Pregnancy week 8: symptoms, ultrasound and baby size
Pregnancy week 8 is one of those weeks when so much is happening on the inside. Your baby is no longer a cluster of cells: it’s a small, human-shaped being about 16 millimetres long, the size of a raspberry, that’s starting to move in little bursts. I know the first trimester can feel endless, but every week is worth it. Let me tell you everything that’s going on.
If you’re coming from pregnancy week 7, this week is the direct continuation of everything I told you there. And for the full journey, see our pregnancy week by week guide.
What is pregnancy week 8?
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period (LMP), not from conception. That means in week 8 you are about 6 weeks from fertilisation, and your doctor may still call it an “embryo”, although it looks more and more like a baby every day.
You’re at the end of the second month, within the first trimester. It’s a key moment of development: the main organs are forming, facial features are taking shape, and movements can already be seen on a scan.
What can you see on the week 8 scan?
If you have an ultrasound in week 8, you can already see:
- The embryo in a clear “C” shape, with a recognisable head, trunk and limbs.
- The heartbeat, now strong and steady (around 150–170 beats per minute).
- A well-formed gestational sac, with the yolk sac visible.
- In some cases, the first spontaneous movements, though you’ll still have to wait weeks to feel them from the outside.
This scan usually confirms everything is going well and gives you a more accurate date. If you haven’t taken a test yet or your period is barely late, hCG levels are very high this week and any test is reliable. You can take our free online pregnancy test to reflect on your symptoms, and if you fancy a distraction, try our finger pregnancy test game: it’s just a game, not a real test.
What symptoms are normal in week 8?
If you’ve been dealing with first-trimester discomfort for weeks now, this week is no different. It’s normal to notice:
- Nausea, with or without vomiting: still at its peak (it usually lasts until week 12). Eating little and often helps a lot.
- Tiredness and sleepiness: your body is doing a huge amount of work. Give yourself permission to rest.
- Tender, swollen, growing breasts: your bra may already feel tighter.
- Frequent urge to urinate: the uterus is growing and pressing on your bladder.
- Aversion to smells and cravings: hormones are still in charge.
- Mood swings and even excess saliva: very common complaints right now.
- Some light spotting or more discharge: if it’s scant and without strong pain, it’s usually normal, but get checked if you’re worried. More on how discharge looks in pregnancy.
Hardly any symptoms? That’s also completely normal: every pregnancy is unique, and feeling little doesn’t mean something is wrong.
How big is the baby in week 8?
The baby in week 8 measures about 16 millimetres (1.6 centimetres): the size of a raspberry. In that tiny measure, so much is already happening:
- The fingers and toes are forming and the webs that joined them have disappeared.
- Facial features are taking shape: tear ducts, the tongue and the vocal cords begin to develop.
- The heart is already beating strongly and pumping blood all around the body.
- The stomach, liver and kidneys start to function.
- The neural tube (the basis of the nervous system) keeps developing.
- The baby starts to move with little twitches, though you can’t feel them yet.
Your uterus, meanwhile, is already the size of an orange and is becoming noticeable in the lower belly, even if it barely shows on the outside.
Tips for week 8
- Book your first check-up and scan: around weeks 8–10 the first follow-up appointment, initial blood tests and first ultrasound usually happen.
- Keep taking folic acid: essential for nervous system development. I explain everything in folic acid in pregnancy.
- Eat little and often to ease nausea and avoid raw foods, alcohol and smoking.
- Stay hydrated and rest whenever you can.
- Don’t self-medicate: always ask your doctor before taking anything, even for heartburn or headaches.
- Work out your due date with the gestogram and track your week with how many weeks pregnant am I.
If you have intense one-sided pain, heavy bleeding or a fever, contact your doctor promptly.
FAQ
What month am I in during week 8? You’re in the second month of pregnancy: weeks 5–8 make up month 2. Counting starts on the first day of your last period, not the day of conception.
Can the heartbeat be seen in week 8? Yes, in the vast majority of cases it can be seen and heard clearly, at around 150–170 beats per minute. It’s a very exciting moment in the first scan.
Can you see the baby moving in week 8? Yes, on the scan small spontaneous movements can be seen, like twitches. You can’t feel them from the outside yet — you’ll wait until weeks 18–22 for the first kicks.
How big is the baby in week 8? About 16 millimetres (1.6 centimetres), the size of a raspberry. Arms, legs, hands and the first signs of fingers are already distinguishable.
Is strong nausea still normal in week 8? Yes, it’s the peak of nausea due to high hCG. It usually starts improving after week 12. Small meals and avoiding strong smells will help you get through it.
Can I exercise in week 8? If yours is a low-risk pregnancy, walking, gentle swimming or prenatal yoga is usually fine. Avoid high-impact or contact sports and always check with your doctor.
Remember this article is for information only. If you have questions about your health or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can advise on the right tests and support you through this special time ❤️.
