You are 8 Weeks Pregnant!
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOU
Are you feeling a bit bloated? Indigestion and bloating are common complaints of pregnancy. A slowed digestive process causes these symptoms and allows your bloodstream to better absorb nutrients that are then passed on to your baby. You may find relief from wearing loose-fitting clothes, eating small, frequent meals, chewing your food thoroughly and avoiding high fat foods.
No matter how uncomfortable these sensations are for you, rest assured that your baby is oblivious to your pain. As long as it doesn’t affect your ability to eat healthy meals, your discomfort may be a nuisance, but it is harmless.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY
Your baby’s head is quite big, due to the rapid growth of the brain. The upper limbs resemble paddles. Your baby-to-be’s heart begins to separate into four chambers, and blood is circulating throughout the body. Intestines form within the umbilical cord, but will later migrate back into the abdominal cavity. In the next few days, foot plates, with the beginnings of toe rays, will appear. The external ears are now present. Your baby is now 10 to 13 millimeters long — about the size of a cherry. The cells that will become either testes or ovaries arrive, but there is no obvious sign of gender yet. Muscle contractions are beginning, but these early “movements” are not yet perceptible.
EATING FOR TWO
The first trimester is especially important when it comes to your baby’s healthy development. This is the time that most parts of the body are formed and rapid brain development occurs. It is important to consume neither alcohol nor tobacco products. Speak to your practitioner about the safety of continuing prescription medicines and herbal treatments. Reduce or eliminate caffeine intake as well. Recent studies have indicated that more than a few cups of coffee a day may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
FACT OF THE WEEK
Ultrasound allows you to see the fetus without the use of X-rays. This procedure carries no known risks to the mother or fetus. It can be used to help determine a due date or to check if normal development is occurring. Women who may be asked to receive early ultrasound evaluation include those who have had a prior ectopic pregnancy, a problematic obstetrical history or first trimester bleeding. Care providers differ in whether or not they recommend ultrasound, the number of ultrasounds they recommend and their reasons for performing them.