How the Baby Grows During the Eighth Week
As your baby adds weight and gains in size, he is beginning to use more of the systems being laid down through the embryonic stage. Already organs are starting to function in a similar way to what they will do after he is born.
Hormones are now being produced by your baby as some of his glands now begin to work on their own. His thyroid is functioning now and produces a hormone called thyroxine.
Other systems are getting stronger as well; your baby's brain waves are now detectable; pulmonary and aortic heart valves are both present now and the breathing passages of the lungs are branching out. The ears now have both internal and external components and your son's nose is visible on the face.
How the Mother Changes During the Eighth Week
Both morning sickness and pregnancy cravings may be noticeable now as your body struggles to adapt to the sudden influx of hormones. Fatigue is also a major complaint of most pregnant women during this early time of pregnancy.
Your uterus is already growing in size, thickening and strengthening in preparation for the next months of hosting your baby. Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit now, and the increase in size and weight can cause back pain for many pregnant women because of the added strain on the hips and pelvis. While your clothes may feel tighter to you, it is unlikely that anyone else notices any difference yet.
Congratulations! You've made it through the second month of pregnancy!
Did you enjoy this article? It is part of the Pregnancy - Week by Week Through the First Trimester ebook available today!
Resources:
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month by Dr. Sears
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
