8 Weeks Pregnant: First Antenatal Visit, Symptoms & Baby's Growth

8 Weeks Pregnant: First Antenatal Visit, Symptoms & Baby's Growth

At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry, with tiny webbed fingers and toes and a heart beating around twice as fast as yours. Many people have their first antenatal appointment around now, so this week's guide covers what to expect.

Baby's size
About the size of a raspberry (around 1.5cm)
Heartbeat
Around 140 to 170 beats a minute
Forming now
Fingers, toes, elbows, knees and facial features
This week
Your first antenatal visit, if you haven't had it yet

What's happening this week

Your baby's tail has almost disappeared, and they're starting to look less curled. They're even making tiny movements, though it'll be many weeks before you can feel them.

Face

More defined

The nose, upper lip and ears are taking shape, eyelids are starting to form, and pigment is developing in the eyes.

Arms and legs

Bending and moving

Fingers and toes are forming, still joined by webbing. Elbows and knees are developing, and the skeleton is forming as soft cartilage that will slowly harden into bone.

Heart and lungs

Busy inside

The heart beats around 140 to 170 times a minute. Airways are branching towards the developing lungs, and the genitals are forming, though they can't yet be told apart.

Your uterus is growing too. It's now around the size of an orange, though you probably won't have a visible bump yet.

Your first antenatal visit

Australian guidelines recommend your first antenatal appointment within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It's usually the longest appointment you'll have, so allow extra time. Here's what it usually covers.

Questions about you
Your health and medical history, any medicines you take, previous pregnancies, family history, lifestyle, and how you're feeling emotionally.
Checks and tests
Your blood pressure, weight and height, plus a urine test. Blood tests usually check your blood group, iron levels, rubella immunity and infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Your cervical screening may be done if it's due.Some people are offered extra tests, such as thyroid or vitamin D
Planning ahead
Your options for screening tests, your model of care and where you'd like to give birth, and which vaccines are recommended in pregnancy.

What to bring

  • A list of the medicines and supplements you take
  • The date of the first day of your last period
  • Your Medicare card and any private health details
  • Your questions, written down so you don't forget them

Screening tests to book now

First trimester screening tests are optional, and your doctor or midwife will explain what each one looks for. Some need booking ahead, so it's worth thinking about them now.

  1. First antenatal visitWeeks 8 to 10

    Talk about your screening options and get referrals for any tests you choose.

  2. NIPT blood test (optional)From 10 weeks

    A blood test that screens for some chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome. It can also tell you the baby's sex if you want to know.

  3. 12-week scanWeeks 11 to 13

    An ultrasound that checks your baby's growth and development. It can be combined with a blood test as combined first trimester screening.

Symptoms at 8 weeks pregnant

Many people find weeks 8 to 11 the toughest stretch, as hCG levels peak. Common symptoms include:

  • Tiredness. Your body is building the placenta and making more blood, which takes a lot of energy.
  • Nausea and vomiting. Often at its worst around now. Stress, tiredness and hot weather can make it worse.
  • Constipation. Progesterone slows your bowels. Fibre, water and gentle activity help.
  • More vaginal discharge. A thin, milky discharge is normal and helps protect against infection.
  • Heartburn and extra saliva. Smaller meals and sugar-free gum can help.
  • Cravings. Normal, unless you crave things that aren't food, like ice, soil or chalk. This can be a sign of low iron, so mention it to your GP.
  • Mood swings. Feeling flat or overwhelmed is common when you're tired and nauseous. For many people, this eases after 12 weeks.

See your GP or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, strong pain on one side of your tummy, shoulder tip pain, or feel faint.

Discharge: what's normal?

Normal in pregnancy

  • Thin and milky or clear
  • Mild smell or no smell
  • A bit more than usual

See your GP if

  • It's itchy, sore or burning
  • It smells strong or unpleasant
  • It's green, yellow or grey
  • It's thick and lumpy, like cottage cheese
  • You notice bleeding or a watery gush

Looking after yourself this week

Boost your iron

You need more iron in pregnancy to make extra blood for you and your baby, and low iron can leave you tired and short of breath. Good sources include lean red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, fortified cereals and leafy greens. Pair them with vitamin C foods, like citrus or capsicum, to help your body absorb iron, and have tea and coffee between meals rather than with them. Only take an iron supplement if your doctor recommends one.

Rest and move

Rest whenever you can, and try a gentle 30-minute walk on days you feel up to it. Wear a hat and sunscreen outdoors, as pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Nausea

Small, frequent meals help, and there are pregnancy-safe treatments if you need them. See our week 5 tips on managing morning sickness and our full guide to managing morning sickness.

Your mood

If you feel low or anxious most days, tell your doctor or midwife at your appointment, or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.

Your to-do list for week 8

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity Pregnancy pillowsSupport for better restShop pillows

Week 8 FAQs

What happens at the first antenatal appointment?

Your doctor or midwife will ask about your health, medical history and previous pregnancies, check your blood pressure and weight, and organise blood and urine tests. They'll also talk you through screening options and help you plan your care.

What blood tests are done in early pregnancy?

Routine tests usually check your blood group and antibodies, iron levels, immunity to rubella, and infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Some people are offered extra tests based on their health or history.

Is it normal to have more discharge at 8 weeks pregnant?

Yes. A thin, milky, mild-smelling discharge is common in pregnancy. See your GP if it's itchy, smells unpleasant, is green or yellow, or if you notice bleeding or a watery gush.

How can I ease constipation in early pregnancy?

Eat plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes, drink water regularly and stay active. If you take an iron supplement, ask your GP or pharmacist about options if it's making constipation worse.

Can you find out the sex at 8 weeks?

Not yet. The genitals are forming, but they look the same for all babies at this stage. The NIPT blood test, available from 10 weeks, can tell you the sex if you want to know. Otherwise, it can often be seen at the 18 to 20 week scan.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

Sources: