone formation of the fingers is going on as the bones of the fingers and toes have already reached their first joints. It’s still hard to tell whether it’s a girl or a boy because the external genitalia will develop later.

Your baby starts showing signs of reflex activity. Yes, your baby starts moving spontaneously. The Umbilical Cord begins to function by playing an active role in transporting nutrients to the Fetus and removing wastes. The little folds of skin that will represent ears at the sides of the head can also be observed.

Tips for the eighth week of pregnancy
It is very important to ensure good nutritional status by having a health balanced diet during the entire pregnancy. This especially becomes crucial in the earlier weeks of pregnancy i.e. (while organs of the Fetus are forming), during which chances of fetal abnormalities and spontaneous abortions are heightened.

Ensure that you eat a variety of healthy foods that not only nourish your growing Fetus but also help you stock up the energy and nutrient reserves for pregnancy and Lactation. To help shape up your breasts during pregnancy, you could opt for simple exercises that help tone the chest muscles. Exercises will also prevent breasts from sagging when you begin nursing your baby.

Activities for the fifth week of pregnancy
If you haven’t already, choose a good obstetrician with whom you are comfortable and discuss your progress. Use our Find a Doctor resource to locate one in your area.

Supplements to be taken during the eighth week of pregnancy
Folic acid, iron and calcium supplements.

Common problems in the eighth week of pregnancy
Heartburn, sudden twinges and bloating in the abdomen are commonly observed around this period. Excessive vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) also occurs in some women.

As the growing Fetus puts pressure on the lower portion of the intestine, you may suffer from problems of Constipation. Increase your fluid intake and consumption of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and veggies that will aid your bowel movements.

Regular physical activity such as mild walking and sufficient amount of rest are also essential. Increase in the blood volume during pregnancy also puts an additional demand on your circulation, making you more susceptible to Varicose Veins and piles. In varicose veins, the veins behind your knees may appear blue in color and may bulge due to congestion of blood.

It is usually painless but the discomfort may increase as your pregnancy progresses with a dull, persistent pain. They commonly develop in the legs. When Varicose Veins occur in your anal and rectal region, they are referred to as piles or Hemorrhoids.

Restricting the intake of refined and processed foods and including more of fiber-rich foods will prevent piles from worsening and alleviate Constipation.

Cravings and aversions (powerful urges towards or away from foods) is commonly observed in pregnant women. Some of these cravings are normal for e.g. craving for sweets, salty snacks, pickles and dairy products. But many a times, you may start craving for non-food items (clay, laundry starch, chips of paint) which is referred to as pica, an unusual craving that sets in more often during pregnancy than at any other time. The exact cause is not known but it is hypothesized that a nutrient deficiency (calcium or iron) may be linked to eating of these substances.

However, it is important that you discuss these issues with your healthcare provider who would help to deal with unresolved concerns. Incorporating a variety of foods in your meals will equip you to manage cravings wisely.

Common lab tests in the eighth week of pregnancy
Ultrasonography (commonly know as Ultrasound) to detect a normal pregnancy.

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