The child's brain and nervous system have formed, and he begins to make his first movements. If you undergo an ultrasound, you will see that the baby's face can be seen very clearly. You can see the nose, mouth, eyes, lips. Small fingers are visible on the hands, which the child periodically moves.

The bone tissue has also formed, the child’s joints become mobile, and you can see that he is actively moving his arms and legs. Internal organs also develop: stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas. The conductivity of the nervous system increases, and internal organs begin to respond to the child’s activity. The baby's weight reaches 3 grams.

The woman begins to feel that the uterus has increased significantly and is about to begin to rise. Painful sensations, such as squeezing or sharp spasms, may occur. It is very good if these sensations occur, because this indicates a positive pregnancy. If pain bothers you, contact a gynecologist, he will consult you and prescribe several medications.

The gynecologist will also prescribe the following tests for you:

• General blood test;
• HIV and RW;
• Urinalysis to determine the amount of protein;
• Analysis for human chorionic gonadotropin.

You will be weighed and body measured. The doctor will determine the average basal temperature and make several smears. Passing a medical examination is very important; you can prevent possible diseases of the child and treat him before birth.

Signs of pregnancy at 8 weeks

At 8 weeks, pregnancy is no longer a secret for the expectant mother. By this time, many signs of pregnancy usually appear, which can manifest with different intensity in different women. Thinking about the health of the unborn child, a woman should reconsider her life routine and immediately give up all bad habits. At this stage, the influence of any negative factors on the child’s development is very great, in addition, they can worsen the condition of the expectant mother. Therefore, week 8 is included in the so-called “critical period of pregnancy.”

During the 8th week of pregnancy, the consumption of alcohol and nicotine is strictly prohibited, and heavy lifting should be avoided. In addition, you should carefully monitor your diet and make it as healthy and balanced as possible. It is not recommended to take x-rays or use anesthesia during dental treatment.

Another sign of an “interesting position” at 8 weeks of pregnancy is significant breast enlargement. Sometimes blood vessels may even be visible. This occurs under the influence of hormones to prepare the mammary glands for lactation. Therefore, it is important to choose a comfortable bra during this period. Also, under the influence of hormones, the condition of a woman’s skin often changes: sometimes it becomes more elastic and clear, has a healthier appearance, but for many, on the contrary, the skin becomes drier and more prone to flaking.

From the 8th week of pregnancy, it is better to give up high heels, do not overwork, do not put a lot of stress on your legs, and raise them higher during rest. This is associated with an increased risk of encountering varicose veins.

Pregnancy symptoms

At 8 weeks, most often all the signs of pregnancy are very clearly visible. However, it happens that the symptoms of pregnancy are not clearly expressed, which often worries the expectant mother and makes her worry about whether everything is going “according to plan.” The vast majority of women, precisely during this period, feel “all the delights” of their position in the brightest colors. The most common symptom is toxicosis. A woman in this state experiences dizziness, nausea, accompanied by vomiting. Vomiting once or twice a day is considered normal. By following certain dietary practices, you can overcome this symptom. But if the toxicosis is very severe, then it is better to consult a doctor, since frequent vomiting can have an adverse effect on the baby.

Feelings at 8 weeks

Toxicosis is not the only “companion” of a pregnant woman. The real tests at the 8th week of pregnancy are feelings of constant drowsiness, weakness, emotional instability and excessive irritability. In addition, swollen, enlarged breasts may cause some discomfort. It is better to come to terms with this manifestation, since there is still a long journey of pregnancy and lactation ahead.

The body weight of the expectant mother at 8 weeks is practically unchanged, because... The baby is still very tiny. Many women, especially those who have experienced toxicosis, experience weight loss.

Photos of bellies at 8 weeks

Pain at 8 weeks

The list of unpleasant sensations characteristic of the 8th week of pregnancy is quite extensive. In addition to banal toxicosis, which often goes away by the 12th week, a pregnant woman is faced with other not very pleasant symptoms. Irritation of the sciatic nerve due to the growing uterus can provoke pain in the pelvis and hips. You can combat this phenomenon by reducing the pressure of the uterus on the nerve; to do this, you need to lie on the opposite side.

The bladder also experiences discomfort from the enlarged uterus, which leads to increased urination. At the same time, urination itself should not be painful, and the urine should be transparent and clean. If you have such sensations, you should consult a doctor, since pain during urination may indicate cystitis or pyelonephritis.

Due to indigestion at this stage of pregnancy, heartburn may appear, which also causes certain discomfort.

Already at 8 weeks of pregnancy, another source of pain may appear - false (training) contractions. True, at this time they are still insignificant. However, if the painful sensations are quite strong, there is severe nagging pain in the lower abdomen, if they are accompanied by bloody discharge, you must immediately seek help from a doctor, it is better to immediately call an ambulance.

Bleeding

Bleeding and any spotting during the 8th week of pregnancy indicate a threat of miscarriage, and possibly a miscarriage that has already begun. The amount and time of bleeding is directly proportional to the risk of miscarriage. Bleeding that continues for several days (weeks), nagging pain in the lower abdomen, cramps similar to menstrual ones, and back pain indicate a threat of termination of pregnancy (abortion). In this state, it is very important to strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations, maintain rest and bed rest, and protect the pregnant woman from all worries and negative factors.

If at 8 weeks of pregnancy there is increased bleeding with blood clots and tissue, this indicates detachment of the fertilized egg from the uterine wall, and means that a miscarriage has begun. The cervix dilates and contracts, causing contractions to progress, causing the uterus to expel the fetus. Unfortunately, stopping a miscarriage in such a situation is very unlikely.

Discharge at 8 weeks

At 8 months of pregnancy, a woman has normal discharge. They should be moderate, light in color with a sour smell. Various color deviations, an increase in the amount of discharge, the appearance of mucus or pus signal an infection of the woman’s genital organs. In addition, itching, burning, and painful discharge can also be warning signs. In such cases, you simply need to consult a doctor for immediate treatment.

The danger is brown discharge, sometimes in combination with nagging pain in the abdominal area, dizziness, and weakness. Discharge of this color may indicate separation of the fertilized egg from the walls of the uterus, which leads to leakage of blood. Such symptoms should not be neglected, since in such a situation there is a high risk of miscarriage. Timely seeking medical help will increase the chances of saving the baby.

Uterus

During the normal course of pregnancy at 8 weeks, the uterus measures approximately 7-8 cm (the size of a goose egg). A doctor can determine the process of uterine growth through a gynecological examination of a pregnant woman. It is not yet possible to determine the increase in the size of the uterus through the abdominal wall. A specialist will be able to confirm the presence of pregnancy by establishing that the uterus is soft, the isthmus is softened, and the external os is closed.

Analyzes

Following the examination, the next step in establishing the indicators and health status of the expectant mother and fetus will be prescribed tests. At the 8th week of pregnancy, the list of mandatory tests includes the following tests: urine test for protein, general blood test (test of the level of red and white blood cells, determination of the Rh factor, absence of HIV), general smear, stool test, hCG test.

An increased level of protein in the urine, detected during tests, may indicate kidney disease in a pregnant woman. A general blood test will help the specialist create a more complete picture of health indicators and the progress of pregnancy. In particular, a decrease in the number of red blood cells indicates anemia or possible leukemia, and an increased level may indicate lung diseases. In turn, a low level of leukocytes, detected using a general blood test, may indicate viral hepatitis, influenza or rubella, while an increased level may indicate bacterial infections (tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, etc.)

The level of the hormone that is produced by the membranes of the fetus (chorionic gonadotropin) during normal pregnancy constantly increases. Therefore, an hCG test makes it possible to make sure that pregnancy is proceeding without deviations from the norm.

Ultrasound photo at 8 weeks

Ultrasound at 8 weeks

At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is quite small, the size of a raspberry. More and more he begins to look like a little man. He can already move and move his legs. You can monitor the baby's capabilities through ultrasound. It is also possible to record the fetal heart rate, which will allow you to hear the baby's heartbeat. During this period, the little heart beats twice as fast as mom’s: about 150 beats per minute.

8th week of pregnancy: what happens to the baby?

Despite the fact that the baby is already moving at the 8th week of pregnancy, the mother does not feel these movements, since the length of the baby from the crown to the sacrum is approximately 14-20 mm and weighs about 3 g. He is becoming more and more like a person, acquiring characteristic features . Eyelashes appear on the now “more human” face, the nose, upper lip and ears begin to emerge. The hands and developing fingers are clearly visible. The elbows and wrists begin to bend. The neck is well outlined.

The formation of the main systems and organs is completed, and a period of their active and rapid development and functioning begins. The heart already communicates with large blood vessels, and the partitions between the atria become stronger.

Active development has not spared both the nervous and respiratory systems. The diaphragm begins to emerge, and the bronchial tree grows. The stomach and intestines are already completely formed, they have taken their place. The production of gastric juice begins. The kidneys also already produce urine.

At the same time, the sweat and salivary glands are just forming. There is rapid development of bone and muscle tissue. Taste buds begin to form on the tongue, and receptors begin to form in the nose, but for now the nasal passages are closed with mucus. During this period, the optic nerve is born, the eyes are still set very wide, but the eyelids begin to appear. If a boy is born, then his testicles are now forming, and if there is a girl, then during this period the formation of ovaries and eggs occurs.

Alcohol

Science knows several different points of view about whether (and if so, how much) a pregnant woman can drink alcohol. The arguments may be different, but the indisputable fact is that when alcohol enters the mother’s body, it passes to the child. At the same time, it has a destructive effect on the baby’s cells: it destroys them or makes them defective. The formation and development of the fetus at 8 weeks is very rapid, in particular the brain and nervous system. Therefore, during this crucial period you should definitely exclude alcohol, even in the smallest doses. Failure to comply with this indication can provoke the development of fetal alcohol syndrome, which can manifest itself in intrauterine growth retardation of the child according to all criteria, in various anomalies and deviations at birth (delayed weight gain and growth, mental retardation, problems with vision, hearing and memory, changes in bone structure faces and skulls (small skull, disproportionately small eyes, distorted jaw, etc.)

Temperature at 8 weeks

A woman’s body temperature rises slightly in the initial stages of pregnancy; slightly above 37 degrees is considered normal. This situation is due to an increase in the rate of metabolic processes in the pregnant woman’s body. However, one should not lightly attribute a significant increase in body temperature solely to the presence of pregnancy. It is possible that there are inflammatory processes in the body that can be identified by conducting appropriate tests.

If the temperature rises to 38 degrees, consulting a doctor is necessary. A prolonged state of significant increase in body temperature of the expectant mother is fraught with serious defects in the development of the child. The temperature of the fetus and the environment that surrounds it, as a result, increases and leads to damage to the child’s tissues. In addition, the consequence may even be freezing, and then termination of pregnancy. Therefore, you need to be vigilant and under no circumstances self-medicate.

Reducing your temperature should only be done after prior consultation with your doctor. It is better to first try to lower the temperature with rubdowns and compresses with cool water. If the condition does not improve, resort to an antipyretic drug, agreed with a medical specialist. Do not forget that it is strictly forbidden for pregnant women to take aspirin, because it has the property of changing blood clotting, and this leads to bleeding.

Cold at 8 weeks

You should be extra vigilant to avoid catching a cold in the early stages of pregnancy, in particular at 8 weeks. A cold can be an extremely negative factor in the development of the fetus. A cold can disrupt the functioning of the placenta and lead to fetal hypoxia, and can even lead to miscarriage. Therefore, in such a crucial period for the development of a child, you need to protect yourself, and therefore him, from a possible threat in all possible ways. Try to avoid large crowds of people, especially in the autumn-winter period, avoid contact with sick people, and dress appropriately for the weather.

If it happens that you did not protect yourself and still got sick, treatment cannot be delayed. Since commonly used medications cannot be used, you will have to resort to “grandmother’s methods.” You shouldn’t overestimate the harmlessness of traditional methods either; it’s better to discuss them with your doctor.

When fighting a cold in the 8th week of pregnancy, you need to stay in bed, drink plenty of warm drinks, and rinse your nose and throat. You can drink warm tea with honey, heated milk with added butter, linden and mint decoctions. A saline solution for rinsing the nose, you can gargle with a solution of soda or herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula). It is advisable to include fruits and vegetables, fermented milk products in the diet, but it is better not to eat meat for now.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role during pregnancy, including at 8 weeks. The diet of the expectant mother should be varied and balanced. By following simple nutritional rules, a woman will help her actively growing child develop normally, and will also provide her body with the necessary elements. Meat is a source of protein, which is extremely important for a child’s development. It is important that it be low-fat, steamed or boiled. Various meat variations: jerky, corned beef, etc. will not fit very well into the “correct diet”.

Fish and seafood are very useful and necessary for the balance of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables will improve intestinal motility and prevent constipation. Don’t forget about such a source of protein and calcium as dairy products. You can safely eat dried fruits, cereals, and nuts.

Products made from yeast dough, legumes, and fresh bread lead to gas formation and flatulence, and complicate intestinal function, so it is better to exclude them from the daily diet. It is not advisable to drink strong tea and coffee during pregnancy, as they stimulate the nervous system.

You shouldn’t overload your stomach and liver with the “classic forbidden four” (fried, salty, spicy, fatty). Eating them will lead to heartburn. On top of that, salty foods retain fluid in the body, which can lead to swelling.

Sex at 8 weeks

The issue of intimate life, and most importantly its safety for a growing organism, interests and even worries both future parents. Are there really 9 months of abstinence ahead? Of course not. With the exception of special contraindications from a doctor (threat of miscarriage, twin pregnancy), sex does not pose a danger to the fetus. If a woman feels well and has sexual desire, sex at 8 weeks of pregnancy is not something taboo or dangerous.

It is important that the husband, taking care of his wife’s condition, is attentive and listens to her feelings, since now the woman feels everything a little differently. You should, of course, not be overly active with sex, and be more careful in choosing positions. After contact, a woman may experience a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.

Keep in mind

If you feel nagging pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, bleeding or spotting, consult your doctor immediately.

At the eighth week, a woman already has an almost formed little man in her stomach. Only very tiny. Now that the initial formation has passed, it only needs to grow and grow further.

1. Treat your changed state and appearance calmly and wisely, find pleasant things in everything, enjoy life.
2. If the doctor does not find any special problems, just watch your diet, emotional state, do exercises and take vitamins.
3. You can have sex if you want and it’s better in certain positions.

Also viewed with this article

Author of the publication: Svetlana Sergeeva

During the eighth week, the baby inside the womb is growing rapidly. All the internal organs of the unborn baby are already laid down. Every day of development is important for a baby. All systems of his small body will have to undergo changes and improve. The expectant mother remains outwardly the same, although inside her there is a real miracle. By the 8th week, a woman’s uterus reaches the size of a small orange. The pregnant woman begins to experience toxicosis, abdominal pain appears, and the emotional background changes.

Baby development at 8 weeks of pregnancy

In two obstetric months of intrauterine development, the embryo grows rapidly. Most organs have already completed their formation, and their improvement and growth will continue until the end of pregnancy. The cervical curve is indicated; the baby’s head is now located at a right angle to the body. The oral cavity grows and the primary face appears. On an ultrasound, you can already see the outer ear. By the end of this month, the size of the embryo will already be 4 cm and its head will begin to emerge. The size of the baby is comparable to a small strawberry:

What happens to the fetus at 8 weeks

In the formation of the crumbs occurs:

• at 8 weeks the fetal heart completes one of the stages of its development and becomes four-chambered;
• the hemispheres of the brain enlarge, the first convolutions appear on them;
• The shoulder and elbow joints have completed their formation. Already at this stage, the baby can move his arms, consistently bend and unbend them;
• the tiny stomach is formed and located in the abdominal region;
• during an ultrasound, a specialist using equipment will be able to examine miniature folds on the head, indicating that future external ears are located there;
• the inner ear is formed and continues its further development;
• the embryo has already formed a tongue and the first taste buds appear on it. A little more, and the baby will know what amniotic fluid tastes like;
• The baby’s face can’t be seen yet, but by this week it will become clearer. On it you can already mark the outlines of future lips, chin and nose. The latter already has the rudiments of olfactory receptors and very soon it will be possible to see small nostrils on it;
• You can’t see the baby’s eyes yet – they look like small black dots. But by 8 weeks, the pigment responsible for determining the child’s eye color has already been genetically determined and formed;
• The child’s genitals will appear a little later, but now the internal formation of ovaries in female babies and testicles in male babies begins. Only a miniature genital tubercle is visible in the perineum, and the gender of the child is not yet physically visible on an ultrasound examination;
• the process of development of the skeletal system and connective tissue (cartilage) continues;
• The embryonic organ, the yolk sac, is still present in the nutrition of the embryo, contains a supply of nutrients and functions together with the placenta. It will lose its significance around the end of the first trimester, but for now its size is approximately 4.5 - 5 mm and it is still growing.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother at 8 weeks

The woman is already aware of the fact that by this date. First of all, her monthly periods have stopped and have been late for over a couple of weeks. By the current stage of pregnancy, other signs and sensations of the woman have appeared, indicating her interesting position:

• nausea;
• change in taste with a preference for sour and salty foods;
• enlargement and some soreness of the mammary glands;
• darkening of the skin in the forehead, nose, upper lip, areola, as well as in the lower abdomen between the navel and pubic area.

What does the belly look like at 8 weeks

The gestation period for the baby is still too short, so there is no talk of external manifestations of an interesting situation yet. In the current week of pregnancy, the belly is not yet visible even to multiparous mothers. It is possible to note a slight increase in the waist only if the expectant mother took a photo of her belly from the first weeks in order to note for herself even a slight growth of the uterus and tummy. But even in such a situation, “by eye”, a belly that has grown a couple of centimeters is more likely to indicate relaxation of the abdominal muscles or weight gain of the pregnant woman than about the growth of the baby in the uterus.

How does a woman feel during this period of bearing a child?

At first, women often do not notice their fatigue, easily overcome it and continue to work at the same pace. But by the 8th week, the new condition takes its toll - the expectant mother becomes easily overtired, her interest in the world around her is lost, her emotionality increases, and negative reactions to others may appear.

Some changes may be associated with toxicosis and hormonal changes in the body, which also makes itself felt by the physical manifestations of pregnancy.

• The breasts hurt when touched and become noticeably larger from the start of pregnancy. By the end of the second month, your bra cups may need to be changed 1-1.5 sizes larger. The vessels on the chest and mammary glands become bright and convex. The area around the nipples also darkens.
• The growing uterus already at such a short time begins to put pressure on the bladder. A woman feels a more frequent urge to go to the toilet while drinking the same fluids as before, and this can cause discomfort.
• The mucous membranes, under the influence of hormones, intensify their work, as a result of which the expectant mother increases salivation and has a desire to constantly swallow saliva. Also, the secretion is produced with great effort in the nasal passage, as a result of which a “false runny nose” and nasal congestion may appear without other obvious signs of a cold.
• The woman is going through a period of emotional instability: she is plagued by mood swings at any time of the day. Sensitivity is so heightened that the pregnant woman feels as if everyone around her does not understand her and is trying to offend her. Because of this, conflicts with family and friends may arise.
• Constant drowsiness makes itself felt - a woman can fall asleep anywhere, barely touching her head to a soft surface. Fatigue interferes with your ability to work, you constantly want to sleep at work, and physical activity is reduced to a minimum.
• The skin is pleased with positive changes, acne and inflammation disappear, and its surface itself becomes velvety and pleasant to the touch.

Is it possible to have sex at this stage of pregnancy?

Starting from this, a woman’s libido may decrease, which is completely normal. A hormonal surge in the body and the onset of early toxicosis lead to a decrease in the sexual activity of the expectant mother. During this period of life, she needs more attention, affection and warmth, emotional peace, than sexual intimacy.

In the absence of changes in libido, women with a healthy pregnancy can continue to have a normal sex life up to 9 months, if there are no factors complicating its course. Positions for sexual intercourse should be chosen as comfortable as possible for the pregnant woman, and if sexual intercourse is painful, you should abstain.

Doctor visits and examinations

Speaking about 8 weeks of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are interested in how many months it is according to the obstetric period. According to the calculation of terms in the antenatal clinic, 8 obstetric weeks are equal to 2 obstetric months. If we count what month it is from the moment of conception, then the period will be slightly less - 1.8 months.

During this period, a woman, having learned about her interesting situation (usually due to the absence of menstruation and a positive test for the hCG hormone), can make her first appointment at a medical facility. An obstetrician-gynecologist registers the patient and prescribes a number of tests for further pregnancy management:

• General blood test, necessary to monitor the condition of the mother and child in the womb. Using the analysis, the doctor evaluates the indicators of red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils, etc. An increase in the amount of certain substances in the blood may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body or more serious disorders. If the levels are pathological, a repeat test is taken and outpatient treatment is prescribed.
• General urine test a woman will take tests from the beginning to the end of pregnancy. Sowing for sterility is done so often because bearing a fetus is a big load on the female body and directly on its excretory system, i.e. kidneys The study will allow timely recognition of whether there is an inflammatory process in the urinary system.
• Blood test for antibodies to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. Since these diseases have a huge negative impact on both the mother’s body and the embryo, doctors must examine the pregnant woman’s blood for the presence of antibodies to these infectious diseases.
• Blood for determination of Rh factor. The analysis is carried out at the very beginning of pregnancy and allows you to track the presence of Rh - a conflict between the maternal body and the fetus. If the Rh factor is negative, the test is taken at least once a month to monitor the amount of antibodies.
• Analysis for TORCH infections PCR method (rubella, toxoplasmosis, herpes and cytomegalovirus) is not included in the list of mandatory tests, but is recommended by gynecologists in the early stages of pregnancy. Based on the results of the analysis, it will be clear whether the woman is a carrier of at least one of the TORCH infections included in the list. The danger of their presence in the mother’s body is that if the fetus is infected before 11 weeks, it may die or it may develop true malformations of organs/tissues.
• Smear of the vagina, cervix and cervical canal taken by the doctor at the first appointment when registering for pregnancy. It is needed to determine the presence/absence of urogenital diseases. Before the procedure, the woman undergoes a general gynecological examination on a chair.
• Ultrasound at 8 weeks it is carried out in order to find out if everything is normal with. During the study, the specialist notes the approximate weight and size of the fetus and identifies the correspondence of the baby’s development to the current stage of pregnancy. Of course, the expectant mother is interested in what the fetus looks like this week - and on the monitor you can see the baby’s miniature oblong body and head. At this stage, the baby’s heart rate decreases to an average of 150 beats/min. This is twice as fast as the mother’s heart beats.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy at 8 weeks

Women often describe situations when they find out about pregnancy by chance, since the expected menstruation occurred every month at the beginning of the cycle, and only by the accompanying signs (nausea, aversion to smells, dizziness) could one guess about an interesting situation.

In fact, “menstruation” that occurs after the supposed fertilization in the first two months of pregnancy can only indicate one thing - there is a threat of miscarriage. Sometimes this threat coincides with the expected onset of a new menstruation, but still this is not monthly menstruation, but a serious condition accompanied by typical symptoms: the lower abdomen is painfully tight, the muscles of the uterus are tense, the body temperature rises, weakness, chills appear, and spotting is visible on the underwear.
What to do in such a situation?

• Call an ambulance immediately! Only with medical help can you maintain a pregnancy and prevent detachment of the ovum. Bloody discharge is the main sign that there is a threat to the life of the fetus and, if left untreated, termination of pregnancy is possible. Until the doctor appears, the woman must relax and remain in bed.
• Even short-term pain in the lower abdomen in the eighth week and the appearance of any discharge different from the norm require consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. An ultrasound of the uterus is also required to determine the cause of the threatened miscarriage. The expectant mother should remember that the presence of such a threat is not a death sentence; the main thing is to carry out all medical examinations on time and, if possible, prevent pregnancy complications.

Pregnant woman's diet

Proper, complete, balanced nutrition from early pregnancy is the most important condition for the normal development of the fetus, newborn and child in the first years of life. Prenatal development specialists believe that nutrition during pregnancy requires no less attention than feeding a newborn and infant. The main “building material” for fetal cells is protein. It is found in large quantities in products such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and grain.

Important! Improper nutrition of a pregnant woman can lead to actual starvation of the fetus among the excess nutrients. Indeed, in this case they act in an unbalanced manner, i.e. in a form that is not easily digestible.

It is necessary that a pregnant woman's food be varied; a monotonous diet disrupts her appetite. For a woman with average height and weight, the daily diet should contain at least 100 g of protein, 70 g of fat, and 300 g of carbohydrates. This can be achieved if you eat boiled meat/fish, one egg every day, drink a glass of kefir, add butter and vegetable oils to your dishes (15-20 g per day), and also eat at least 400 g of vegetables and the same amount of fruit.

Here's what a sample menu might look like in the eighth week of pregnancy:

Eating	Food and drink options
First breakfast	Omelet with broccoli and cheese, fruit yogurt, weak tea with lemon and honey
Lunch	Cheesecakes with raisins and sour cream, banana, coffee drink or milk
Dinner	Salad of carrots, green peas and apples, broth with meatballs, French croutons, mint tea
Afternoon snack	Cottage cheese with jam, drinking yoghurt 1%
Dinner	Buckwheat porridge in a pot with meat and mushrooms, boiled beetroot and prune salad, apple charlotte, rosehip infusion
Before bed	Milk shortbread, glass of fermented baked milk

What foods should an expectant mother avoid:

• all types of alcoholic drinks;
• strong coffee, tea, cocoa, large portions of chocolate due to the high caffeine content and stimulating effect on the nervous system;
• poorly fried and smoked meat - due to its poor absorption, danger of poisoning and helminth infection;
• dishes high in salt and hot spices;
• excess of confectionery products rich in carbohydrates;
• canned food products and semi-finished products.

What can worry you at 8 weeks of pregnancy?

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may experience various types of ailments. The appearance of many of them should not be alarmed; they are associated with serious changes in the body of the expectant mother and are completely normal. But it is necessary to know about possible problems so that if alarming symptoms appear, immediately contact your doctor.

Weakness and dizziness	Often found in the first half of pregnancy. These symptoms can be especially pronounced in those women who experienced similar ailments during the beginning of the monthly menstrual cycle. They usually go away on their own by 11-12 weeks, but if dizziness and weakness become constant companions, they should be reported to your therapist.
Heartburn	The appearance of heartburn in the early stages may indicate a restructuring of the gastrointestinal tract under the influence of the hormone progesterone. To alleviate the condition during attacks of heartburn, a pregnant woman is recommended to reduce the content of animal fats in her food and not to abuse flour dishes.
Pain in the lower abdomen	When pregnancy is 8 weeks from conception, pain in the abdominal area is most often an “echo” of pain in the lumbar spine. If you lie on your back and bend your knees, the pain usually goes away. If the stomach is tight and the pain is not relieved by such a simple technique, it is quite possible that we are talking about increased tone of the uterus. In this case, you should urgently contact an obstetrician-gynecologist to find out the exact cause of the pain.
Nausea and salivation	These signs and sensations are typical for most expectant mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea occurs with early toxicosis in combination with a change in the sense of smell, increased sensitivity and mood swings. With satisfactory tolerability, all of the above symptoms do not require special treatment and go away on their own.
Anxiety and fear	Feelings of restlessness, fear and anxiety during the 8th obstetric week can be caused by pregnancy hormones circulating in the blood. Typically, anxiety states do not last long and gradually disappear by the beginning of the second trimester. Also, psychological discomfort can largely be associated with worries regarding future childbirth, the birth of a child, and changes in life plans. A psychologist or a congenial person can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings.

Pay attention!Many of the ailments of pregnant women are very unpleasant, but it is worth remembering that they are temporary and certainly not life-threatening. The main thing is that they are incomparable to a happily ending pregnancy.

Wardrobe at 8 weeks: what you should pay attention to

For women's clothing in the early period of gestation, the most suitable materials are those that allow air to pass through and conduct heat well, absorb sweat and are easy to wash. Linen and cotton fabrics are ideal for these purposes. Everyday clothes should not only be beautiful and comfortable, but also protect the pregnant mother from hypothermia in winter and from overheating in summer.

Important! The main thing in clothing for pregnant women is that it does not restrict movement, does not impede breathing and is appropriate for the time of year.

Here are a few criteria for preparing the wardrobe of an expectant mother in the first trimester:

• Clothes with laces and fasteners are preferable; they will easily expand as pregnancy progresses;
• it is advisable to wear shirt dresses, skirts or sundresses with various blouses;
• trousers and jeans with a tight fit of the belt to the stomach should be avoided;
• underwear should be loose, breathable, preferably seamless and made from natural fabrics;
• Already at this time you should get used to loose shoes with low heels. The closer to childbirth, the more difficult it will be for the expectant mother to bend over, so you need to choose options without laces - such shoes will be easy to put on and take off without bending over.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother should pay special attention to her well-being, and also take some precautions in her behavior and relationships with others.

Avoid colds and acute respiratory viral infections

It is very important to first avoid contact with people suffering from colds. The baby’s organs and systems are formed precisely in the first trimester, and any maternal illness can not only weaken her body, but also affect the child’s intrauterine development. For the same reason, you should temporarily avoid places with significant public gatherings, public transport during rush hour, etc.

Do not take vitamins and medications without permission

A woman should not take any medications without a doctor's prescription. Even harmless vitamin supplements taken uncontrollably (on the advice of friends and relatives) can potentially cause harm to an unborn baby.

Do not take unscheduled x-rays without reason

X-ray examinations should not be carried out without reason at such a short period of gestation. The harm of X-ray radiation is very great, and unnecessarily X-ray examination (for example, fluorography of the chest organs) is postponed at least until the time of birth

Allocate more time to sleep

Night sleep is important for the well-being of pregnant women, so its duration should be at least 8-9 hours. Daytime sleep is also very useful, and if possible, it is useful for the expectant mother to set aside 1-1.5 hours to rest while lying down during the daytime.

Avoid excessive exercise

Extensive physical activity, heavy work (lifting weights, running, quickly moving up stairs) should stop during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should also not stand on her feet for a long time - overexertion can provoke a strong tone of the muscles of the uterus, which is fraught with abdominal pain and the threat of carrying a baby.

No – difficult working conditions

It is unacceptable for an expectant mother at 8 weeks to work in hazardous production conditions, and any night work is also prohibited. According to the labor legislation of the Russian Federation, a woman, having provided a certificate from the antenatal clinic about the presence of pregnancy, has the right to switch to light work and, if necessary, ask for a reduction in the working day.

Spend more time outdoors

Walking is useful for expectant mothers because during movement, blood circulates more actively, cells are saturated with oxygen, and active prevention of all the most unpleasant “companions” of pregnancy occurs - edema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation. In addition, a good result of spending time outdoors every day will be sound, healthy sleep.

Visit a gynecologist regularly

Timely medical supervision is necessary for every pregnant woman. With regular visits to the gynecologist throughout the entire period, each week is noted in the expectant mother’s chart, allowing her to track her health status. This is the only way to promptly identify risk factors and direct therapeutic efforts to eliminate them.

Signs of pregnancy at 8 weeks are already more than clearly noticeable. And without exaggeration, we can say that the sensations at 8 weeks of pregnancy are very diverse.

All changes in the physical, emotional and psychological state of pregnant women, as well as their well-being at the 8th week of pregnancy - directly or indirectly - are generated and coordinated by the hormone progesterone. Although a pregnancy test, including a test at 8 weeks of pregnancy, is based on the detection of another hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced only by the outer villous membrane of the fertilized egg (chorion) after its implantation into the endometrium of the uterus, and this happens several days after fertilization. That is, menstruation should stop at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

But let’s return to progesterone, which is synthesized by the ovaries and adrenal glands (and after the 13th week by the placenta) and thanks to which the fertilized egg (blastocyst) is attached to the wall of the uterus. The pregnant woman’s body responds to the sedative effect of this hormone with an increased feeling of fatigue and drowsiness, some imbalance and “unreasonable” mood swings.

The most characteristic signs of pregnancy at 8 weeks, which are noted by almost all expectant mothers, are associated with appetite, taste sensations and, in general, with all digestion. Many people suffer from morning sickness at 8 weeks of pregnancy, and vomiting is also common at 8 weeks of pregnancy. Obstetricians call this toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy. Many hormones contribute to its development. Thus, the adrenal cortex produces more cortisol and cortisone to ensure optimal carbohydrate metabolism and accumulation of energy reserves in the liver in the form of glycogen. But the secretion of the digestive hormone gastrin (responsible for the level of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice) can either decrease or increase. In the first case, the pregnant woman loses her appetite and digestion of food slows down, and in the second, a “ravenous” appetite awakens, heartburn is tormented, and excess weight gain occurs.

Constipation at 8 weeks of pregnancy is also a characteristic sign of this condition. The fact is that progesterone relaxes the uterine myometrium, and at the same time the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. And the increased production of estrogen, aimed at the development of the pregnant uterus, simultaneously reduces the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, there is a decrease in the level of the hormone motilin synthesized in the small intestine, which should help move food through the digestive tract. All these factors cause not only constipation at 8 weeks of pregnancy, but also flatulence - bloating at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Experts also note an increase in the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the blood of pregnant women, which, in addition to fluid retention in the tissues, increases the production of melanin. And this is the reason for the appearance of age spots on the face of pregnant women - one of the external signs of pregnancy.

What does 8 weeks pregnancy look like: uterus, breasts, belly

At the 8th week of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges under the influence of estrogen, but still remains within the pelvis, so the belly at the 8th week of pregnancy does not yet reveal to others the “interesting position” of the woman. Although often pregnant women (especially thin ones) feel a slight increase in the volume of the abdomen in the hypogastrium - between the navel and the pubic region.

However, the uterus is already beginning to tighten the round ligaments, which keep it in an inclined position outside of pregnancy, as well as the uterosacral ligaments. Because of this, pregnant women complain that their stomach is pulled at the 8th week of pregnancy or their lower back is pulled at the 8th week of pregnancy.

The gradually growing uterus at 8 weeks of pregnancy begins to put pressure on the bladder, as the peritoneal cover of the expanding uterus passes over it. So visits to the toilet inevitably become more frequent.

The mucous membrane of the cervical canal produces a special cervical secretion, which prevents infection from entering the uterine cavity. During pregnancy, the mucus becomes thicker, forming a plug that completely covers the canal. However, there may be slight light discharge at the 8th week of pregnancy, associated with the characteristics of the local microflora and hormone levels. Discharges that indicate the presence of pathologies will be discussed a little later.

The changes that the breasts undergo during the 8th week of pregnancy make themselves felt, first of all, by the enlargement of the mammary glands, necessary for the upcoming lactation.

You've probably already noticed that your bra has become too small and you need a larger size. Changes in hormonal levels, as well as other tissue changes, are explained by preparation for breastfeeding. Breasts may continue to enlarge throughout pregnancy.

Under the influence of estriol, progesterone and human chorionic somatotropin, more milk lobules, alveoli and excretory ducts are formed in the breast. And thanks to the intensive synthesis of the pituitary hormone prolactin, which begins from the 8th week of gestation, the process of colostrum production begins. All these physiological changes cause sensations at the 8th week of pregnancy, such as tingling in the mammary glands, some soreness, increased sensitivity of the nipples, darkening of the nipples and areola.

Hormonal changes - in particular a sharp increase in progesterone - can cause fatigue. Nausea and vomiting also take away energy. You may have difficulty sleeping, especially if you constantly have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet.

Idea for fighting fatigue "Short 15-20 minute walks helped me cope with chronic fatigue in the first trimester of pregnancy. It was the only way I could fight sleep during work hours" - Gabriela.

Fetus at 8 weeks of gestation

Obstetricians determine the physical and physiological parameters of the fetus at this stage based on ultrasound at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

How does a child grow?

This week: fingers and toes are forming, eyelids are almost completely covering the eyes, breathing tubes lead from the throat to the lungs. Nerve cells in the brain develop and connect together to form primitive neural pathways, but the external genitalia have not yet developed to determine the gender of the baby. The child is already constantly moving and moving, although you may not yet feel it.

Important: the development of each child is purely individual. Our information is designed to give you an overview of fetal development.

Taking into account the characteristic position of the embryo in the uterus, its length is usually determined from the coccyx to the crown. The normal coccygeal-parietal size - CTE at 8 weeks of pregnancy - is no more than 2-2.5 cm, with half of this length falling on the head. Weight varies over a fairly wide range - from 5 to 13 grams. Ultrasound also determines the average internal diameter of the ovum - SVD

It should be emphasized that, despite such dimensions, at this stage all the tissues of the fetus have already differentiated and almost all of its internal organs have formed: the brain (there is a wall of the hemispheres, the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, the rudiments of the cortex and the medulla), the heart (which already has 4 chambers), stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver (with bile ducts). The eyes have become closer to the bridge of the nose, but are not yet closed with eyelids; the tip of the nose and upper lip stand out. The ultrasound clearly shows the lower and upper limbs. Moreover, the fetus is already beginning to move them, which indicates the functioning of the neurons.

The last stage is the formation of the fetal blood vessel system. Although its blood circulation is still chorionic (placental will begin only from the 13th week, when the placenta is fully formed), the fetus at the 8th week of pregnancy already has its own blood type. The first lymph nodes are also present.

The 8th week of pregnancy is decisive in the development of the fetal gonads, that is, in determining the sex of the unborn child. If the Y chromosome gene, which potentially determines male sex, is present in the embryo's genome, then the embryo has the 46XY "chromosome set" and will be a boy. In the absence of the Y chromosome, the 46XX karyotype is activated, and then the female genital organs begin to form from the urogenital ridges of the embryo, and a girl will be born.

By the way, twins at 8 weeks of pregnancy develop identically to a singleton pregnancy, only the expectant mother may feel sick a little more and a little longer - not until the 12th week, but until about the 16th week.

Pathologies in the 8th week of pregnancy: uterine tone, pain and various discharges

The tone of the uterus at 8 weeks of pregnancy - that is, the tension of its muscular membrane (myometrium) - is constantly changing. And this is a physiologically normal process, caused by the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the body of the uterus and its cervix.

Outside of pregnancy, no attention is paid to the degree of tension or relaxation of the longitudinal and circular fibers of the myometrium.

But hypertonicity - increased tone of the uterus at the 8th week of pregnancy - raises concerns, especially since the period from 8 to 12 weeks is considered a period of increased risk in clinical obstetrics. And this risk lies in the fact that spontaneous termination of pregnancy may occur at 8 weeks or, more simply, a miscarriage at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

With an increase in the tone of the anterior wall of the uterus at this stage, pregnant women feel how the stomach becomes hard; at a later date, there may be pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature. Treatment of this symptom is carried out by taking the drug Duphaston - a synthetic analogue of endogenous progesterone (standard dosage - 20 mg per day, taken only as prescribed by a doctor - according to a special regimen); No-spa (one tablet three times a day), as well as magnesium preparations (magnesium citrate, gluconate or lactate, Magne B6) - in the dosage individually prescribed by the doctor.

Pain at 8 weeks of pregnancy can be different and have several causes. First of all, the stomach hurts at 8 weeks of pregnancy with excessive physical activity and increased uterine tone. And also for constipation and problems with the passage of intestinal gases, for pregnant women with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, fibroids, endometriosis, endometrioid cysts and other pathologies not related to pregnancy.

But most often, doctors at antenatal clinics listen to complaints from patients that they have lower back pain at 8 weeks of pregnancy or that their back hurts at 8 weeks of pregnancy. What is the cause of these pains, because the period is still short, and women do not yet feel the heaviness of the abdomen? And the reason is that the trophoblast of the fetal chorion, as well as the endometrium of the uterus and the ovaries of the pregnant woman begin to produce a special hormone relaxin, the task of which is to gradually prepare the woman’s musculoskeletal system for childbirth during the process of bearing a child. Relaxin helps relax the ligaments of the pubic symphysis of the pelvic bones, however, this hormone is not selective, which is why the ligaments of the spinal column also weaken.

With an increase or decrease in blood pressure, with an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold, with too much sleep during the daytime, a headache often occurs during 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Discharge at 8 weeks of pregnancy is also different, but you need to treat them with equal care.

Thus, slight yellow discharge at the 8th week of pregnancy, which does not cause pain and does not have an unpleasant odor, is considered to be a completely normal phenomenon. But if there is heavy vaginal discharge with itching, one should suspect the development of vaginal candidiasis - thrush (Thrush at 8 weeks of pregnancy - see below).

In theory, menstruation should be absent at the 8th week of pregnancy: after all, the endometrium in the pregnant uterus cannot be rejected. However, there is a so-called spotting at the 8th week of pregnancy, which experts in the field of diseases of the female genital area classify as bleeding. In particular, implantation bleeding can be a one-time pink discharge at 8 weeks of pregnancy, provoked by the introduction of a blastocyst into the uterine mucosa. Pale pink discharge from the uterus is also possible, associated with its anatomical abnormalities or fibroids. But the most common reason is very low levels of progesterone or hCG in a pregnant woman, which cannot cope with the suppression of luteotropin, which initiates cyclic changes in the ovary during ovulation. And in such situations, the only way to maintain pregnancy is hormone correction therapy.

Brown discharge at the 8th week of pregnancy, and even more so bloody discharge at the 8th week of pregnancy - against the background of general weakness and nagging painful sensations in the lower abdomen - are a sign of such a dangerous pathology as abruption at the 8th week of pregnancy. And this means that the fertilized egg with the embryo has separated from the endometrium. Partial detachment of the ovum leads to the formation of a bruise. Using professional medical terminology, this is a retrochorial hematoma at 8 weeks of pregnancy. With partial detachment, doctors manage to preserve the pregnancy.

Slightly intense bleeding during the 8th week of pregnancy “gives a signal” to the woman: the pregnancy is in danger of miscarriage - see a doctor immediately!

And bleeding at the 8th week of pregnancy (especially if it is intense, blood clots are released, and there is also severe pain in the lower segment of the abdominal cavity) means that a miscarriage occurred at the 8th week of pregnancy, or the pregnancy was ectopic.

According to gynecologists, an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of pregnancy has no other options other than rupture of the fallopian tube under the pressure of a growing blastocyst. In this case, severe peritoneal bleeding can have fatal consequences.

In addition, there is a frozen pregnancy at 8 weeks - a particularly dangerous stage of intrauterine development. In the presence of a viral infection (rubella, cytomegalovirus, etc.), a lack of progesterone in the pregnant woman’s body or an excess of testosterone, as well as in the case of embryonic abnormalities of a genetic nature, the development of the fetus stops. The woman herself most often does not notice this, and everything results in spontaneous termination of pregnancy at 8 weeks.

Tests at 8 weeks of pregnancy

For expectant mothers, the following tests are considered mandatory at 8 weeks of pregnancy:

• general blood test (with determination of blood group and Rh factor);
• biochemical blood test;
• blood test for β-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin);
• blood test for progesterone levels;
• blood test for prothrombin (determination of coagulation);
• blood test for the presence of antibodies to the Rh factor (if the father of the child has a positive Rh factor);
• blood test for RPR (syphilis), HIV, HbsAg (hepatitis B), anti-HCV (hepatitis C);
• blood test for rubella antibodies;
• blood test for herpes (anti-HSV IgG and anti-HSV IgM);
• general urine test and urine protein test;
• stool analysis;
• general smear for microflora.

Normal hCG levels at 8 weeks of pregnancy, more precisely from 7 to 10 weeks, are 21,000-291,000 mU/ml. Such a wide range of this indicator is explained by the fact that from the moment the fertilized egg is fixed in the uterus until the 10th gestational week, the content of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood of a pregnant woman practically doubles every 48 hours. Therefore, a deviation from the norm of hCG in the downward direction is regarded by doctors as a dangerous symptom, which may be associated with the threat of spontaneous abortion, ectopic (ectopic) or frozen (non-developing) pregnancy. Naturally, twins at 8 weeks of pregnancy will show twice the hCG level.

Progesterone at 8 weeks of pregnancy is considered normal with levels that range from 9-468 nmol/l (in other units of measurement - 30-39 ng/ml or 4.7-34 μg/l).

Prenatal diagnosis at 8 weeks of pregnancy

Your doctor may recommend a variety of tests to take during pregnancy, from genetic screening to diagnostic tests. Some of these are simple blood tests, while others consist of more invasive procedures. Before you agree to a test, ask your doctor to explain the need for it, the potential risks, and possible results. Many prenatal tests are designed for screening rather than diagnosis. Tests to detect hidden forms of diseases also make sense in certain conditions. But only a diagnostic test can tell for sure whether a child has health problems.

During the first trimester, the following may be prescribed:

• Combined screening test: This relatively new test for detecting latent disease consists of viewing the nuchal region and a blood test to determine protein levels. The test is performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. The combined screening test will provide information about the likelihood of having Down syndrome, as well as other disorders and problems.
• Chorionic villus sampling: one of the main methods of prenatal cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnosis, involves taking a small piece (biopsy) of chorionic tissue using a transvaginal plastic catheter. Chorionic villus sampling can help identify chromosomal disorders and other genetic disorders. This test is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, usually between 11 and 12 weeks.

Abortion at 8 weeks of pregnancy

An abortion at 8 weeks of pregnancy - artificial termination of pregnancy - can be carried out in a medical institution if a woman does not want to give birth. The deadline for such a “solution to the problem” is no more than 12 weeks. Since 2004, in Ukraine, the possible period of abortion has been reduced to 22 weeks, but in the period 12 to 22 weeks of gestation, termination of pregnancy is considered a medical abortion. Its implementation, in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (No. 144 of February 15, 2006), must have certain medical prerequisites.

The list of such indications includes: tuberculosis (all forms), syphilis, severe forms of viral hepatitis, rubella (including contact with it), HIV (AIDS), cytomegalovirus infection, leprosy (leprosy), the presence of cancer, severe heart failure, aneurysm aorta, acute and chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, hemolytic and aplastic anemia, purpura, psychosis, epilepsy, chronic alcoholism, substance abuse, etc.

It should be borne in mind that artificial termination of pregnancy at 8 weeks cannot be carried out using vacuum aspiration, since it is carried out only for a period of no more than 5 weeks. Therefore, an abortion at 8 weeks of pregnancy can be carried out either with the use of medications (the permissible period is no more than 8 weeks) or in the usual surgical way.

How you feel at 8 weeks pregnant: colds, thrush, herpes

Unfortunately, the state of health at 8 weeks of pregnancy does not always please expectant mothers. The hormones mentioned above, among other things, perform an immunosuppressive function, inhibiting the woman’s body’s ability to resist infections. And this is necessary to prevent embryo rejection.

So the complaint that they got sick at the 8th week of pregnancy comes from many women: in the cold season, more than half of pregnant women have an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold at the 8th week of pregnancy.

Obstetricians assure that a temperature of 37 at the 8th week of pregnancy is not a cause for concern, since this indicator on the thermometer gives the same progesterone. But low-grade fever (37.5-38°C) and elevated temperature in the 8th week of pregnancy (more than 38°C) require special attention and mandatory consultation with a doctor. During this period, the high body temperature of the pregnant woman threatens the normal development of the unborn child due to hypoxia. And low-grade fever can occur not only with a cold, but also with cytomegalovirus infection, urogenital infections, and thyroid dysfunction.

Although a cold at 8 weeks of pregnancy is not so harmless: according to the results of constant obstetric monitoring, on average 15% of pregnancies up to 12 weeks end in miscarriage due to a cold or flu.

And here a problem arises: practically no medications can be taken by pregnant women in the first trimester. Therefore, when you have a fever, you need to rub down with cool water or a mixture of water and table vinegar (in a 2:1 ratio). Despite the content of salicylic acid in raspberries, pregnant women can drink tea with raspberry jam for colds - without overusing it, two teaspoons of jam per day at a fever is quite enough. A runny nose in the 8th week of pregnancy is recommended to be treated by rinsing the nasal passages with a solution of table salt (a dessert spoon in 200 ml of boiled water) or sea salt (which is sold in all pharmacies). If you have a severe runny nose and stuffy nose, you can sniff a cut onion or smear it under your nose with “Star” balm.

When your throat hurts in the 8th week of pregnancy, a warm hydroalcoholic (3:1) compress on the neck, gargling with a warm saline solution, a decoction of calendula (a tablespoon of flowers per glass of water), a solution of furatsilin (1 tablet per glass of water) helps. Relieves pain and inflammation in the throat by gargling with warm boiled water, in which you need to place a tea boat of natural honey and 50 ml of apple cider vinegar (which can be replaced with fresh lemon juice).

Remember that the use of lozenges and lozenges for throat and cough, sprays and drops for the runny nose is contraindicated in the first three months of pregnancy. This even applies to cough medicine like Pertussin: due to the content of licorice root in it. By the way, such popular medicinal plants as mint, chamomile, sage, oregano, elecampane, yarrow, St. John's wort, thyme and even aloe are prohibited during pregnancy.

Thrush at 8 weeks pregnant

Thrush at 8 weeks of pregnancy (vaginal candidiasis or candidal vulvaginitis) is a fungal disease that manifests itself in the form of vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese crumbs with a characteristic sour odor, itching and redness of the skin and genital mucosa.

Obstetricians warn that thrush at 8 weeks of pregnancy, like other infections of the external genital organs and genital tract of pregnant women, is dangerous because it can lead to:

• infection of the amnion (inner amniotic sac), which is accompanied by the formation of adhesions that impede the normal development of the fetus;
• infection of the chorion (villous amniotic sac) and inflammation of its walls;
• reducing the child’s body weight;
• spontaneous abortion;
• infection of the birth canal during childbirth.

The drug prescribed by most doctors for the treatment of thrush during pregnancy is Pimafucin in the form of vaginal suppositories. According to the instructions, you need to insert one suppository into the vagina once a day (lying down, before going to bed). The standard course of antifungal therapy is 3 to 6 days; It is recommended to use Pimafucin for three days after the cessation of discharge and itching.

We would like to remind you that during pregnancy, any health problems cannot be solved on your own.

Herpes at 8 weeks of pregnancy

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is not at all simple, because, existing only in the human body, it waits for the right moment when its owner or mistress’s immunity weakens. This is why herpes at the 8th week of pregnancy, as well as throughout the entire gestation, occurs quite often in the background. But in the first trimester it is especially dangerous.

Herpes HSV-1 appears on the lips, herpes type HSV-2 has “loved” the genitals. Of course, genital herpes is more dangerous, but in any case, herpes at 8 weeks of pregnancy may cause a medical recommendation to terminate the pregnancy. The defeat of the expectant mother by this virus in the early stages can cause: fetal death and miscarriage, infection of the fetus (neonatal herpes) and neurological pathologies, congenital malformations, the birth of a premature baby.

Wherever herpes appears - an itchy “wet” on the lip or painful blisters causing a strong burning sensation in intimate places - immediately consult a doctor!

Herpes HSV-1 is treated with Acyclovir ointment (Gerpevir, Zovirax, etc.), which is considered safe for pregnant women. In the treatment of urogenital herpes in pregnant women up to 12 weeks, the following algorithm can be used: Acyclovir (intravenous drip infusions), human immunoglobulin (three intravenous injections every other day); brilliant green (external).

Some doctors prescribe the drug Viferon (based on interferon-α2) to pregnant patients, available in the form of ointment, gel and vaginal suppositories.

Nutrition at 8 weeks of pregnancy

How to eat properly and what to eat during the 8th week of pregnancy are pressing questions for many expectant mothers who are afraid of gaining extra pounds.

Let us remind you that within 20 weeks from the beginning of pregnancy, women gain 30% of their total weight, and the weekly gain averages 300 g. The diets you were on before pregnancy are excluded!

Nutrition during the 8th week of pregnancy should provide the body with everything it needs: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, microelements, vitamins. The energy value of the diet at this period should not be lower than 2000 kcal per day.

If you now start listing all the foods that are good for pregnant women, then you simply won’t have the strength to read this list... So let’s be brief: you need to eat meat, fish and seafood, cereals (porridge and grain bread), dairy products (not very fatty) , vegetable oil (raw pressed) and, of course, vegetables, fruits and berries - in any form. As they say, nothing new. And please note, not a single nutritionist will recommend cakes, sweets, ice cream cakes or hot dogs during pregnancy. Yes, also - sweet carbonated drinks!

In general, you now know approximately what to eat at 8 weeks of pregnancy. And we will briefly dwell on how nutrition can help in solving such problems of pregnant women as constipation and flatulence (bloating).

In the first case (for constipation), you need: fiber in the form of whole grain cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, well-boiled pearl barley), bran bread, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), fresh kefir (a glass every day) , cabbage (any) and all our usual seasonal vegetable set, starting with beets. Don't forget to eat apples, pears, plums (prunes) and citrus fruits, as well as nuts and seeds (quite a bit).

And now, what you shouldn’t eat to avoid bloating at 8 weeks of pregnancy: animal fats; rye and freshly baked white bread; millet and oatmeal porridge; beans, peas and other legumes (including peanuts); cabbage (any); milk (fresh and dry) and ice cream; potatoes (especially fried); radishes and spinach. And also grapes, even in the form of raisins.

Now - using the comparison method - you can easily make your own list depending on the presence or absence of constipation and flatulence. But what absolutely everyone needs are vitamins at 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Vitamins at 8 weeks of pregnancy

There are never too many vitamins during pregnancy. So, consuming products containing them, as well as taking vitamin preparations prescribed by a doctor, should be enough to cover the needs of both the mother and the child growing in her womb.

At any time of the year, you need vitamin C, which promotes resistance to any microbes and viruses, actively regulates lipid metabolism (lowering cholesterol in the blood), has a positive effect on hematopoiesis (the process of formation of blood cells) and the hemostasis system (ensuring normal blood clotting).

The most essential vitamins for pregnant women are B vitamins: folic acid (vitamin B9), pyridoxine (B6) and cyanocobalamin (B12).

Thanks to vitamin B9, the likelihood of not carrying the child to term at the time prescribed by nature is reduced. With its participation, the process of formation of neurons in the unborn child proceeds normally, and, therefore, the risk of developing congenital anomalies of the stem nervous system of the fetus (neural tube) and the central nervous system of the newborn is reduced. Folic acid is especially effective during pregnancy in combination with vitamins B6 and B12.

In addition, vitamin B6 improves well-being in the 8th week of pregnancy, reducing the intensity of nausea and vomiting. And vitamin B12 regularly protects the liver from any negative influences to which it is often exposed during pregnancy.

To help vitamin B12 - that is, for the benefit of your liver - you can use inositol (vitamin B8) and choline (vitamin B4). Contained in beans, whole grains, grapefruit, sesame seeds, vitamin B8, as well as vitamin B4 (which is rich in cabbage, leafy greens, rice, oatmeal, egg yolk, dairy products) will not only help the liver stay healthy, but also take care of the skin and hair , about the normal functioning of the heart muscle, about the elasticity of blood vessels, and will certainly activate intestinal motility.

In conclusion, it remains to answer two frequently asked questions: is it possible to have sex and... fly by plane at this stage of pregnancy?

As obstetricians-gynecologists assure, sex at 8 weeks of pregnancy in “moderate doses” and “without excess” has no contraindications - in the absence of complications (bloody discharge, uterine hypertonicity, etc.). It should also be taken into account that intimate intimacy can disrupt the normal process of bearing a child in women who have had spontaneous terminations of previous pregnancies.

Flying at 8 weeks of pregnancy - with similar nuances of its course - can also lead to undesirable consequences. So it's better... walk.

The 8th week of pregnancy is a difficult period, try not to complicate it, because you still have a whole 32 (±2) weeks ahead of you. Take care of yourself!

Often, by 2 months of pregnancy, the mother already knows that she is expecting a baby.

8 weeks of pregnancy have passed, fetal development is just beginning to gain momentum. But it is at this stage that the girl needs to be extremely careful about her health. According to obstetricians, this is the first critical period in the mother's pregnancy and the development of the child. Any smallest detail can provoke irreversible consequences.

First acquaintance

At pregnancy 8 weeks, fetal development and sensationsMommies are quite contradictory. The fetus is still very small, but this has a significant impact on the woman’s condition. Let's dwell on what your baby is like now. During this period, the woman usually goes for an ultrasound. Your baby has already reached the size of a bean seed. It has already grown to 30 mm, and its weight is about 3 grams.

The head is still almost the same size as the body. What is important is that at this time it is already possible to record brain activity. By the 8th week, the baby’s facial features begin to form, and the formation of the optic nerve occurs. The eyeballs themselves are already moving from the periphery closer to the nose. The eyelids are practically formed, almost covering the eye.

As for the internal organs, everything is much more difficult. Almost all major systems are laid down and begin their development during this period.8 weeks of pregnancy fetal size and ultrasound photocan be obtained immediately after completing the study.

Cardiovascular system

This system of the child’s body takes the longest to develop. The laying occurs at the 4th week of gestation and looks like a regular tube. The beginning of the 5th week is marked by the baby's first heartbeat. Nothing excites a mother more than hearing her baby’s heartbeat. By 8-9 weeks, the heart looks similar to the heart of an adult. It is four-chambered, consisting of two atria and two ventricles.

The only difference in structure is the oval hole. In adults it is closed. This is anatomically normal. In the fetus it will gape right up to the moment of birth. Another important indicator is your baby’s heartbeat. Physiologically, by this period the norm should be 110-130 beats. If, during ultrasound diagnostics, the doctor told you that it is less than 100 or more than 200 beats, this is a serious reason to worry.

What does this mean? Your baby is literally suffocating. He doesn't have enough oxygen. Therefore, here you will need to consult your obstetrician.

Respiratory system

The bronchial tree begins to actively develop and alveoli form. In addition, the rudiments of the diaphragm begin to form. And this is practically the main regulating apparatus of the act of breathing.

Digestive system

At 7–8 weeks of pregnancy, the stomach has practically taken its anatomically correct position. In addition, gastric juice begins to be secreted in the mucosal cells.

Excretory system

The buds are usually already located in their bed. Anatomically, everything is formed and is ready for active physiological function, that is, for the production of urine.

Mommy's well-being

8 weeks pregnant photos of bellies can be found on the Internet. 8 weeks of pregnancy have already passed, what is happening to the mother is a very important moment for understanding the state of your body. Every day the baby is getting bigger. As it grows, the uterus also stretches. By this point it has reached the size of a large orange. During this period, a woman may experience discomfort in the lower abdomen.

In the medical lexicon, this word is referred to as uterine hypertonicity. This is one of the main and threatening moments for a period of 2 months. “Spontaneous abortion” is what very often causes termination of pregnancy. To protect yourself from this, consult your doctor; you may need drug therapy.

At the moment of bearing a child, hormonal changes occur in the mother's body.

It's the 8th week of pregnancy, what happens to a woman's hormonal levels? As the baby's organs begin to develop and grow, they need nourishment. The highest concentration in the blood of estrogens, progesterones, somatotropins. Each of them performs its own function. Somatotropin is a growth hormone. With its help, processes will actively occur in your baby’s body.

He will gain weight and develop. Progesterone and estrogen are the main hormones of the female body. Their main function is to protect the fetus. Already at this moment, the woman’s breasts begin to grow. The body is preparing to feed the baby. During the period of bearing a child, a woman has a particularly developed sense of danger, caution, and mistrust. Therefore, their emotional background is quite unstable. A woman may sit down and cry or worry for no reason.

This needs to be understood. In addition, hormones play a very important role in toxicosis. No matter how strange it may be, your body takes care of your baby better than you. He chooses exactly those foods that the body needs. Therefore, women often change their food preferences. And sometimes they are incomprehensible to others. But this is your child's need.

This number of symptoms includes a general deterioration in condition, fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability. After 8 weeks of pregnancy, the woman’s sensations improve slightly. Hormonal changes are almost complete, so all previously disturbing symptoms are subsiding.

Main research method

Ultrasound at 8 weeks of pregnancy is a mandatory procedure. On it, the doctor determines the mobility of the fetus, its heartbeat, and blood oxygen saturation. This research method will provide information about whether there is any pathology in the anlage of the organs or not. You should not neglect it, as it will not bring any harm to you and your baby. But it can protect.

An alarming feeling of pain

During the 8 weeks of pregnancy, your stomach hurts. Reason and what to do? Very often during this period women are bothered by pain in the lower abdomen. This is nothing more than uterine hypertonicity. If you don’t have such attacks often, just try to find the most comfortable position for yourself during this period, you can take a warm bath. But under no circumstances should it be hot. If it hurts frequently, you should consult a doctor. And if painful sensations are accompanied by discharge, immediately call an ambulance.

Another place where it may hurt is the leg or buttock area. Although the fetus is still small, it puts pressure on the nerve endings, which causes pain. In order to get rid of unpleasant sensations, try to look for a comfortable position or roll over to the other side.

And as a result, very often women are bothered by pain in the lumbar region. This may be symptomatic pain, that is, it will go away on its own. But very often this is the first sign of pyelonephritis. Severe kidney disease. Pregnancy can trigger it.

Since during gestation the fetus puts pressure on the bladder, the pressure in the renal pelvis system increases. The infection penetrates into the kidney cavity through the ascending channels. In addition to damaging your health, you will cause discomfort to your baby’s body. Therefore, be extremely attentive to all manifestations of pain.

It is important for everyone to know

It's the 8th week of pregnancy, what happens to the baby if his mother behaves carelessly. The following things are not carefully included in the concept: smoking, drinking alcohol, viral diseases, pets. Everyone understands that this cannot be done. But only a very small number of women are aware of what could happen to their children. First. Alcohol is your child's killer.

Whatever the amount, it has a detrimental effect on the child’s body. Very often, such women give birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome. The central nervous system is completely undeveloped.

The baby may suffer from dementia. Nicotine. Its action is almost the same. This is poison for the body. Viral diseases. By and large, the disease itself will not affect the child in any way. But during this period you will be forced to take antiviral drugs.

During this period, the placental barrier is not yet developed enough to protect the child from the teratogenic effects of pills. And again, everything is connected with the period of 8 weeks and finally the animals. The biggest danger for a pregnant woman is a cat. It is the cat family that is the carrier of such a terrible disease as toxoplasmosis. The danger of this disease is that this pathogen can provoke spontaneous delivery. Therefore, you still need to remove cats from the house during pregnancy.

In order to make the moment of expecting a child as pleasant as possible for yourself, you need to follow the recommendations. During the period of 8 weeks, do not engage in physical activity under any circumstances, do not pump your abs or lift weights. However, this advice should accompany you throughout your pregnancy. Walk more in the fresh air, especially in the evening. When relaxing at home, raise your legs above the hip joint.

A baby at 8 weeks of pregnancy is similar in size to a bean - its length is from one and a half to two centimeters, and it weighs about three grams. The child becomes more and more like a person, the “tail” disappears, the head is still disproportionate to the body.

The baby is actively growing and developing. First of all, the musculoskeletal system becomes stronger, bone tissue becomes stronger. At this stage, the baby’s knee and elbow joints are barely visible, and you can see the shoulders and ankles. Facial features become more and more clearly visible, fingers and toes appear. They are still connected by a skin membrane.

An important achievement of the baby is the development of the reproductive system, and although boys have already developed testicles, and girls have ovaries, the sex of the child has not yet been determined due to a large error. Ultrasound examination is strictly limited to:

• contours of the upper and lower jaw;
• nose and even nostrils.

You can see the eyelids, which will soon open. The eyes begin to produce pigment responsible for light perception.

The baby’s heart has divided into four chambers, and valves are actively forming. The hole between the ventricles is already closed, but between the atria it remains. The heart produces from 150 to 170 beats per minute. At the eighth week, the baby is still in a bent state (the so-called “fetal position”), but soon the baby straightens up. The respiratory organs, bronchi and lungs are formed. Already in the eighth week, the baby tries to clench his fists, but such movements are not yet noticeable to the mother.

The development of the brain continues, and neurons form increasingly complex connections along which the first paths of nerve impulses will pass. The intestines are formed, the esophagus and stomach are distinguishable. The liver begins to produce blood cells. The spinal column continues to improve. A very important organ is formed - the thymus gland, which participates in the body’s immune defense; it is the one that produces the first protective cells - lymphocytes.

Development of twins

Kopa Birth

Babies during twin pregnancy at this stage do not lag behind in development compared to a singleton pregnancy. The only significant difference is the weight of the twins. Babies weigh approximately 1 g and do not exceed one and a half centimeters in length. The babies have heads equal to the length of the body, the position of the twins is twisted. The outlines of the face become clearer, the eyes are still on the sides of the face, but the nose, ears, mouth and tongue are clearly visible. Babies continue to receive nutrition from, since the placenta has not yet formed to support their life.

Large and small joints are formed, but they are not always clearly limited. And if the hands almost resemble human ones, then the legs are more like fins. In a normally developing pregnancy, the cardiovascular system of twins is normal. Every baby has a four-chambered heart. The digestive organs are differentiated, germ cells are produced, and one fetus can be a boy, the second a girl.

The amount of amniotic fluid during a twin pregnancy is slightly greater than during a singleton pregnancy. Therefore, the size of the uterus does not correspond to the timing of pregnancy, the maternal organ is slightly larger, which is the first sign of carrying a multiple pregnancy - an ultrasound examination will finally dispel the doubt. At this stage during pregnancy with twins, the mother’s belly is not noticeable.

The umbilical cord in babies is already formed; the endometrium is gradually destroyed by the villous chorion. In the eighth week, it is very important that the placenta and umbilical cord develop correctly, since during a twin pregnancy the risk of abnormalities increases.

What's happening to mom: sensations

The eighth week of pregnancy brings tangible changes in a woman’s life. If in the first weeks the body is just being rebuilt, then at this stage the hormonal background still remains unstable, significantly different from the woman’s pre-pregnancy state. This provokes ailments and new sensations in the mother’s body, to which we now need to adapt.

Changes in the uterus. By the 8th week of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow, but does not increase in size much, being in the area no higher than the pubic area. If sexual contact occurs at this time, the uterus is unnecessarily irritated and minor bleeding may occur from small blood vessels. This occurs due to the influence of hormonal levels on the uterus, but does not negatively affect the child.

Increased urination. This is not noticed by all women, but indeed, when the bladder is full, the urge arises, because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, causing it to give signals for emptying.

Pain in the lower abdomen. It is quite normal if a woman feels slight stretching in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. First of all, the pain is associated with stretching of the uterus, preparing to bear the baby. Also, the cause of pulling sensations is multiple pregnancy. If the pain is periodic, disappears on its own and is not accompanied by other signs, then there is no need to worry.

Headache. During pregnancy in the 8th week it occurs due to overwork, which is provoked by hormonal instability and weakening of the mother's body. To avoid headaches, do not be nervous or expose yourself to stress. If you experience frequent headaches, you should consult a doctor - this may be a sign of an infectious disease or vascular disorders.

Discomfort in the lower back. The lumbar area becomes especially sensitive during the period when the uterus increases in size. Compression of the nerve endings spreads a dull, aching pain in the lumbar area, from which many women suffer greatly in the 8th week, and staying in one position completely intensifies these sensations. A light massage and changing body position will help you cope with such pain. If the pain is sharp, radiates to the kidneys, and urination is difficult, then there is a suspicion of a pathology of the urinary system. If lower back pain is associated with bleeding, this could be a miscarriage. In these conditions, you should immediately contact the clinic.

Chest pain. There is nothing unusual in the fact that under the influence of hormones, a pulling sensation occurs in the chest - this is how the mammary glands prepare to feed the baby. In particularly sensitive women, these signs appear as early as the 8th week. There is a feeling of heaviness in the chest, enlargement of the mammary glands, and a tingling sensation. Usually the discomfort is quite tolerable and after the hormonal levels normalize, the chest pain subsides a little.