The 8th week completes the second month of pregnancy and belongs to the first trimester. This period is very important in the life of the child, it is decisive, since all the internal organs are formed.
It is for this reason that women need to be very careful: carefully monitor their health and listen to their sensations.
What happens to a woman's body at the 8th week of pregnancy?
External changes in the body of a woman during this period are almost imperceptible. In the waist begins to appear thickening. It was at this time that the fetus has the full right to be called a little man, he has already laid all the internal organs.
The uterus of a pregnant woman at 8 weeks has the size of a large orange. In the blood, 3 hormones (estrogen, prolactin and progesterone) are actively produced, which conduct serious work:
- weaken the ligaments of the pelvis, allowing the expectant mother's abdomen to grow in size without serious consequences;
- prepare the breast for the appearance of milk;
- allow you to prepare the circulatory system to increase blood flow. For this reason, all arteries increase in diameter.
Despite the grand restructuring of the body, a woman may not feel any sensations at all. You must listen to yourself, because everything is manifested individually. The following emotional experiences are possible:
- Excessive irritability.
- Weeping.
- Frequent mood swings.
- The emergence of anxiety.
The emotional state can range from depression to feelings of euphoria.
Toxicosis can manifest itself in different ways: in the form of nausea or heartburn. Taste addictions often change, appetite increases or disappears.
Physiological changes in the female body
The change that manifests itself in all women is frequent urination. This is due to the increased pressure of the uterus on the bladder.
During this period, other changes are observed in the woman's body:
- the breast increases, it becomes more sensitive;
- the size of the uterus changes, its size slowly increases;
- hormonal and skin exposure. It can become covered with rashes or become unusually clean and smooth to the touch;
- discharge may become more abundant, but they should not have an unpleasant odor;
- increased progesterone production can have a depressant effect on the psyche. As a result, conditions such as drowsiness, fatigue, frequent headaches and mood swings can occur.
Changes in child development
At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the formation of tissues and organs of the future baby continues. He is becoming more like a man.
What else happens to the baby in the 8th week of pregnancy:
- respiratory and central nervous system are actively formed;
- bones and joints begin to develop;
- the stomach takes its place;
- maturation of cartilage begins;
- the formation of facial features continues;
- on week 8, the sex of the unborn child is formed;
- the placenta begins to form through which the baby will be fed;
- fingers begin to appear on the limbs;
- the urinary system is formed; chewing muscles begin to appear;
- the heart is being perfected, partitions appear;
- the first gyrus appears on the cerebral hemispheres;
- the child forms a tongue with taste buds;
- legs are 3 times shorter than the handles;
- the inner ear continues to develop;
- the body of the child becomes longer and more straight.
Ultrasound indications at 7, 8, 9 weeks of pregnancy
Ultrasound is performed throughout pregnancy. It is necessary to prevent the pathologies that may appear in the baby. The procedure does not cause the woman any painful sensations, which allows her to spend at any time.
At week 7, the fertilized egg is already visible, which may have different positions. In some cases, it is not easy to see.
At this time, an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed and an operative intervention is prescribed to eliminate it until the fallopian tube has ruptured. Anomalies of the development of the baby to determine this is still impossible.
If ultrasound is performed at the 8th week of pregnancy, it is already possible to judge the formation of the cardiovascular system of the child. Heartbeat begins to be heard, which reaches 140 - 160 beats per minute.
At 9 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound can show some abnormalities in the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. For example, a study of the corpus luteum producing progesterone is underway. If at this time its production begins to decrease, there is a risk of abortion.
Survey 8 obstetric week of pregnancy
If a woman has not yet visited a doctor before this time, it is necessary to undergo a full examination immediately. It will allow time to identify possible problems in the course of pregnancy or diseases that can occur in a latent form.
Each of the doctors must assess the condition of the pregnant woman and identify possible pathologies in time. For example, increased intraocular pressure may be an indication for cesarean section.
Today, doctors identify not only possible diseases or pathological conditions, but also the working conditions of the future mother. If they are too heavy or harmful, the woman will need to be transferred to another position.
A cause for concern is the environment of a pregnant woman. For this reason, all those living in the house with the expectant mother will have to do a fluorography.
When visiting a pregnant doctor, you will need to pass the following tests:
- vaginal smear;
- blood and urine tests.
The following will be checked:
- the presence or absence of genital infections, syphilis, AIDS;
- Rh factor and blood type;
- the general condition of the female body: the level of sugar, hemoglobin and not only.
Prevention of rhesus conflict is of particular importance. Different Rh factor in mom and dad of the unborn child may adversely affect its development. This is another significant reason not to delay with visiting doctors.
Recommendations of doctors for a pregnant woman at week 8
The key to a good pregnancy are: healthy sleep, proper rest and proper nutrition. It is necessary to follow other recommendations of specialists:
- Visiting female consultation. If before this time you have not yet registered, then it is time to do it.
- Any medicinal and pharmacological preparations should be used exclusively as prescribed by a physician. Pay special attention to annotations to drugs.
- When passing an x-ray or a dentist, it is imperative to warn the specialist about your situation.
- Do not wear shoes with stiletto heels. It can provoke not only varicose veins, but also a shift in the position of your child. Shoes should be comfortable, stable and not slippery.
- It is important to avoid conflict situations and factors that may adversely affect the development of the fetus. These include: viruses, smoking and alcohol, drugs, household chemicals and more. Prolonged exposure to toxic substances can provoke various kinds of pathologies or deterioration of a woman’s health.
- Restrictions in sexual life are necessary only in cases where it can harm the unborn child, for example, with the threat of miscarriage. If there are no contraindications, then do not worry about it.
- Try to surround yourself with only positive emotions. Do not read dramatic books or watch movies of negative content. The first thing to think about the child.
- If uncharacteristic discharge or bleeding occurs, go to a doctor right away. This may be a threatened miscarriage.
The key to properly running pregnancy and well-being will be following all the recommendations of specialists. Surround yourself with only positive emotions and impressions, take daily walks. Reasonable physical exertion will benefit, well-being and mood. Do not listen to any prejudices and unwanted advice from relatives. By following these recommendations, you can make a healthy child.
Additional information about the eighth week of pregnancy can be found in the following video.
