First trimester · 8 weeks pregnant
Week 8: fingers, toes and the first appointment
Everything is in miniature and starting to move.
The embryo is making small, jerky movements that you cannot feel yet. Fingers and toes are forming, eyelids are growing, and the tail-like end has almost disappeared.
Size and weight
About the size of
a raspberry
Length
1.6 cm
Weight
1 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- Fingers and toes are forming, still webbed.
- Eyelids, the tip of the nose and the upper lip are visible.
- The embryo makes spontaneous movements as nerves and muscles connect.
- The heart has four chambers and beats about 150–170 times a minute.
How you may feel
- Nausea often at its strongest
- Bloating; your waistband may feel tight although the bump is not visible
- Tiredness that peaks around now
- Frequent urination
- Vivid dreams
Your uterus is about the size of a large orange. Most people cannot tell you are pregnant yet.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- First prenatal visit at the polyclinic prenatal office (by 10 weeks): medical history, blood pressure, weight and BMI, breast and gynaecological examination, and dating by last period and ultrasound.
- First-visit tests under the national protocol: blood group and Rh, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, complete blood count, biochemistry, fasting glucose or HbA1c, coagulation, thyroid (TSH), rubella antibodies, urine test and urine culture, vaginal smear; plus consultations with a therapist, dentist and eye doctor.
What to do this week
- Write down questions before the appointment: screening options, exercise, work, travel, medicines.
- Ask which screening tests are offered and when, so you can decide calmly.
- Keep snacks with you to avoid an empty stomach, which makes nausea worse.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Bleeding that is heavier than light spotting, or bleeding with cramps
- Severe pain on one side of your lower abdomen, or pain with dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting so often that you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours
- A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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