8th Week of Pregnancy
Aah! So you are at Week 8 of your pregnancy. This is the week when your baby is becoming a person, so to say. It is developing physically and soon will resemble a miniature form of a complete human being.
Your baby now has a face with lips, nostrils and tongue. The buds from which the first teeth will grow are also appearing. Its back muscles, arms and legs are growing too. Its reproductive organs are also starting to form. Soon testes or ovaries will develop determining whether your baby will be a boy or a girl. Its small knees and elbows have also appeared. Its fingers and toes are webbed as they haven’t yet separated. Your baby now is between 0.31 and 0.43 in length. Your baby’s brain is also growing and developing. The umbilical cord that will connect the both of you has also started functioning. If you can get an ultra-sonography done this week, it would be great. You will enjoy seeing your baby’s fluttering heart and reflex movements.
A pain or cramp is a symptom you are likely to get during Week 5 of your pregnancy. You may also feel contractions or a tightening of your uterus. Don’t despair as this is because your uterus is growing to accommodate your growing baby. In case bleeding accompanies the tightening and contractions of the uterus, consult your doctor immediately. Another symptom you may experience is a pain that starts in your buttocks, goes down your back till it reaches your legs. This is a sort of nerve pain and you will find relief by lying down sideways putting pressure on the side that has not been affected.
If nausea and vomiting is really bothering you and remedies like eating something before getting out of bed in the mornings and drinking ginger tea are not helping, do talk to your doctor. He may recommend a few medications that will relieve you. At any stage of your pregnancy do not take any medications without consulting your doctor. Below are a few tips which will help you feel better and let you enjoy your pregnancy.
Eat frequent small meals and drink fluids throughout the day. It will not only keep nausea at bay, it will also keep you energized and keep fatigue away.
Drinking cold fluids such as ginger ale, lemonade and ginger tea will keep you from feeling dehydrated.
Avoid having too many cups of coffee. Caffeine is something you should totally stop having as soon as you get pregnant. But if you can’t imagine life without your caffeine fix, try to limit yourself to one cup a day.
Cooking with ginger is good as it works to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Ask your doctor about taking vitamin and iron supplements. You may need them.
Keep as active as you can. Walking, swimming and gardening are a few activities you will enjoy.
Pregnancy is a wonderful time of your life. Stay happy and enjoy every moment of this 9-month journey.
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