Pregnancy Development in 8 th week (courtesy : www.health.howstuffworks.com)

During this week, it is said that the baby has been graded from embryo to fetus. Till now, the body of the baby was a frame of cartilage.But from now onwards, the cartilage is being replaced by bone cells. Because of the bones, the arms and legs have become hard and joints rae being formed. The vertebrae and ribs are growing while the spinal cord is evident. The embryonic tail is now disappearing, and the baby’s body is beginning to straighten out.

Till the end of this week, the fetus is almost 0.6 inches long. The brain, digestive system, intestines, anus is in the growing stage. The fingers and toes have just begun to form, and now the arms can bend at the elbows and wrists. The facial features are in the stage of development, such as the tip of the nose, flap of skin over the eyes convert into eyelids, and the upper lip are being formed. The baby’s heart has begun to separate into four chambers. Blood continues to flow through a rudimentary circulatory system.

Even though, not many changes are differentiated from outside, yet many changes have occurred in the body. Now the uterus has expanded to about the size of a grapefruit, and may cause some cramping or pain. In this time, the breasts become sore and heavy. The colour of your nipples and the area around it darkens. The breasts have become more tender and sensitive than usual.

Another most common change found is the increased sensation of heartburn, indigestion, or a feeling of being bloated. It is always suggested, to wear loose-fitting clothes and eat small, frequent meals and never overfill the stomach.