8 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and What to Expect

By Brian Price

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Your Growing Embryo at 8 Weeks

You’re now at 8 weeks, Hooray! Only two more weeks until you’re in the double digits.

Right, now your baby is 0.63” and weighs 0.04 ounces, which is the size of a marble.

Your baby’s lips, nose, and eyelids are developing and becoming distinct
At your next Doctor’s appointment, you’ll be able to hear your little one’s heart beat.
Beating at 150 to 170 times per minute, your baby’s heart is beating almost at double the rate yours is.

Pregnancy Superfood for Week 8

As your baby grows, it is very important for both of you to get the nutrients you need. As you begin to experience morning sickness, eating healthy may be difficult. When your stomach settles, try to eat nutritious meals. Broccoli and Peas are both great vegetables to include in your daily diet.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of calcium thus strengthening the bones of your unborn child.Also, during pregnancy women are at risk for Osteoporosis and other bone related disorders.Packed with calcium, magnesium, and zinc broccoli helps prevent that. Many women experience constipation during their pregnancy.

Broccoli contains fiber and will help keep you regulated. Beta-carotene is another beneficial aspect of Broccoli. Beta- Carotene boosts immunity and improves vision. Broccoli will increase your pregnancy glow. It contains vitamins A,E,B, and K which are all great for your skin.

When purchasing fresh broccoli choose the bright dark green or purple-green heads. The stems and stalks should be firm. If the heads are yellow, they are over matured. It is recommended to have three to five servings of broccoli daily. To mix things up you can add broccoli to things you already eat such as pizza or pasta.

Peas

Green peas contain a variety of vitamins and nutrients that will be beneficial to you and your baby during pregnancy. Peas are packed full of iron, which keeps you from being anemic. Many women become diabetics during their pregnancy. Peas can help prevent that as they contain manganese.

Manganese keeps blood sugar levels down and lowers your chance of becoming a diabetic. If you’re experiencing inflammation, eat green peas because they contain anti-inflammatory qualities.

There are a variety of recipes that include fresh peas, so it should be easy to include them in your diet. Fresh peas come in full green pods. If the pods are yellow and not firm they are over matured. Whether they’re steamed, thrown in stir-fry, or bought frozen peas are a smart choice for your diet.

Broccoli and Pea Soup
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
500g broccoli, chopped
250g frozen peas
500ml vegetable stock
500ml unsweetened soya milk
Add black pepper to taste

Tips of How to Prepare: In order to prepare this soup you will need to begin by frying the onion in the oil in a large non-stick saucepan. A casserole dish can be used if you do not have a saucepan.

Fry the onion until it is soft, this usually takes about 10 minutes. Next throw in the broccoli and peas, cook them for a few minutes and stir often.
Add the unsweetened soya milk, along with the stock and bring it to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, turn down the heat, put a top on the pan and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes.
You will know it is done when the broccoli becomes soft. The last step is transferring the soup to a blender. You should blend it until it is smooth.

This is a great meal to have during the day because it is light but filling. With 250g of peas and 500g of Broccoli, this soup is full of folate and other vitamins. This soup can serve as a small meal during the day that will ease morning sickness, while also filling you with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Top Tip for Week Eight

You may be experiencing plenty of morning sickness at this point. Instead of eating large meals, try eating small regular snacks throughout the day to calm it.

Inspirational Message of the Week from Already Moms

Making a decision to have a child- It’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body!
-Elizabeth Stone

Big Efforts from your Co Creator

Your partner’s breasts may be growing in preparation for the baby. As they grow they will become increasingly sore, so much so that even hugging may be painful. Be mindful of these changes, talk to your partner to find out what level of touching will be least painful. Most importantly, empathize with her and continue to show your love.

This Art of Allowing

As we’ve discussed, morning sickness may be hitting you hard during week eight and probably at all hours of the day. We also know you may be experiencing some pretty intense pregnancy cravings. Maybe it’s a casual Friday night and you just want to eat a tub of Ben and Jerry’s while you watch dirty dancing!

Sounds like a perfect Friday night to us! But wait, you’re eating for two now. What you consume serves as nourishment for your mini-me. Instead of indulging in every sweet thing you see and blaming it on being pregnant try to eat healthier options. You really only need an extra 300 calories a day! Fruit smoothies are great as they will appeal to your taste buds and nourish your baby.

Pregnancy Symptoms of Week Eight

Week eight is going to bring some not so fun changes, but don’t worry you’ll get through it just like you did the weeks before!

Sore Breasts: as your baby grows, your body is preparing for he or she’s arrival. Your breasts will become sore as they begin to prep for breastfeeding.

Frequent Urination: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, commonly called HcG, is the hormone produced after implantation by the placenta. During week eight, HcG is causing extra blood flow, which makes your kidneys produce more urine. Twenty-five percent more to be exact. You will definitely be making more trips to the bathroom. Typically this symptom will disappear in the second trimester but will return as the baby grows and steps on your bladder.

Acne: You may feel like you’re back in high school as your hormones cause your skin to produce more oil, thus clogging your pores and creating acne. Seeing as how you’re pregnant you may not be able to take acne medication.

Mucus: Luckily this will be a symptom you won’t be able to see, well not in the beginning at least. The mucus on your cervix is beginning to form your cervical plug. The plug protects your uterus by keeping bacteria from getting in.

For example, without the plug bacteria from sex or vaginal exams could enter and harm your baby. Once you go into labor, your cervix will dilate and the plug will come out. You may often hear people refer to this experience as the “bloody show”. You will either experience a jelly-like blood streaked blob fall out or an increase in vaginal discharge over the next several days.

Your Body will Change and It’s Necessary

As you wrap up your second month of being pregnant, you’re probably noticing several other changes in your body along with a little weight gain. One such change, is your breasts growing and feeling heavier.
During pregnancy your hormone levels rise and increase blood flow, thus causing your breasts to become swollen. While it is uncomfortable, it is necessary. Your breasts have begun producing colostrum, which is a fancy term for the first drops of breast milk.
Colostrum contains more protein, less fat, and less sugar than more mature breast milk. Colostrum is full of antibodies and is easier for your baby to digest after birth. Later in your pregnancy you may experience a little leaking, don’t worry it’s normal.

Our Recommended Remedy for Week 8

After discussing the symptoms of week 8, you’re probably wondering if there is anything you can do to make your pregnancy journey a little easier. There is! Here are some tips for natural remedies that will ease some of your week 8 symptoms.

Reduce Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar: Many pregnant women claim that apple cider vinegar got rid of their acne. Apple Cider Vinegar is full of enzymes that are great for your skin. If you’re willing to give it a try wash your face and then apply some on a cotton ball. Dab the cotton ball onto your acne.

Baking Soda: Baking soda soaks up the oil in your skin and dries it out. You can easily make a baking soda paste to clear your acne. Combine 1 TBS baking soda and 1 TBS water, and voilà! Apply the paste to each pimple, before washing it off allow it to dry.

Sore Breasts

As your breasts become sore, try these simple home remedies to ease the pain

Oil Massage: Heat a small amount of oil in the microwave until it is warm. It should not be scolding hot as you will get burned. Once the oil is at a safe temperature, apply it on the nipples and massage gently. You can repeat this several times a day or as often as needed.

Warm Compress: Turn on your sink faucet and allow the water to become warm. Soak a washcloth in the warm water. Wring it out and place it on your sore breasts. This is also a great technique to practice before breast feeding. You can repeat this process as often as needed.

Combat morning sickness with herbs

Ginger: A great herb commonly used for easing nausea. Yeah, we’re looking at you morning sickness. We recommend grating fresh ginger into a hot cup of water for a nice cup of tea.

Peppermint: Peppermint is also a great herb to use in tea to help ease nausea. You can also try sucking on peppermints!

Soothing The Uncomfortable

Do you get a whiff of your coworker’s lunch and run straight to the bathroom? Hello Morning sickness! Unfortunately there isn’t a cure for morning sickness but along with the tip we gave you earlier, we can give you a couple more to get through it.

Catch plenty of Z’s: Your body always performs better when it is well rested.

Move Around: Instead of heading straight to your big comfy couch to lie down after a big meal, walk around a little bit. Many pregnant women find yoga to be very beneficial.

Food: As we mentioned smaller snacks throughout the day are better than larger meals. While it may be difficult, try eating something first thing in the morning even if it is a pack of crackers or a slice of plain toast.

Preparation for Motherhood

Stay Hydrated. Yes, we know this means even more trips to the bathroom, but your body and baby needs it!
Change out your perfumes and sweet smelling body washes for unscented versions.
Keep unwanted odors from causing morning sickness, by cleaning and washing clothes often.
Take a nap! Your body is working full time, you deserve plenty of rest!