Pregnancy week 8

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby is currently the size of a kidney bean, measuring about 13mm long, and is going to have a growth spurt this week. The embryonic tail is almost disappeared and your baby is looking more human as his cute little face is becoming more discernible. The eyelids grow larger and cover the eyes, the ears, tip of the nose, ears, and tongue are all becoming more pronounced. The lungs are also beginning to form, while the brain also continues to develop.

The arms and legs have grown longer and are even beginning to sprout fingers and toes, though they are still webbed. Your baby is moving in your belly, but you can’t feel these subtle movements just yet.

The placenta is getting more developed, and gearing up to take over the function of providing nourishment from the yolk sac.

Your baby’s sex organs are also starting to develop, though it’s still too early to tell if it’s a boy or girl.

How are you doing?

You are still experiencing morning sickness, no thanks to the pregnancy hormones that are working real hard. These hormones also slow down digestion and you may find that you now suffer from constipation. Your breasts may also be growing bigger (best part of pregnancy for some women), and your clothes may feel tight around your waist.

Your growing uterus, now about the size of a lemon, coupled with the extra volume of blood in your body, are responsible for making you pee frequently.

Then the weirdest of all symptoms – you are having cravings or food aversions. You start craving for things you normally wouldn’t eat, or for some women, you won’t have anything to do with the foods you previously enjoyed. Strange as it is, it’s very normal for pregnancy hormones to affect your taste buds.

What should you do this week?

You can ease off nausea by eating small portions of food regularly. Also keep dry crackers by your bedside and eat them before getting out of bed in the morning. Nibbling on nuts, dry crackers, dry toast or ginger biscuits or dried fruits during the day may also keep nausea at bay.

What about excess saliva? Some Naija moms swear by bitter kola. They say chewing or leaving bits of bitter kola in your mouth may help keep saliva at bay. You can also chew gum, and see which of these tips work for you.

You will also be needing bigger sized bras with good support for your growing breasts.

Stay hydrated, drink lots of water, and take lots of fibers to reduce constipation.

Eat healthy foods rich in nutrients for the sake of your growing baby and for your wellbeing too. Speaking of nutrients, continue taking your prenatal vitamins in addition to eating healthy.

Stay active by getting some gentle exercises into your daily routine. It helps to strengthen you for the later stages of pregnancy and labour.

It’s very important you attend every antenatal appointment. That’s the only way your doctor will be sure everything is moving smoothly.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for emotional support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.