Advice for soon-to-be parents
My pregnancy
8th Pregnancy Week
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
1st Trimester: Pregnancy Week 8
Welcome to the world of parenting!
An exciting journey is about to start and Mothercare, through this journal, is going to be by your side and advise you throughout your pregnancy weeks.
Get informed about everything that parents need to know such as pregnancy, baby growth, body and psychology changes, doctor examinations and appointments and of course parturition, breastfeeding and baby care.
Our midwife and lactation consultant IBCLC Ms Georgia Leze every week is going to show you a special path to a healthy and happy baby.
Pregnancy Week 8
This is a busy week for your baby – they’re losing the tadpoley tail and starting to look like a proper little person.
It’s a milestone for you too, as week 8 is often marked by your first antenatal appointment.
It’s a great chance to clear up all those nagging questions. Most of the moms-to-be are searching online for answers to their questions. Follow this diary of ours and answer all your questions. Ask the expert before conducting conclusions for complications or normal progression of a pregnancy. We are by your side on this wonderful journey.
Your body is doing some amazing things to support your growing baby. Your fabulous pregnant body has:
- more blood than usual – it will be 1.5 extra litres by the third trimester
- a super-stretchy uterus that will eventually expand to 1000 times its original size!
- breasts that are already preparing to feed your baby
Υou at Pregnancy Week 8
Your baby is developing at a speedy pace at the moment, so a common pregnancy symptom at week 8 is extreme tiredness. It’s great if you can give in to this, and get as much rest and sleep as you can. You may also be experiencing constipation, thanks to the pregnancy hormone progesterone and a more iron-rich diet. Many moms experience contractions or pulls in the area below the navel. These symptoms may feel like the period symptoms in less intensity. They happen because of the increased dimensionality of your uterus and will continue for up to 12 weeks. Your body is still reacting to your baby facing it as a host and trying to disengage from it. But don’t be afraid! Your hormones protect and look more and more of these contractions. However, do not overdo it. If you feel intense and frequent contractions try to get some rest and relax. Avoid stress, lifting weights and intense physical exercise these weeks. Your body can and does know hot to guide you. Listen to it!
Υour baby at Pregnancy Week 8
Your baby is now officially a ‘foetus’, meaning ‘offspring’. This is because they’re losing their tail and becoming more baby-like. They measure 1.6cm long, and are growing about a millimetre every day. They now have recognisable, lengthening limbs and obvious hands and feet. The spinal cord is developing, all their major organs are in place, and neural pathways are forming in the brain. Incredibly, they now have taste buds, and the beginnings of a tiny tummy. They’ve develop their first sense: touch, and can respond to pressure on their lips and cheeks.
In this week your baby has completely formed his external genetically modified. They just can’t be seen through the ultrasound. What do you wish for?
Τhings to do in Pregnancy Week 8
Between the 8th and 10th week it is good to visit a laboratory center for your first lab tests.
These tests are very important and their results should be directly communicated with your doctor and midwife. Through them we can know your need in iron, extra check for the husband ( in the case of Mediterranean anemia), your immunization levels on viruses like toxoplasma, the cytovirus and rubella. Also, your blood type is important, as is your general blood-dynamic condition. Your blood sugar, the function of your thyroid and your urinary system are important elements of a good evolution in your pregnancy.
Do not be careless at all!