Maybe you've been looking forward to the 8th week of pregnancy, because for most pregnant women, the first prenatal check-up takes place around this time. In this article, you'll learn not only how your baby is developing during this week and how your body is changing, but also what to expect during the first examination.

How big is your baby in week 8 of pregnancy?

Your baby is about 1.5 centimeters long this week, roughly the size of a raspberry. This week, you'll probably see it for the first time on an ultrasound and hear its heartbeat.

8th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

Throughout your pregnancy, your uterus is held in a stable position and protected by the so-called uterine ligaments (bundles of muscle fibers that extend from the sides of the uterus to the pubic bone). As your uterus grows, these ligaments stretch too, which you may now notice as a pulling sensation in your lower abdomen. But don't worry—this discomfort is usually completely harmless.

Part of the oxygen in your body is now needed to supply your baby. This can make you feel short of breath even with mild exertion, such as climbing stairs. Combined with the increased blood volume, the reduced oxygen supply can also lead to circulatory problems. So feel free to take breaks now and then and slow down if your body asks for it. You're probably still experiencing nausea, as the hCG level in your body is still rising. Christian, the LILLYDOO gynecologist, reveals which home remedies can help with this discomfort in the article „ This helps against morning sickness ".

8th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

The head of the embryo is still very large compared to its body. However, this week it begins to stretch out slowly as muscles grow and the body lengthens away from the chest. The embryo's eyes are also getting larger, and the eyelids are developing. The inner ear continues to form, and the lower lip and jaw are starting to take shape. Do you remember the tail the embryo still had a few weeks ago? It is now receding and will later remain as the coccyx—your child is increasingly taking on human features. In the brain, the areas responsible for sensory perception and

Initial preventive examination

During the 8th week of pregnancy, the first prenatal check-up usually takes place with your gynecologist, where your pregnancy is confirmed via ultrasound. The ultrasound examination is a very special moment, because you can not only take a first look at your baby but also hear its heartbeat for the first time. The doctor uses ultrasound not only to check the heartbeat, movements, and timely development of the embryo but also to verify its position in the uterus to rule out an . It can also be seen on the ultrasound whether you might be expecting . During this first check-up, your immunization status will also be clarified, a blood sample will be taken, and your will be issued. In the video, LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian explains what to expect during the first prenatal check-up:

Maybe you have an idea of when your baby was conceived—but perhaps you're not even sure how far along you are. To determine the current week of pregnancy and your baby's estimated due date, your doctor also measures the size of the embryo (crown-rump length, short SSL) during the ultrasound examination. Based on the calculated due date (EDD), your doctor can assess during subsequent check-ups whether your baby is developing appropriately for its gestational age. If you don't want to wait until your first prenatal appointment, or if you'd like an additional estimate, you can also determine the expected delivery date with our LILLYDOO Due Date Calculator. All you need to do is enter the first day of your last period, and you'll find out when you can expect your little explorer.

However, you shouldn't fixate too rigidly on a specific date. It's never possible to predict your child's birthday with absolute certainty, and your doctor may adjust the date again as the pregnancy progresses. Ultimately, the timing of the birth also depends on individual factors such as your child's development and your own health condition.

This is now important

• Your baby is well protected in the uterus, surrounded by amniotic fluid. So you don't have to worry that small jolts, such as when jogging, could harm it.

• The most important tip remains: take it easy. The first trimester and the associated adjustments can be physically challenging for many women. Be kind to yourself and treat your body with care.

• Did you know that, besides ultrasound examinations, you can also attend all your check-up appointments with your midwife? Alternating care between the doctor and the midwife is also possible. It’s best to inquire about this
  in good time with both of them.

• Due to increased blood circulation throughout your entire body, bleeding gums or inflammation may now occur. To help prevent this, maintain good oral hygiene, preferably use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and schedule a preventive appointment with your dentist if you have any questions.

Seeing your baby on the ultrasound image is an exciting experience. It will likely reassure you, too, to hear its heartbeat for the first time—after all, it makes the abstract idea of the little being in your belly feel a bit more real. We wish you a wonderful time enjoying the anticipation!

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which is also created in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts. Nevertheless, the information listed here can
never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.