Pregnancy Week 8: Your Baby's First Heartbeat!

Your baby this week

Your baby is the size of a raspberry. All essential organs have begun to form, the heart is beating in a steady rhythm, and tiny fingers and toes are budding from the paddle-shaped hands and feet. Your baby even makes small spontaneous movements now — far too small to feel, but happening. The tail-like structure is nearly gone, and the face is becoming more defined week by week.

Your body & symptoms

Nausea, fatigue, tender breasts, frequent urination, vivid dreams, a superhuman sense of smell — week 8 often sits near the peak of first-trimester symptoms. Your uterus has grown to about the size of a lemon, though there's usually no visible bump yet. If symptoms are intense, take heart: for most moms, relief begins within the next few weeks.

Your feelings this week

Excitement, anxiety, disbelief — sometimes all before breakfast. Many moms feel "not pregnant enough" to celebrate and too pregnant to feel normal. That in-between feeling is one of the most common experiences of week 8.

First prenatal visit & the ultrasound

Around now comes your first appointment: health history, blood work, urine checks, and very often a dating ultrasound — where many parents see and hear the heartbeat for the first time. Bring your questions and the date of your last period.

Partner corner

Three ways to help that actually land: handle the smells (bins, strong cooking), protect her rest like it's an appointment, and learn the warning signs so she doesn't carry the vigilance alone.