Pregnancy week by week · trimester 1
🫐 8 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a raspberry
At 8 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a raspberry, with little limbs budding and facial features taking shape. Your booking appointment usually happens around now.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around the size of a raspberry, about 1.6cm from head to bottom. Arms and legs are growing longer, with tiny ridges where fingers and toes will appear. The face is gently filling in: the upper lip and the tip of the nose are forming, and eyelids are starting to grow over the eyes. Nerve cells are branching out and connecting in the brain. Your baby is wriggling and shifting position already, floating in a cushion of fluid that keeps them safe.
You this week
For many mums, sickness is at its strongest around now. You might feel more tired than ever, a bit lightheaded if you stand quickly, or have a heavy, full feeling low in your tummy as your womb grows. Breasts may feel bigger and veins more visible. Feeling anxious before your first appointment is very normal. Small, frequent snacks, plenty of fluids and early nights are your best friends this week.
Kind things to do this week
- Write a list of questions before your booking appointment so nothing gets forgotten.
- Think about whether you want to tell your employer now, especially if you need adjustments at work.
- Stand up slowly to avoid feeling dizzy, and keep a snack in your bag.
Appointments around now
Your booking appointment usually happens between 8 and 10 weeks. Your midwife will ask about your health and history, check your blood pressure, offer blood and urine tests, and talk you through screening and your care plan.
Questions to ask your midwife
- Which antenatal screening tests are offered, and what do they look for?
- Will I see the same midwife at each appointment?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
Please call your GP, midwife or NHS 111 if you have any bleeding, tummy pain that does not settle (especially low down on one side), or you are being sick so often you cannot keep fluids down. You are never wasting anyone's time.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
What happens at the booking appointment?
It is a longer chat with a midwife about your health, family history and wellbeing. You will usually be offered blood tests, a urine test and a blood pressure check, and you will be given your pregnancy notes.
Do I have to have the screening tests?
No. Screening is always your choice. Your midwife will explain each test so you can decide what feels right for you.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.