8 Weeks Pregnant - Symptoms and What To Expect

At 8 weeks pregnant, your body is undergoing significant changes—even if you’re not visibly showing yet. You’re approaching the end of your second month, and by now, pregnancy hormones are in full swing. For many, this week marks a turning point where early symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness really start to make their presence known.

Behind the scenes, your baby is growing at a rapid pace, and your body is doing the critical work of building the placenta and supporting early development. Internally, there's a lot going on—from increased blood volume and hormone production to shifts in digestion and energy levels. Externally, you might be feeling a wide range of physical sensations and emotional changes.

It’s common to feel overwhelmed, curious, or even unsure during this stage. The symptoms can be intense, and every day might feel a little different from the last. Understanding what’s happening this week—both in your body and in your baby’s development—can help you feel more prepared. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you’ve been here before, it’s always helpful to know what’s typical at this stage and what steps you can take to support yourself.

Key Takeaways

Your baby is now about the size of a raspberry, with continued growth and organ development.
Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and mood changes are likely in full effect.
Major organ systems, including the brain, heart, and digestive tract, are forming quickly.
This is a good time to schedule your first prenatal visit if you haven’t already.

8 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

At 8 weeks, many people start to “feel” pregnant, even if they don’t look it yet. The rising levels of hormones like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), estrogen, and progesterone are driving a lot of the changes.

You might notice:

Morning sickness: This can strike at any time of day and ranges from mild queasiness to more intense nausea and vomiting.
Breast tenderness: Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can make breasts feel swollen, heavy, or sore.
Fatigue: Your body is doing the hard work of building the placenta and supporting rapid fetal development.
Frequent urination: Increased blood volume and kidney activity mean more trips to the bathroom.
Mood swings: Emotional ups and downs are common due to hormonal shifts.
Food aversions or cravings: Some people suddenly can’t stand foods they used to love—or crave things they never liked before.
Bloating and mild cramping: Digestive slow-down and uterine expansion can both contribute to that “full” feeling.
Increased sense of smell: This can sometimes intensify nausea or food aversions.

Baby Development at 8 Weeks

By now, your baby is growing rapidly—tiny, but mighty. Though still called an embryo, they’re developing key features that will define their growth in the coming weeks.

Fruit Size

Your baby is about the size of a raspberry, measuring approximately 0.6 inches (1.6 cm) long and weighing less than a gram.

Major Organ Growth

This week, the heart is beating around 150 to 170 times per minute—nearly twice as fast as yours. Organs like the liver, lungs, and kidneys are beginning to develop.

Facial Features

Eyes are becoming more distinct, with eyelids forming. The nose, lips, and ears are starting to take shape, giving the face more recognizable features.

Limbs and Movement

Arms and legs are getting longer, and small webs between the fingers and toes are starting to disappear. While you won’t feel it yet, your baby may already be making small movements.

Things to Do at 8 Weeks Pregnant

Even if you’re not ready to share the news, there are several things you can do now to support a healthy pregnancy.

Schedule a Prenatal Visit

If you haven’t had your first prenatal appointment yet, now’s the time to call. Most providers will want to see you between 8–10 weeks for an ultrasound and bloodwork.

Start or Continue Prenatal Vitamins

Folic acid is key to supporting early brain and spinal development, and iron and DHA also play critical roles. Make sure to find a prenatal vitamin that includes those essential nutrients.

Understand What to Eat (and What to Avoid)

Start familiarizing yourself with foods that are best avoided, including raw fish, undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Also, take a look at how much caffeine you’re drinking and make sure it’s not over the recommended limit.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is especially important during early pregnancy, as it helps support increased blood volume, aids digestion, and can even ease some common symptoms like headaches and constipation. Aim for around 8–10 cups of water a day, and sip regularly if nausea makes it hard to drink large amounts at once. This is key during those hot summer months!

Get Moving with Gentle Exercise

Consider incorporating light prenatal exercise into your routine. Activities like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming can boost energy, improve mood, and help relieve early pregnancy aches. Even 20–30 minutes a few times a week can make a difference. Just be sure to listen to your body and avoid anything high-impact or overly strenuous.

Create a Symptom Tracker

Keeping a journal or app to track symptoms, emotional shifts, and questions for your provider can help you feel more in control and prepared for visits.

Look Into Pregnancy Support Resources

This is a great time to explore prenatal education. Birthly’s live, online classes can guide you through everything from early pregnancy and nutrition to labor, delivery, and newborn care—all from the comfort of home.

Bottom Line

At 8 weeks pregnant, a lot is happening with you and baby—whether you feel amazing or exhausted (or both). The early symptoms can be tough, but they’re also a sign that your body is doing its job. This is a good time to focus on what you can control: eating well, getting rest, and building a support system.

If you’re looking for guidance, connection, or just some reassurance, Birthly offers live prenatal classes and a supportive online community that meets you wherever you are in your journey—no matter how you’re feeling right now.