Fetal Development at 8 Weeks of Pregnancy

When pregnancy enters the age of 8 weeks, a number of significant developments begin to be shown by the fetus in your stomach. What changes occur in the body? Check out the full explanation in the following review.

Fetal Development during 8 Weeks Pregnant

8 weeks (2 months) of gestation can be regarded as an important period, especially with regard to fetal development. This can be seen from the following processes:

• The embryo has developed into a whole fetus measuring 11-14 millimeters or the equivalent of 1 red bean.
• A number of organs such as the lungs, brain and nervous system continue to grow.
• Eye organs are increasingly visible due to the development process of retinal pigment.
• The digestive organs, namely the intestines are also growing. In fact, this growing intestine extends outside the umbilical cord and will remain that way until well into the 12th week.
• Body parts such as hands and feet are increasingly visible, while lips are just starting to form.
• The genitals are developing, but not enough to determine the sex of the baby.
• Heart rate ranges from 150-170 beats per minute.

Fetus at 8 weeks gestation normally already started to move. It’s just that, because of its relatively small size, the movement of the fetus cannot be felt by the mother. So, movement can only be seen during an ultrasound examination (USG).

Mother’s Body Changes at 8 Weeks Pregnant

What about the body changes that occur at 8 weeks pregnant? Is the stomach starting to look bigger? Here are the characteristics that you can recognize, including:

1. The size of the uterus increases

One of the signs that you are already 8 weeks pregnant is the size of the uterus that has increased in size. This condition is caused by the growth of muscle tissue and the addition of amniotic fluid volume.

this change aims to provide enough space for the fetus to grow and develop until later it is time to be born.

In twin pregnancies or pregnancy abnormalities in the form of hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy), the size of the uterus can be larger than the average normal pregnancy.

2.Morning Sickness

Just like in the previous weeks, 8 weeks of pregnancy is still characterized by symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Although the term to describe this condition is called morning sickness, symptoms can occur at any time, not just in the morning.

According to the National Collaborating Center for Women’s and Children’s Health, 80-85 percent of women experience symptoms of nausea during pregnancy, with 52 percent accompanied by symptoms of vomiting.

You can do the following ways to relieve the symptoms you are feeling:

• Increase consumption of snacks.
• Avoid consuming spicy food.
• Don’t lie down immediately after eating.
• Avoid triggers for nausea and vomiting, such as room odors or certain foods.
• Drink enough water.

If you have done a number of methods as above but the condition does not subside, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 7 Weeks of Pregnancy

3. Changes in the Breast

The breasts will appear enlarged and more sensitive to stimulation. Sometimes, the breasts can also feel sore. Even so, these symptoms are normal and will usually subside over time.

If the pain in the breast does not go away and is increasing in intensity, visit a doctor immediately for further examination.

4. Get Tired Quickly

Entering 8 weeks of pregnancy, mothers can also feel more tired than usual days. This condition is caused by increased production of the hormone estrogen and blood volume.

Don’t force yourself to keep doing activities when your body starts to feel tired. Immediately take time to rest.

Also Read: How Important are Blood Supplement Tablets for Pregnant Women?

5.Heartburn

Burning feeling in chest (heartburn) can appear when the pregnancy enters the age of 8 weeks. This condition occurs due to increased progesterone in the body.

These hormones play a role in helping the fetus in the womb develop properly. However, the effect can make the muscles weak.

One of the affected muscles is the lower esophageal valve. This valve separates the esophagus and stomach.

If the esophageal valve is weakened, stomach acid will slightly rise into the esophagus, especially if you have a habit of lying down after eating.

6. Frequent urination

Another characteristic of 8 weeks pregnant is frequent urination. Increased urinary activity is caused by increased urine production.

In addition, these symptoms occur due to the enlarged uterus pressing on the bladder.

Even though it’s inconvenient because you have to go back and forth to the toilet, it’s best not to delay urinating. This is done so that you avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs).

7. Sleep disorders

Even though 8 weeks of pregnancy makes pregnant women tired, this doesn’t necessarily make sleep better. On the contrary, pregnant women are prone to waking up at night.

Sleep disturbances can be caused by increased hormone production during pregnancy, discomfort due to pregnancy symptoms, and stress.

You can overcome sleep problems during pregnancy by creating a comfortable bedroom, meditating before going to bed, and avoiding using electronic devices near bedtime.

Also Read: Fetal Development at 9 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy test

In the 8th week, there are a number of tests that must be done to ensure that the pregnancy is proceeding normally. The examination includes:

1. General Pregnancy Checkup

General pregnancy checks are intended to monitor fetal development. The doctor will use the ultrasound method (USG) to see the condition of the fetus.

Apart from that, the doctor will also carry out a number of other examinations to find out whether there are potential complications of pregnancy or not.

2. Physical Examination

This examination is to ensure that the mother is in good health so that the pregnancy runs smoothly. Some of the checks carried out include:

• Blood pressure measurement.
• Measurement of height and weight.
• Pelvic measurement.
• Vaginal examination (if there are complaints of vaginal discharge or bleeding).

8 Week Pregnancy Tips

Entering the 8th week, pregnancy is still relatively vulnerable. Therefore, it is better for the mother to take care of the development of the fetus in this period.

Several ways that can be done, including:

1. Periodically Check the Content

Carry out periodic medical examinations with an obstetrician. Not only monitoring fetal development, examinations can help you find out recommendations and restrictions during pregnancy.

In the first and second trimesters, check for pregnancy every 4 weeks, in the third trimester every 2 weeks, and for pregnancies over 38 weeks every 1 week.

2. Consumption of Complete and Balanced Nutritious Foods

Tips for caring for the fetus at the next 8 weeks of gestation are paying attention to daily food intake. Make sure you meet the needs of vitamins and other important nutrients.

Consult your doctor about what nutritious foods should be consumed to support the growth and development of the fetus while maintaining the health of the mother.

3. Drink Enough Water

Meeting the needs of body fluids is important because Dehydration can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Consume about 8-12 glasses of water every day.

4. Exercising Routine

Exercise is highly recommended when your pregnancy enters the age of 8 weeks. This physical activity can help maintain the health of the mother and fetus in the womb.

However, make sure to choose a type of exercise with a light intensity and minimal risk of injury or falling, such as Kegel exercises and leisurely walks.

5. Not Smoking and Consuming Alcoholic Beverages

The chemicals contained in cigarette smoke can be harmful to the fetus. This also applies to passive smokers. So, make sure pregnant women stay away from exposure to cigarette smoke to avoid the bad effects of smoking on pregnancy and the fetus.

Apart from cigarette smoke, pregnant women should also stop consuming alcoholic beverages. . The reason is, this can interfere with the development of the fetus so that the baby is at risk of being born with defects and has a number of other health problems.

6. Get Enough Rest Time

This is done so that the health of you and your future baby is always maintained. In addition, you are also advised to manage stress well to support a healthy pregnancy.

This is an explanation about 8 weeks of pregnancy that is important for you to know. In order for the pregnancy to run smoothly until the time for delivery arrives, you can apply the tips above. Don’t forget to check the content regularly. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends.

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