you're 8 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 1.6 cm (0.63") · 1 g (0.04 oz)
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 1.6 cm and 1 g — Officially a fetus now — fingers and toes start to separate, and tiny movements begin.
about the size of a…
Officially a fetus now — fingers and toes start to separate, and tiny movements begin.
this week's highlights
- Fingers and toes separate
- First spontaneous movements
- Tail disappears
- Eyelids form
how your baby looks
Distinctly baby-shaped on ultrasound — a rounded head, visible arms and legs, separating fingers and toes. The tail has been reabsorbed.
body in focus
- head
- Eyelids begin to form and the inner ear takes shape.
- body
- Heart pumps about 150 beats per minute, twice an adult's rate.
- hands
- Fingers begin to separate from the hand paddle.
- feet
- Toes begin to separate from the foot paddle.
what's happening in your body
Many people have their first prenatal visit around now. Symptoms can be intense — nausea, fatigue, bloating, frequent peeing, and an emotional rollercoaster.
symptoms at 8 weeks
- Peak-zone nausea
- Weeks 8 to 10 are when sickness typically hits its high point. If it is going to be rough, this is the roughest stretch — and it nearly always eases from here.
- Bloating and waistband tightness
- Your uterus is now about the size of an orange, and combined with slowed digestion your clothes may already feel snug. It is bloat more than bump at this stage.
- Vivid dreams
- Strange, intense dreams are a real and common pregnancy phenomenon, likely tied to hormones and broken sleep. They are odd but harmless.
- Light-headedness
- Blood vessels are relaxing and blood pressure often dips in early pregnancy. Stand up slowly and keep snacks handy to steady your blood sugar.
- Increased discharge
- More thin, milky-white discharge (leukorrhoea) is normal throughout pregnancy and helps protect against infection. Itching, soreness or a strong odour, though, warrants a call to your doctor.
- Emotional intensity
- Anxiety about the first appointment and the pregnancy itself is very common around now. Voice it at your booking visit — emotional wellbeing is squarely the midwife's business.
gentle tips
- Bring a list of questions to your first prenatal visit.
- Choose a maternity care provider you trust — comfort matters.
- Stay active with walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming.
- Hydrate constantly — aim for 8–10 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise.
your week 8 checklist
- Attend your booking appointment — bring your question list and medical histories
- Decide about first-trimester screening (combined test / NIPT) so you can book it in the 11-to-14-week window
- Ask about the flu jab and other vaccinations recommended in pregnancy
- Start photographing your bump weekly if you would like a record — week 8 is a good baseline
- Check your eligibility for free prescriptions and dental care if your country offers them in pregnancy
what to expect next
The first ultrasound usually happens around weeks 8–10, with a visible heartbeat. Most early pregnancy losses happen before this point, so the milestone is meaningful.
common questions at week 8
How big is the baby at 8 weeks?
At 8 weeks, the baby measures about 1.6 cm and weighs approximately 1 g (1.6 cm (0.63") · 1 g (0.04 oz)).
What is developing at 8 weeks?
Distinctly baby-shaped on ultrasound — a rounded head, visible arms and legs, separating fingers and toes. Eyelids begin to form and the inner ear takes shape. Key milestones this week include: Fingers and toes separate; First spontaneous movements; Tail disappears; Eyelids form.
What symptoms are common at 8 weeks pregnant?
Many people have their first prenatal visit around now. Symptoms can be intense — nausea, fatigue, bloating, frequent peeing, and an emotional rollercoaster.
What should I do at 8 weeks pregnant?
The first ultrasound usually happens around weeks 8–10, with a visible heartbeat. Bring a list of questions to your first prenatal visit. Choose a maternity care provider you trust — comfort matters. Stay active with walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming.
What happens at the booking appointment?
It is the longest antenatal visit — usually an hour or more. The midwife takes a full medical and family history, measures height, weight and blood pressure, tests urine, arranges blood tests, and talks you through screening options and your care schedule. Nothing painful happens, and it is the right place to raise any worry, however small.
What is the chance of miscarriage at 8 weeks?
Once a heartbeat has been seen on ultrasound at 8 weeks, the risk of miscarriage drops substantially — studies put it in the low single digits for most people. Risk continues to fall week on week through the first trimester. Age and medical history shift the numbers, so your midwife or doctor can give you a picture specific to you.
When should I tell my employer I am pregnant?
Legally you can usually wait until around 15 weeks before your due date (roughly week 25), but telling your employer earlier unlocks rights sooner — paid time off for antenatal appointments and a workplace risk assessment. If your job involves chemicals, heavy lifting, radiation or night shifts, tell them early so adjustments can be made. Otherwise the timing is entirely yours.
helpful tools
- Due Date Calculator
Find your estimated due date from your last period or conception date.
- Baby Names
Start exploring names — an early, joyful ritual.
Medically aligned with guidance from WHO, NHS and ACOG. How we write.