What an 8 week old baby looks like. Eighth obstetric week of pregnancy: what happens in the body of the mother and fetus

The second month of pregnancy is coming to an end. Taking into account the fact that the obstetric month corresponds to four weeks, the eighth week of pregnancy is two full obstetric months, the sixth week from conception and the end of the second lunar month.

What happens at week 8

Tummy still unobtrusive despite the intense physiological changes taking place in your body. A slight thickening appears in the waist area.

The eighth week falls on critical period of embryo development- a fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. What does it mean?

The process of ontogenesis can be viewed as a series of successive, successive stages of different development rates. So in critical periods of development, on the one hand the fetus is less resistant and especially sensitive to various external influences, on the other hand, these periods are characterized by the maximum speed of its development.

A distinctive feature of the critical period of the first trimester of pregnancy is the fact that it affects the entire body as a whole, and at later stages of pregnancy will affect only the development of individual internal organs.

Adverse pathogenic factors that can slow down or even stop the development of the fetus include: hereditary (genetic and chromosomal abnormalities) and "environmental" factors (ionizing and ultraviolet radiation, some food additives, pesticides, alcohol, nicotine, drugs, viruses, infections etc.).

The consequences of these factors can be: miscarriages, fetal freezing, the birth of children with malformations of varying degrees and forms of severity.

The neo-fetal, or embryo-fetal, period continues (the end of 5-8 weeks of pregnancy from conception). The leitmotif of this period is the further placenta formation, which is in the initial stage of development. This process coincides with the completion of the formation of most of the internal organs.

The correct formation of the placenta and placental circulation determines the further intensity of fetal development. Through the placenta, gas exchange and nutrition of the growing organism will be carried out. Its functions will include the production of hormones and enzymes, which in turn are involved in the regulation of pregnancy, as well as the selective (selective) transport of nutrient and intermediate metabolic products (proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, etc.).

While the nutrition of the embryo - the fetus continues to flow from the yolk sac.

Well-being of a woman at 8 weeks

As a kind of "prelude" to the disclosure of this issue, I would like to remind you of one fact, pregnancy is a period of grandiose transformations of the woman's body in the process of adaptation to bearing a new life. The natural tools for this adaptation are hormonal changes in the body, and the accompanying physiological changes in the body of the expectant mother.

A woman's well-being in the 8th week may be absolutely no different from the well-being of the previous week. Moreover, the variability (diversity), the intensity of certain sensations are extremely individual and do not give the opportunity to routinely, schematically adjust them to any pregnant woman. Listen to yourself - this is the main advice.

Possible physical sensations

1. Manifestations of toxicosis can persist and even increase. We usually refer to it as dyspepsia (Greek dyspepsia, from dys - violation, pepsis - digestion) - a collective term for various manifestations of indigestion: belching, heartburn, nausea, heaviness in the stomach, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, excessive salivation, etc. . e. Follow the recommendations for neutralizing it, this will definitely make your lot easier. Read more about toxicosis
2. Changing the size of the uterus... It continues to slowly but surely increase in size. As a result, you may experience some discomfort in the form of spasms or mild pains, the main thing is that they are not accompanied by bloody discharge. It gradually squeezes adjacent organs, such as the bladder, which leads to increased urination. Read about the dynamics of changes in the volume of the abdomen
3. Breast augmentation, an increase in its sensitivity, saphenous veins can appear on it. This is the result of hormones that begin to prepare the breast for childbirth and the subsequent lactation (feeding) process.
4. Leather is also hormonal. So in some cases, the skin of women becomes clean, healthy-looking, elastic, and in other cases, on the contrary, it is marked by fat content, itching, peeling, the presence of acne and acne.
5. Vaginal color and discharge... In the first trimester, the vagina may slightly change color - darken or acquire a slightly "bluish" shade. You may also be disturbed by more abundant discharge as a result of increased secretion work (increased blood filling of the pelvic organs) and a rapid change in the epithelium in the vagina. The main thing is that they do not have a sharp, unpleasant odor, do not cause itching or painful sensations. Read more about the nature of discharge during pregnancy.
6. Fatigue, drowsiness, depression, mood swings, headaches and migraines... The main reasons provoking such a feeling are: the increased production of the hormone "progesterone", which has the property of oppressing the human psyche, as well as the general "restructuring" of the woman's body for pregnancy.

Possible emotional experiences

• mood swings;
• anxiety;
• irritability;
• tearfulness.

Psychologically, the runaway of your feelings can fluctuate - from a state of depression and fear of not coping with the role of the expectant mother, the realization that cardinal and inevitable changes to euphoria await your life, for the same reason.

If anxious thoughts do not let you go, the support of relatives does not bring relief, and you feel isolated and lonely, lost and misunderstood, then perhaps you should seek help from specialists, sign up for.

Involve your child's father in this, so that he does not feel superfluous and disconnected from the events taking place.

Remember that you are not the only one experiencing such a flurry of emotions, take them for granted and important.

Basically, by the beginning of the second trimester, women usually mentally accept the fetus and are ready for pregnancy.

Reviews of women about 8 weeks

Veronica: “Until the 8th obstetric week, no signs of pregnancy were observed at all, which worried and alarmed me extremely. I myself am suspicious, so you can imagine what I thought of myself there. Then I decided to pull myself together and not cheat. And as soon as I, so to speak, relaxed, everything came, and even in threefold size, so that it would not seem a little to me. The moral of this opus is: "Girls, be careful in your desires!"

Victoria: “I'm not a newbie in this business, I already have my 3rd pregnancy. I can say one thing from my experience - not only female organisms are individual, but also pregnancies. I already felt it one hundred percent on myself. I didn't think my third one would be so troublesome. "

Evgeniya: “These changes in health and mood are just depressing. There are days when the mountains are ready to move, but sometimes such apathy "rolls over", you don't want to see anyone. And I also noticed such a feature for myself, I can start out of the blue, with a half turn and make almost a hysteria, which is extremely unusual for me, and then calmed down, walked away and as if nothing had happened. It just pisses me off my husband, but I'm trying to explain that hormones are to blame, not me. "

Svetlana: “I try to overcome the manifestations of toxicosis, guided by the recommendations and useful tips, the benefit of a bunch of literature and the Internet is now to help. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by some kind of anxiety about the baby, or I somehow emotionally distance myself from others. Then I call on my imagination to help and begin to visualize the images of our happy family: mom-dad-child. The mood rises immediately. "

Katerina: “I just got registered, I'm looking forward to the first ultrasound, I want to see my little girl as soon as possible. As for the state of health, in the evenings I often feel nauseous and incomprehensible fatigue appeared. "

Fetal development at 8 weeks gestation

At the eighth week of pregnancy, the processes of organo- and histogenesis continue in an organized manner, that is, further the formation of internal organs and tissues baby.

So its heart continues its thorny path of improvement - partitions between departments develop, communication with large blood vessels is being established.

Stomach moves into the abdominal cavity and takes its place. The muscle layer grows with nerve elements, which in the future will make it possible for the normal passage of food through this cavity. The basis for the formation of the salivary glands is gradually being created.

Respiratory and central nervous system continue their path of active formation.

Development process kicks in this week bones and joints crumbs. So hands and feet gradually acquire bone tissue, cartilage begins to mature. This process will last for the entire pregnancy, continue after childbirth and end at least in twenty-five years of human life.

Pretty passable muscles are developed, a little later, on the ultrasound, you can already notice the chaotic movements of the baby, which you cannot yet feel because of its miniature size. Muscles appear in the area of ​​the face, pharynx, chewing muscles begin to appear. Sweat glands begin on the feet and palms. The arms can bend at the joints, the fingers develop. The legs at the rate of development are inferior to the hands, only the process of formation of feet and joints is underway, and the fingers remain fused.

Continues to form face... The eyes are still displaced and set wide at the temples. The tip of the nose is highlighted, the bulbs of the olfactory nerves are born. Mucous plugs tightly cover the nostrils, while depriving them of sensitivity. Parts close upper lip giving her a human look. In the mouth, the tongue already has taste buds. The folds at the site of the future auricles gradually transform into a real outer ear.

This week is coming process active shaping the sex of the child... This is how the testicles are laid in boys, and ovaries in girls. It is not yet possible to identify the sex by the type of the perineum, the genital tubercle looks the same in boys and girls, and therefore an ultrasound specialist cannot answer the question of the sex of the fetus.

Photo of fetal ultrasound

It's time to say goodbye to the studs! Only comfortable shoes , and in exceptional cases, a stable heel is not more than four centimeters. After all, you do not want to expose yourself to a threat or even harm the baby?

This can lead to an incorrect position of the fetus due to a shift in the center of gravity, or even more to the threat of miscarriage (an increase in the load on the spine and joints can tone the uterus). And what is the "trauma" of such shoes? After all, when to think about comfort if not now?

The pledge of your wellness remains moderate and active. Spend more time outdoors and get moving. It invigorates, tones, oxygenates your body and, accordingly, the fetus. Read about what rules must be followed when playing sports during pregnancy.

Tell your loved ones the good news

It's time to buy yourself literature on pregnancy and childbirth... So it will be easier for you to understand yourself, to realize the processes that you will face in the future, and also to develop an effective strategy and tactics of your behavior during this period.

Video about 8 weeks pregnant

At the 8th week of pregnancy, most of the symptoms of an "interesting" situation are evident: delayed menstruation, hCG level 23100-151000 mIU / ml, toxicosis, drowsiness, engorgement of the mammary glands and subfebrile temperature of 37-37.5 degrees. The first two are objective signs of pregnancy. The rest are auxiliary. But it is they who determine the well-being of the expectant mother in the first months of gestation.

What happens to the baby

The embryo develops by leaps and bounds. During these 7 days, he has a lot:

• a tongue will form in the mouth, in the skull - the inner ear, in the nose - nostrils;
• the bones of the limbs, including the articular folds, will take shape;
• the brain and spinal cord are differentiated;
• the hole between the ventricles of the heart will overgrow;
• the thymus gland will form, which a little later will begin to produce thymosin, thymulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and other hormones;
• the sexual differentiation started at the beginning will continue - the baby's cells with the boy's sex characteristics begin to produce testosterone.

At the same time, the placenta will continue to develop and the volume of amniotic fluid will increase.

In general, the embryo has already formed all the main organ systems. It remains to configure, debug and run them. At this stage, the embryonic period of development ends. From next week, a new one will begin - a fruitful one. Little man will cease to be called an embryo. From the 9th week he is a fetus!

Fruit length and weight

At the 8th week of pregnancy, the size of the fetus does not exceed 3.5-4 mm, and it weighs only 2.5-3 grams. Over the next 7 days, the baby will gain 1 gram.

If an adult gained weight at the same rate, then in one week his weight would increase from 60 kg to 80 kg.

What's going on with mom

Toxicosis and drowsiness, if they have not yet been noticed, can begin right now. But not necessarily! Contrary to stereotypes, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other characteristic signs of this trimester are not always observed and not in all expectant mothers. Excellent health is the same variant of the norm, as well as vomiting 4-5 times a day, morning sickness and increased heart rate up to 80-90 beats per minute at rest. Every body reacts differently to pregnancy!

What happens to your appearance? Almost nothing! The uterus is still too small for the belly to be visible, but the breast by this time may increase by 0.5-1 size. Already now, it is worth taking care of a more comfortable bra, as the mammary glands will gradually increase during pregnancy. Weight gain is also imperceptible. On the contrary, many expectant mothers notice the disappearance of 2-4 kg. There is nothing wrong with that - in the second or third trimester, the lost kilograms will return.

Analyzes and examinations

The 8th week of pregnancy will allow, slowly and without fuss, to pass the tests laid down by the end of the first trimester:

• general urine analysis;
• flora smear;
• blood for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis;
• blood group and Rh factor test.

These studies are ordered at the first visit to the doctor. Most of them will have to be repeated in the second and third trimesters. Based on the woman's history and well-being, the obstetrician-gynecologist may prescribe additional studies.

You will have to wait until the scheduled ultrasound scan. It is prescribed for a period of 10-13 weeks. If you really want to look at the baby, you can do an ultrasound scan outside of the plan.

Dangers and complications

8 weeks is another critical period of the first trimester of pregnancy. The first three months is a difficult stage for both the mother and the child, but in the period from 8 to 12 weeks the placenta is actively forming, and the next 7 months of intrauterine development depend on how well it is formed and how it functions. Infection or viral disease of the mother, severe toxicosis, smoking, alcohol consumption - all these are factors that predispose to impairment of placental functions in the second half of gestation.

The main reason for spontaneous abortion at this time is hormonal disorders. Very often they are blurry, asymptomatic. Until the onset of a spontaneous abortion, a woman may not even be aware of her progesterone deficiency or an increased level of androgens.

How to prevent miscarriage? Be attentive to yourself and gentle to the child, watch the discharge, do not ignore the painful sensations and remember for what signs you need to urgently see a doctor:

1. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen;
2. Recurrent aching or pulling back pain;
3. Bloody spots or spotting.

The complex of these symptoms are signs of an incipient miscarriage. It can still be stopped by saving the pregnancy.

Do not expect that it will go away by itself, do not wait for heavy bleeding - at this stage the embryo is already dying, and the pregnancy cannot be saved.

In the second month, there are no visual signs of an "interesting" position yet, and the baby's movements are not felt, therefore future mother may not feel pregnant. Hence, there are a lot of questions and doubts. We have selected the most common and tried to answer them.

Can I have sex at 8 weeks pregnant?

It is possible, but not necessary. Still, the second month is a critical period, even if there are no symptoms of a threat. Wait a little, or better - wait until the second trimester.

When will the belly appear?

Most expectant mothers notice a pronounced increase in the tummy by 16 weeks, but everything is individual. Women with a narrow pelvis and underweight may notice the belly earlier. In overweight or fit ladies, with a muscular anterior abdominal wall, the abdomen will be compact even at 6-7 months.

What to do in case of a cold?

For colds in the early stages of pregnancy, all medications, from mustard plasters and nasal drops to antibiotics, are only prescribed by a doctor!

The baby does not yet have a full-fledged placental barrier, so the active and auxiliary substances of the drugs, as well as plant toxins that are harmless for adults, will enter the embryo unchanged. How this will turn out for the subsequent development of the fetus is unknown.

Is cervical erosion dangerous at this time?

Postpone erosion treatment until the postpartum period. This disease, if not accompanied by infection, is not dangerous to the fetus.

Take care of yourself, take care of your baby and welcome to the next, third month of pregnancy!

The second, one of the most difficult months of your pregnancy, has practically been left behind. The 8th obstetric week of pregnancy is the period when it is possible to declare with full responsibility that the embryo has turned into a fetus - now your child is already completely like a little man.

Development and size of the fetus

Woman's well-being

There are some that can be counted as early signs and they appear exactly at this time:

• Most often, starting from the 8th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers experience a "taste perversion". Some people have a feeling of constant hunger, and some generally lose their appetite. Often you want to eat some kind of overseas fruit, and sometimes you really want herring with sugar. This condition lasts on average up to four months. All this is due to the fact that a woman's hormonal background changes. Many women suffer from toxicosis - mostly after the third month, it goes away.
• By this time, the belly will not be visible, but it will get a pleasant roundness. The uterus continues to grow, so from time to time a woman may feel cramps or abdominal pain. It is worth paying close attention to your health, this period is considered one of the most dangerous, since there is a possibility of bleeding and the threat of spontaneous abortion. That is why you should take care of yourself and your baby: do not be nervous, do not overexert yourself, avoid strong physical exertion, do not lift weights, stand less, sleep more, do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not smoke and avoid caffeine in the diet. It is not advisable to do an X-ray or administer anesthesia at this time, even if it is local.
• This week many women may have breast filling - she is also preparing for the birth of a baby, thus, she "rehearses" future lactation. During this time, wear only a bra made from natural fabrics.
• The face of a pregnant woman can also change - the skin will become paler, there may be age spots, acne or unreasonable itching, but not necessarily - in some women, the skin becomes dull and smooth, which was not there before. The lips become thicker and the nose stretches. All this is due to an excess of growth hormone - growth hormone.
• The uterus begins to press on the urinary, so there is a possibility that the urge to use the toilet will become more frequent. But you should not limit yourself to drinking, but it is better to diversify it: green tea, mineral water, rosehip broth or from lingonberry leaves, hibiscus.
• Be strong, it will soon become easier ... At about 13 weeks, toxicosis, at least, should recede.

In the eighth week, the baby grows rapidly inside the womb. All internal organs of the unborn baby are already laid. For the crumbs, every day of its development is important. All the systems of his little organism have to undergo changes and improve. The expectant mother remains outwardly the same, although there is a real miracle inside her. A woman's uterus reaches the size of a small orange by the 8th week. A pregnant woman begins toxemia, abdominal pains appear, and the emotional background changes.

Baby development at 8 weeks of gestation

In two obstetric months of intrauterine development, the embryo grows rapidly. Most of the organs have already completed their formation, and in the future, until the end of pregnancy, their improvement and growth will occur. A cervical bend is indicated, the baby's head is now located at right angles to the body. The mouth cavity grows and the primary face appears. On ultrasound, you can already see the outer ear. By the end of this month, the size of the embryo will already be 4 cm and its head will begin to emerge. The size of a baby is comparable to a small strawberry:

What happens to the fetus at 8 weeks

In the formation of the crumbs, the following occurs:

• at 8 weeks, the fetal heart completes one of the stages of its development and becomes four-chambered;
• the cerebral hemispheres increase, the first convolutions appear on them;
• the shoulder and elbow joints have completed their formation. The baby already at this time can move the arms, bend and unbend them sequentially;
• the tiny stomach is formed and located in the abdominal region;
• on an ultrasound scan, a specialist with the help of equipment will be able to examine miniature folds on the head, suggesting that future external ears are located there;
• the inner ear is formed and continues its further development;
• the embryo has already formed a tongue and the first taste buds appear on it. A little more, and the baby will know what amniotic fluid tastes;
• The baby's face is still hard to see, but it is clearer by this week. On it, you can already note the outlines of future lips, chin and nose. The latter already has the rudiments of olfactory receptors and very soon it will be possible to see small nostrils on it;
• the baby's eyes cannot be seen yet - they look like small black dots. But by 8 weeks, the pigment is already genetically determined and formed, which is responsible for determining the color of the child's eyes;
• the child's genitals will appear a little later, and now the internal formation of the ovaries begins in female babies, and the testicles in male babies. In the perineum, only a miniature genital tubercle is still visible, and the sex of the child is still physically impossible to see on an ultrasound examination;
• the process of development of the skeletal system and connective tissue (cartilage) continues;
• embryonic organ - the yolk sac is still present in the nutrition of the embryo, contains a supply of nutrients and functions together with the placenta. It will lose its importance by about the end of the first trimester, but for now its size is about 4.5 - 5 mm and it is still growing.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother at 8 weeks

That, the woman is already aware by this date. First of all, her monthly periods have stopped, and the delay has lasted for more than a couple of weeks. By the current period of bearing the baby, other signs and sensations of a woman have appeared, betraying her interesting position:

• nausea;
• change in taste with an addiction to sour and salty;
• enlargement and some soreness of the mammary glands;
• darkening of the skin in the forehead, nose, upper lip, areola, and in the lower abdomen between the navel and the pubic area.

What the belly looks like at 8 weeks

The term for bearing the crumbs is still too short, therefore, there is no talk of external manifestations of an interesting situation. In the current week of pregnancy, the tummy is not yet visible even to multiparous mothers. It is possible to note a slight increase in the waist only if the expectant mother from the first weeks took a photo of her belly in order to note for herself even an insignificant growth of the uterus and tummy. But even in such a situation, "by eye" a belly that has grown by a couple of centimeters is more likely to say about relaxation of the abdominal muscles or weight gain of a pregnant woman than about the growth of a baby in the uterus.

What does a woman feel during this period of bearing a child

At first, women often do not notice their fatigue, easily overcome it and continue to work at the same pace. But by the 8th week, the new state takes its toll - the expectant mother is easily overworked, her interest in the world around her is lost, emotionality increases, negative reactions to others may appear.

Some changes may be associated with toxicosis and hormonal changes in the body, which also makes itself felt by the physical manifestations of pregnancy.

• The breast hurts when touched and increases noticeably from the moment the pregnancy begins. By the end of the second month, the bra cups may have to be changed 1-1.5 sizes larger. Vessels on the chest and mammary glands become bright, convex. The area around the nipples also darkens.
• The growing uterus already at such a short time begins to put pressure on the bladder. A woman feels more frequent urge to go to the toilet with the same fluid intake as before, and this can cause discomfort.
• The mucous membranes, under the influence of hormones, increase their work, as a result of which future mother salivation increases, there is a desire to constantly swallow saliva. Also, the secret is produced with great effort in the nasal passage, as a result of which a "false runny nose" and nasal congestion may appear without other obvious signs of a cold.
• A woman is going through a period of emotional instability: she is haunted by mood swings at any time of the day. The sensitivity is increased so much that it seems to the pregnant woman that everyone around her does not understand and are trying to offend. Because of this, conflicts may arise with family and friends.
• Constant sleepiness makes itself felt - a woman can fall asleep anywhere, barely touching her head on a soft surface. Fatigue interferes with ability to work, at work I constantly want to sleep, physical activity is reduced to a minimum.
• The skin pleases with positive changes, acne and inflammation disappear, and its surface itself becomes velvety and pleasant to the touch.

Is it possible to have sex at this stage of pregnancy

Starting with a woman's sex drive, it can decrease, which is completely normal. The hormonal surge in the body and the onset of early toxicosis lead to a decrease in the sexual activity of the expectant mother. During this period of her life, she needs more attention, affection and warmth, emotional peace than sexual intercourse.

In the absence of changes in libido, women with a healthy course of pregnancy can continue to have a normal sex life up to 9 months, if there are no factors complicating its course. Poses for sexual intercourse should be chosen as comfortable as possible for a pregnant woman, and in case of painful sensations from sexual intercourse, one should abstain.

Doctor visits and examinations

Speaking about 8 weeks of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are interested in how many months it is in obstetric terms. According to the calculation of the timing in the antenatal clinic, 8 obstetric weeks are equal to 2 obstetric months. If we count what month from the moment of conception, then the period will be slightly less - 1.8 months.

During this period, a woman, having learned about her interesting situation (usually due to the absence of menstruation and a positive test for the hCG hormone), can apply for the first appointment at a medical institution. Obstetrician - gynecologist registers the patient and prescribes a number of tests for the further management of pregnancy:

• General blood analysis required to track the state of the mother and baby in the womb. With the help of the analysis, the doctor evaluates the indicators of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils, etc. An increase in the amount of certain substances in the blood may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body or more serious disorders. At pathological levels, a re-analysis is given and outpatient treatment is prescribed.
• General Analysis of urine the woman will hand over from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy. Sowing for sterility is done so often because bearing a fetus is a big load on the female body and directly on its excretory system, i.e. kidneys. The study will allow you to recognize in time whether there is an inflammatory process in the urinary system.
• Blood test for antibodies to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C... Since these diseases have a huge negative effect on both the mother's body and the embryo, doctors must study the blood test of the pregnant woman for the presence of antibodies to these infectious diseases.
• Blood for the determination of the Rh factor... The analysis is carried out at the very beginning of pregnancy and allows you to track the presence of Rh - a conflict between the mother's body and the fetus. With a negative Rh factor, the test is taken at least once a month to control the amount of antibodies.
• Analysis for TORCH infections by the PCR method (rubella, toxoplasmosis, herpes and cytomegalovirus) is not included in the list of mandatory tests, but it is recommended by doctors - gynecologists for early dates pregnancy. Based on the results of the analysis, it will be clear whether a woman is a carrier of at least one of the TORCH infections included in the list. The danger of their presence in the mother's body is that if the fetus is infected up to 11 weeks, it may die or it may develop true malformations of organs / tissues.
• Vaginal, cervical and cervical swab taken by the doctor at the first appointment when registering for pregnancy. It is needed to determine the presence / absence of diseases of the urogenital sphere. Before the procedure, a woman undergoes a general gynecological examination on a chair.
• Ultrasound at 8 weeks is carried out in order to find out if everything is normal with. On the study, the specialist notes the approximate weight and size of the fetus, identifies the compliance of the baby's development with the current gestational age. Of course, the expectant mother is interested in how the fetus looks this week - and on the monitor you can see a miniature oblong body and the baby's head. Cardio at this time in the baby is reduced on average from 150 beats / min. This is twice as fast as the heart of the mother herself beats.

Spotting during pregnancy at 8 weeks

Often, women describe situations when they find out about pregnancy by chance, since the expected menstruation occurred every month at the beginning of the cycle, and only on the basis of concomitant symptoms (nausea, rejection of smells, dizziness) it was possible to guess about an interesting situation.

In fact, the "menstruation" that arose after the alleged fertilization in the first two months of pregnancy can only speak of one thing - there is a threat of miscarriage. Sometimes this threat coincides with the alleged onset of a new menstruation, but still this is not monthly menstruation, but a serious condition accompanied by typical symptoms: the lower abdomen pulls painfully, the muscles of the uterus are tense, the body temperature rises, weakness, chills appear, bloody discharge is noticeable on the linen.
What to do in such a situation?

• Call immediately ambulance! Only with medical help can the pregnancy be maintained and the detachment of the ovum can be prevented. Bloody issues - main feature the fact that there is a threat to the life of the fetus and, if inactive, it is possible to terminate the pregnancy. Until a doctor appears, a woman must be sure to relax and stay in bed.
• Even short-term pain in the lower abdomen at the eighth week and the appearance of any discharge that differs from the norm, require consultation of an obstetrician-gynecologist. An ultrasound of the uterus is also required and the reason for the threat of termination of pregnancy is established. The expectant mother should remember that the presence of such a threat is not a sentence, the main thing is to carry out all medical examinations on time and, if possible, prevent complications of pregnancy.

Diet of a pregnant woman

Correct, complete, balanced nutrition from the early stages of pregnancy is the most important condition for the normal development of the fetus, newborn and child in the first years of life. Experts in prenatal development believe that nutrition during gestation requires no less attention than feeding a newborn and infant... The main "building material" for the cells of the fetus is protein. It is found in large quantities in foods such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and grain.

Important! Improper nutrition of a pregnant woman can lead to actual starvation of the fetus in the midst of excess nutrients. Indeed, in this case, they act unbalanced, i.e. a form that is not very suitable for assimilation.

It is necessary that the food of the pregnant woman was varied - the monotonous diet disrupts the appetite. For a woman with average height and weight, the daily diet should contain at least 100 g of protein, 70 g of fat, 300 g of carbohydrates. This can be achieved if you eat boiled meat / fish, one egg every day, drink a glass of kefir, add butter and vegetable oil (15-20 g per day) to dishes, and also eat at least 400 g of vegetables and the same amount of fruit.

Here's what a sample menu might look like in the eighth week of pregnancy:

What foods should a mom-to-be avoid:

• all types of alcoholic beverages;
• strong coffee, tea, cocoa, large portions of chocolate due to the high caffeine content and stimulating effect on the nervous system;
• poorly fried and smoked meat - due to its poor digestion, the danger of poisoning and infection with helminths;
• dishes with a high content of salt and hot spices;
• excess confectionery rich in carbohydrates;
• canned food and semi-finished products.

What can be troubling at the 8th week of pregnancy?

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may experience various kinds of ailments. The appearance of many of them should not be scared, they are associated with serious changes in the body of the expectant mother and are completely normal. But it is necessary to know about possible problems so that in case of the appearance of alarming symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

Note!Many of the ailments of pregnant women are very unpleasant, but it is worth remembering that they are temporary and certainly not life-threatening. The main thing is that they are incomparable with a happily ending pregnancy.

Wardrobe at week 8: what to look for

For women's clothing in the early period of gestation, the most suitable materials are those that pass air well and conduct heat, absorb sweat and are easy to wash. Linen and cotton fabrics are ideal for these purposes. Everyday clothes should not only be beautiful and comfortable, but also protect mommy in a position from hypothermia in winter and from overheating in summer.

Important! The main thing in clothes for pregnant women is that it does not hinder movements, does not obstruct breathing and is appropriate for the season.

Here are some criteria for preparing a mom-to-be's wardrobe in the first trimester:

• clothes with laces and fasteners are preferred, they will expand easily as the pregnancy progresses;
• it is advisable to wear dress-shirts, skirts or sundresses with various blouses;
• trousers and jeans with a tight waistband should be avoided;
• underwear should be loose, breathable, preferably seamless and made from natural fabrics;
• already at this time, one should get used to shoes that are free for walking with small heels. The closer to childbirth, the more difficult it will be for the expectant mother to bend down, so you need to choose options without laces - such shoes will be easy to put on and take off without bending over.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother should be given Special attention their well-being, as well as observe some precautions in their behavior and relationships with others.

Avoid colds and SARS

It is very important for the first time to avoid contact with people suffering from colds. The organs and systems of the baby are laid precisely in the first trimester, and any maternal illness can not only weaken her body, but also affect the intrauterine development of the child. For the same reason, places with significant crowds, public transport during rush hour, etc. should be temporarily abandoned.

Do not take vitamins and medicines without permission

A woman should not take any medications without a doctor's prescription. Even harmless vitamin supplements taken uncontrollably (on the advice of friends, relatives) can potentially harm an unborn baby.

Don't take an unscheduled x-ray for no reason

X-ray examinations should not be carried out without reason for such a short period of bearing a child. The harm of X-rays is very great, and unnecessarily X-ray examination (for example, fluorography of the chest organs) is postponed at least until the moment of delivery

Allocate more time to sleep

A night's sleep is important for the well-being of a woman in position, so its duration should be at least 8-9 hours. Daytime sleep is also very useful, and if possible, it is useful for the expectant mother to allocate 1-1.5 hours to be able to rest lying down in the daytime.

Avoid excessive physical activity

Heavy physical activity, hard work (lifting weights, jogging, fast moving up the stairs) should stop during pregnancy. A pregnant woman also cannot stand on her feet for a long time - overstrain can provoke a strong tone of the muscles of the uterus, which is fraught with abdominal pain and the threat of bearing a baby.

No - to difficult working conditions

It is unacceptable for an expectant mother to work in hazardous production conditions for a period of 8 weeks, and any night work is also prohibited. According to the labor legislation of the Russian Federation, a woman, having provided a certificate from the antenatal clinic about pregnancy, has the right to switch to light work, and, if necessary, ask for a reduction in the length of the working day.

Be outdoors longer

Walks are useful for expectant mothers because during movement the blood circulates more actively, the cells are saturated with oxygen, there is an active prevention of the emergence of all the most unpleasant "companions" of pregnancy - edema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation. In addition, good, healthy sleep will be a good result of being outdoors every day.

Visit your gynecologist regularly

Timely medical supervision is necessary for every pregnant woman. With a regular visit to the gynecologist throughout the entire period, each week is marked in the card of the expectant mother, allowing you to track her health status. This is the only way to timely identify risk factors and direct treatment efforts to eliminate them.

The 8th week of pregnancy in the life of the expectant mother differs little from the previous, 7th week. But for the baby, every day is still important. It should be so. After all, a child literally repeats the evolutionary path from a single cell to a complex organism.

What happens to mom and baby

At the eighth week, the unborn baby is no longer considered an embryo. Now it is a fetus that has all the internal organs. Of course, all systems of a tiny organism still have to develop and improve for a long time.

The expectant mother may outwardly change, or may remain the same. Everything here is very individual. Although there are some common features. For example, at the 8th week, the uterus of a pregnant woman reaches the size of a large apple or grapefruit. And in the blood there is an active production of three hormones: estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. All of these hormones are doing serious work:

• Prepare the woman's circulatory system to increase the amount of blood. Therefore, the main arteries increase slightly in diameter;
• Weaken the pelvic ligaments. Otherwise, the belly of the expectant mother will not be able to increase in size;
• Prepares the breast for future milk production.

Fetal development

What does the future baby look like now?

It is now about the size of a grape. The tiny body is 14-20 mm long and weighs about 3 g.

The fruit looks more and more like a tiny man. This is facilitated by many processes:

Video: 8 Week of intrauterine life:

Uzi

An ultrasound scan at the 8th obstetric week can give very different "pictures". It all depends on the position of the baby, which is constantly changing, and on the equipment itself. On a black background of the uterine cavity, an oblong body of a crumb can be seen. Or only a white, almost round speck - it means that the fetus has turned its head towards the scanner.

By the end of the 8th week, all the main internal organs of the fetus are formed. Now they are to be further developed and improved.

Feelings of a future mother

The missed period has been lasting for more than two weeks. In the eighth obstetric week, pregnancy has already been confirmed. Sometimes even in several ways. If the expectant mother already had toxicosis, then for sure it will continue. Or it may start, if the woman has not felt anything like this before. The main components of toxicosis:

• nausea (most often in the morning, but it happens throughout the day);
• heartburn and belching;
• vomit;
• change in taste preferences;
• increased or, conversely, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea or constipation.

If there is still no obvious toxicosis, there is no need to think about something bad. The happiest mothers may not even know what it is!

But even without any toxicosis, some changes are quite noticeable:

• The breasts may enlarge greatly (one size or more). Vessels on each breast become more visible and the skin of the nipples may darken.
• Even at a short time, the uterus begins to press on the bladder, so visits to the toilet become more frequent.
• The increased activity of the mucous membranes causes increased salivation. A runny nose of pregnant women may appear: a feeling of nasal congestion without obvious signs of a cold.
• Emotional instability: mood swings, sensitivity.
• Constant fatigue, drowsiness.
• Acne or blackheads may "pop out". But it also happens the other way around - the skin becomes soft, smooth and incredibly pleasant to the touch.
• The grown uterus can affect the sciatic nerve, which causes pain in the pelvic region, hips.

And the expectant mother may well begin to excrete colostrum. If this happens, spacers will be required. In no case should you express colostrum! Another completely normal occurrence is false (training) contractions. They are manifested by short-term tension in the lower abdomen. If there is no spotting or pain, there is nothing to worry about.

Problems and complications

Highlights:

• At the 8th obstetric week, mucous membranes, clear or white, are considered normal vaginal discharge.
• Slight brown discharge is allowed, but it is imperative to inform your doctor about it.
• Bloody discharge or bleeding is a signal of a possible threat of miscarriage. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Fading pregnancy:

If the toxicosis suddenly, abruptly stops - perhaps we are talking about the fading of pregnancy. In this case, the fetus dies, but is not rejected by the uterus. If the pregnancy really froze, the diagnosis and action will be taken in the antenatal clinic and in the hospital.

Severe toxicosis:

Severe toxicosis can drain the strength of the expectant mother. In addition, vomiting can lead to severe dehydration. You need to go to the doctor if:

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• vomiting occurs more often than twice a day;
• food is not digested for more than a day;
• constant weakness is felt;
• marked weight loss.

Pain in the abdomen and lower back:

Mild pain in the abdomen and lower back is due to hormonal and physical changes. But if the lower back and / or abdomen hurt intensely, this could mean a threat of miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy:

An ectopic pregnancy manifests itself earlier. Therefore, at the 8th obstetric speech, this condition is no longer discussed.

Why do pregnancy complications occur? Main reasons

• genetic abnormalities;
• radiation (for example, X-rays);
• nicotine and / or alcohol;
• some bacterial and viral infections;
• a number of drugs;
• lifting and carrying weights;
• severe overheating (for example, when sunbathing or in a sauna).

In the first trimester of pregnancy, any negative impact affects the entire fetus, all its internal organs and systems.

If pregnancy is unwanted, this is also a complication. True, not the pregnancy itself, but the entire existence of a woman. There are circumstances in which she has the right to say "no" to a small life. But if the baby is not destined to be born, the termination of pregnancy must be carried out as early as possible. And only in a medical institution. Abortion is a simple procedure, but difficult for the female body. Therefore, the decision to terminate a pregnancy should be highly responsible and conscious.

Visit doctor

If the expectant mother has not yet begun her examination, then at the 8th week it is already time to go to the doctor. There are many diseases in the world that last a long time without external manifestations. The examination will help to detect possible problems in time and prevent complications.

The woman will be tested for blood, urine, and a smear from the vagina. What will be checked?

• general condition of the body (level of hemoglobin, various blood cells, sugar);
• blood group and Rh factor;
• presence / absence of HIV, AIDS, syphilis, genital infections.

The gynecologist will measure the pelvis of the expectant mother, height and weight, and give a preliminary conclusion on the state of health of the woman and the unborn baby. In addition, he will refer the patient to other specialists - therapist, ophthalmologist, dentist, venereologist and ENT specialist.

It is imperative to be examined by these doctors. Each of them will check the condition of the expectant mother according to their parameters and indicate possible complications. For example, if a woman suffers from periodontal disease, the disease may worsen during pregnancy and after childbirth. And very poor vision or high intraocular pressure can become indications for a planned cesarean section.

Prevention of a possible Rh-conflict is especially important. If the future parents have a different Rh factor, this can adversely affect the future baby due to the accumulation of special antibodies. This is another reason not to delay going to the doctors.

An expectant mother needs to be prepared for a lot of questions. Now doctors are obliged not only to examine a woman, but also to find out in what conditions she lives and works. For example, if the working conditions are harmful, the expectant mother must be transferred to another position. And if a woman has seriously ill people at home, this is also a cause for concern. The doctor may ask all household members of the expectant mother to undergo fluorography or bring certificates of the last study performed.

What else will the doctors ask?

• Which is a pregnancy.
• Which in the account is expected to be born.
• Time of the last period.
• What was the menstrual cycle like before pregnancy?
• Have there been abortions, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy.

The expectant mother definitely needs to tune in to regular visits to doctors.

1. Correct nutrition. Fried, spicy foods, canned foods and smoked meats should be excluded. Baking will have to be limited. You need to steam (or bake) food. Vegetables and fruits should make up at least a third of the diet. Sweets - only natural (for example, marshmallow). To improve digestion - cereals and dairy products.
2. Vitamins and medicines - only as prescribed by a doctor.
3. Alcohol and cigarettes should be a thing of the past. It is very important to avoid secondhand smoke as well.
4. What is the expectant mother wearing? All kinds of "hairpins" will have to be postponed until better times. Shoes should have a minimal and stable heel. It is very important that the soles do not slip. You need to be careful not only on snowy paths, but also on tiled floors - they can be quite slippery.
5. Sexual life can be unrestricted as long as it is enjoyable. In this case, there are three contraindications: the threat of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy and the unwillingness of the expectant mother herself.
6. With one-sided pain in the pelvic region and lower back, you need to lie on the opposite side. Here we are talking about pinching the sciatic nerve, in the supine position it is released faster.
7. Emotions are only positive. There is no need to watch frightening and / or dramatic films, read books of heavy content. If something unfavorable happens in life, you need to think first of all about the baby. Now the excitement of the mother makes the baby suffer physically.

Superstition and prejudice

What does the expectant mother not have to hear during the nine months of pregnancy! There are so many advisers around! You can literally get lost in the recommendations of others. Who to believe and who not to listen to? Let's try to understand the basic "tips".

A smoking mother shouldn't suddenly give up cigarettes. The child is already used to nicotine and will feel bad.

The expectant mother is used to nicotine. And she has already done herself a lot of harm. And with the onset of pregnancy, each new cigarette causes irreparable damage to the baby. If pregnancy is planned, the rejection of bad habits should take place long before conception. In case of an unplanned, but saved pregnancy, it is necessary to quit smoking immediately, preferably forever.

A glass of good natural wine will not hurt.

Even natural alcoholic drinks are still alcohol. Its harm to the fetus has long been well proven.

The husband should not show his weakness, poor health or coldness to sex. The wife should always be beautiful, cheerful and friendly.

Another statement from the depths of patriarchy. Sincerity is important between spouses. A good future father will not grimace in disgust if his beloved woman vomits with him. And the fear of intimate life will only become stronger and turn into a problem if you are silent about it.

Pregnant women should not cut their hair - the child will miss something (fingers, for example).

Superstition in its purest form. Hair is made up of cells of the same type as nails. Their pregnant women cut their hair at all times. Therefore, if the expectant mother wants to change her image and get a haircut, there are no obstacles to this. But about hair coloring, it is better to first consult a doctor.

We also read:

The happiness and well-being of the expectant mother is the health and proper development of the baby.

Video guide: 8 week of pregnancy: fetal development, what happens, pulls the lower abdomen, fatigue, nausea, vomiting

Physical education during pregnancy

Note to moms!

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