8 WEEKS PREGNANT

The embryonic tail disappears and the body starts to look more human

Baby this week: about 1.6 cm — crown to rump · about 1 g

≈ 1.6 cm — about the size of a raspberry

Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size

Your baby this week

  • The tail that was present in earlier weeks has now disappeared
  • Fingers are starting to separate, though webbing is still visible
  • Eyelids are forming and will soon fuse shut for protection
  • The heart has divided into its four chambers and beats at a rapid pace

Your body this week

  • Waistbands may already feel snugger even though there's no visible bump yet
  • Mood swings are common as hormone levels continue to shift quickly

This week's tip: If you haven't already, this is a good time to schedule your first prenatal visit if one isn't booked yet.

When to get help now

Call emergency services now or go to an emergency department now if you have sudden, severe tummy pain, pain in the tip of your shoulder, feel very weak, faint or dizzy, or have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad soon after putting it on. For lighter bleeding or spotting, or pain low down on one side, contact your doctor, maternity unit or an early pregnancy unit today.

Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 2: The heartbeat becomes real.

Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.