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Week 8

Welcome to your 8th week of pregnancy! Your baby is currently measuring approximately about the size of a pinto bean (.6-.9 inches). An ultrasound can usually detect a fetal heartbeat around this time. Your baby's oral and nasal cavities are forming, the cerebellum and spleen begin to develop and the baby's facial

Image used with permission by ~Stephanie~

Even the tip of the nose is now formed! The major organs have now formed but they are not fully developed. Your baby's upper lip is likely formed as are the eyelid folds. Also, the upper limbs bend at elbow and what will be the baby's fingers are developing.

Tips for Mom
Your uterus, which was the size of a fist when you first got pregnanct is now close to grapefruit size. Cramping in this stage is normal. Your uterus is growing rapidly and stretching and pulling is part of that. You may even feel the cramping in your ovaries. If you have any concerns, call your dr but this is normal in healthy pregnancies.

Make sure you are eating properly and getting lots of rest -- helping that baby grow is hard work! Medications (even vitamins or herbal medications & teas) can be harmful so make sure to check with your Dr/midwife before starting any medications. Don't be surprised if your hormones may cause moodiness or being over emotional. Many women who aren't typically emotional start to cry at the drop of a hat during pregnancy.

Sciatic nerve pain can become an issue with women in pregnancy. As your baby grows and the uterus expands, more and more pressue is exerted on that nerve. Pain generally is felt in the back and buttocks and radiates down the leg. Do not use a heating pad during pregnancy but a combination of heat and ice can help relieve the pain and discomfort. The purchase of a microwavable bean bag can be a lifesaver. Start with heat for 20 minutes and switch to ice for 20. Continue to alternate for about an hour. Seeing a chiropractor in pregnancy can also help eliviate the discomfort.