The embryo nearly doubles in size this week. Brain cells are forming at a rate of about 100 per minute, and the beginnings of hands and feet are visible on the limb buds. Growth is happening faster than at any other point in the pregnancy.
Your Baby This Week
Size: Blueberry (about 8 mm)
- Brain: Generating neurons at a staggering pace. The forebrain is starting to specialize.
- Face: The mouth, tongue, and palate are forming. Lens of the eyes starting to develop.
- Limbs: Arm and leg buds are longer. Paddle-shaped hand plates appear.
- Organs: The liver is producing red blood cells. The appendix and pancreas are forming.
- Umbilical cord: Now fully functional, delivering oxygen and nutrients from the developing placenta.
The embryo still has a small tail-like structure, which will disappear over the next few weeks.
Your Body
- Nausea may be peaking around now
- Frequent urination as your expanding uterus presses on the bladder
- Excess saliva (ptyalism), an annoying but harmless symptom
- Skin changes like acne or oilier skin
- Food aversions may be strong, especially to strong smells
Your blood volume is already starting to increase. By the end of pregnancy, you will have about 50% more blood than before.
What to Do This Week
- Schedule your first prenatal visit if you have not already. Most providers see patients between weeks 8 and 12.
- Stay consistent with your prenatal vitamin. If it makes nausea worse, try taking it at night or with food.
- Consider who to tell. Many people wait until after the first trimester to share the news, but there is no right or wrong time.
Common Questions
Why am I so tired?
Your body is building a placenta, increasing blood volume, and running on high levels of progesterone, which is a natural sedative. First-trimester fatigue is one of the most common symptoms and usually improves in the second trimester.
Is coffee still okay?
Moderate caffeine intake (under 200 mg per day, about one 12-oz cup of coffee) is considered safe by ACOG. Higher amounts may be associated with increased miscarriage risk.