8 weeks pregnant

8 weeks pregnant is about 2 months. It falls in the second month of pregnancy. You are in week 8 of 40, in the first trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.

Your baby at 8 weeks

Fingers and toes are starting to form. The baby is making small movements you can't feel yet.

The flat hand and foot plates now show ridges where fingers and toes will separate, though they are still webbed. Your baby's arms are long enough to bend at the elbows and wrists. The upper lip and tip of the nose have formed, and the outer ears are beginning to take shape on the sides of the head.

Nerve cells in the brain are branching out and forming early connections. Your baby's muscles are starting to respond, which is why small, spontaneous movements of the body and limbs can sometimes be seen on an ultrasound around this time, even though you cannot feel them.

Inside, the heart is dividing into its chambers and beats much faster than an adult's. The intestines are growing so quickly that part of them temporarily bulges into the umbilical cord, where there is more room. They will move back into the abdomen in a few weeks.

Your body at 8 weeks

Your uterus is growing and clothes may feel tighter around the waist. Breasts may feel fuller.

Your uterus is now about the size of a lemon and growing, so waistbands may feel snug even though your bump is not visible yet. Your blood volume is increasing, which can make you feel warmer and more thirsty. Breasts often keep getting fuller, and the areolas may darken. Nausea and tiredness are often at their strongest around now. Vivid dreams and trouble sleeping are also common, partly due to hormones and needing to get up to urinate at night.

Your belly at week 8

In month 2 (weeks 5–8) you are not showing yet. Your uterus is slowly growing but is still tucked inside your pelvis. Bloating can make waistbands feel tighter.

Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.

Symptoms at 8 weeks pregnant

• Nausea and tiredness
• Fuller breasts and darker areolas
• Tighter-fitting clothes around the waist
• Vivid dreams or disrupted sleep
• Mild cramping or stretching sensations
• Feeling warmer than usual

Checkups around week 8

Your first prenatal (booking) appointment often happens between about 8 and 10 weeks, though timing varies by country. It usually includes your medical history, blood pressure, weight, a urine test, and blood tests such as blood type and Rh status, a blood count, and screening for infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Some providers also do a dating ultrasound around this time.

Common symptoms in the first trimester

The first trimester runs from week 1 to week 13. It is when your baby's major organs, spine and heart form, and when many people feel the most tired and nauseous. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:

• Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), which can happen at any time of day
• Tiredness and needing more sleep
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Needing to urinate more often
• Food aversions or cravings and a metallic taste
• Mood swings
• Light spotting around implantation

Read the full first trimester guide.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Have a question about week 8?

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Frequently asked questions

How big is my baby at 8 weeks pregnant?

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry. That is about 1.6 cm (0.6 in) from crown to rump, weighing about 1 g (0.04 oz).

How big is my belly at week 8 of pregnancy?

In month 2 (weeks 5–8) you are not showing yet. Your uterus is slowly growing but is still tucked inside your pelvis. Bloating can make waistbands feel tighter. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.

What will I see on an ultrasound at 8 weeks?

At 8 weeks, an ultrasound usually shows the gestational sac, the embryo, and a clear heartbeat flicker. Your baby looks like a small bean with a large head, and the limb buds may be visible. The provider measures the crown-to-rump length to confirm how far along you are and estimate your due date.

Does the risk of miscarriage go down after seeing a heartbeat?

Yes. Once a healthy heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, the chance of the pregnancy continuing is reassuringly high, and the risk of miscarriage keeps falling as the weeks go on. No stage is completely risk-free, but most pregnancies with normal early scans continue. Your provider can talk through your individual situation.

When should I tell people I am pregnant?

It is entirely your choice. Many people wait until after the first-trimester scan, around 12 weeks, while others share earlier with close family or friends for support. If your job involves heavy lifting, chemicals, or other hazards, consider telling your employer early so they can make safe adjustments.

What trimester is 8 weeks pregnant?

Week 8 is in the first trimester, which covers weeks 1 to 13.

How many months is 8 weeks pregnant?

8 weeks pregnant is about 2 months. It falls in the second month of pregnancy. The second month covers weeks 5 to 8. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.

This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.