When to contact your provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration from vomiting (unable to keep any fluids down), or a fever. These are not typical early pregnancy symptoms and should be assessed promptly.
How your baby is developing
Your baby is now about 1.6 cm long — roughly the size of a raspberry. Tiny fingers and toes are beginning to form, and the basic structure of the face is taking shape, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
The heart is beating at around 150–170 beats per minute. The neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, is closing. Organs including the liver and kidneys are forming.
- Fingers and toes beginning to separate
- Eyelids forming over developing eyes
- All major organs in early development
- Heart beating rapidly
How you might be feeling
Many people experience morning sickness most intensely around week 8. Despite the name, nausea can happen at any time of day. If eating small, frequent meals helps, try that approach and avoid anything that triggers your symptoms.
Fatigue is common — your body is doing significant work even when it doesn't feel like it. Breast tenderness, frequent urination, and heightened sense of smell are also typical at this stage.
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)
- Significant fatigue
- Breast tenderness and fullness
- Frequent urination
- Food aversions or cravings
First prenatal appointment
If you haven't had your first prenatal appointment yet, this is a common week for it. Your provider will likely confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date, and order initial blood tests. An ultrasound may be scheduled around weeks 8–12.
This is a good time to ask any questions you've been holding since you found out you were pregnant. There are no silly questions at the first visit.
Tips for this stage
Manage morning sickness gently
Try eating a small plain snack before getting out of bed. Ginger tea, crackers, and cold water can help some people. Avoid triggers where you can, but don't worry if nausea limits what you can eat — most babies get what they need even during difficult first-trimester eating.
Rest without guilt
First-trimester fatigue is real and normal. Your body is building a placenta and supporting rapid fetal development. Sleep when you can, and lower your expectations for everything else during this period.
Take your prenatal vitamin
If you haven't started a prenatal vitamin, now is a good time to ask your provider which one they recommend. Folic acid is especially important in the first trimester.