Your baby this week
Your baby is officially graduating from an embryo to a fetus this week! Webbed fingers and toes are forming, and that little tail is almost gone. All the essential organs are in place and starting to work together. Your baby is even making tiny spontaneous movements — you can't feel them yet, but the wiggling has already begun. The taste buds are forming on the tongue, and the eyes have pigment now. Your baby is about the size of a raspberry.
Your body this week
Nausea typically peaks around now — hang in there, relief is coming in a few weeks. You may notice your waistband getting snug even though you're not visibly showing. Your blood volume is starting to increase dramatically. You may feel breathless doing simple tasks, your sense of smell is superhuman, and vivid dreams are common. All signs that your body is adapting beautifully.
Common symptoms this week
Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. None of this is a checklist to worry over.
- Nausea at its peak
- A snug, bloated waistband
- Breathless with small tasks
- A super-sensitive sense of smell
- Vivid dreams
This week’s checklist
- Schedule first prenatal blood tests (blood type, Rh factor, CBC, HIV, hepatitis B)
- Get a dental check-up — pregnancy hormones can affect gums
- Thyroid function test (TSH) — FOGSI recommends thyroid screening for all pregnant women in India
- Register at your nearest Anganwadi centre — you may be eligible for government maternity benefit schemes
- Take your prenatal vitamin daily — even if nauseous
- Begin pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body doing exactly what it should — the everyday symptoms don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Severe vomiting (more than 3 times/day) — may be hyperemesis gravidarum
- Pain or burning during urination (UTI risk increases)
- Spotting that lasts more than a day
This guide offers general information for a typical pregnancy and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 8 weeks pregnant?
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry.
What are common symptoms at 8 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms around 8 weeks pregnant include nausea at its peak; a snug, bloated waistband; breathless with small tasks; a super-sensitive sense of smell; vivid dreams. Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all.
What is developing at 8 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is officially graduating from an embryo to a fetus this week! Webbed fingers and toes are forming, and that little tail is almost gone.
When should I call my doctor at 8 weeks pregnant?
Call your doctor at 8 weeks if you notice severe vomiting (more than 3 times/day) — may be hyperemesis gravidarum, pain or burning during urination (UTI risk increases), spotting that lasts more than a day.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: