§first trimester · week 8 of 40
you're 8 weeks pregnant.
last revised · baby is about 1.6 cm (0.63") · 1 g (0.04 oz)
about the size of a raspberry.
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.
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.
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.