Week 8 is when many people have their first prenatal visit and ultrasound. Seeing (or hearing) the heartbeat for the first time is a powerful moment. The embryo now looks distinctly human, with recognizable facial features and tiny fingers beginning to separate. Use our Due Date Calculator to find your estimated delivery date.
Key Takeaways
- The embryo is about 16 mm (raspberry size) with a heart beating at 150 to 170 beats per minute — fast enough to hear on an ultrasound.
- Fingers and toes are forming but still webbed; the upper lip, nose tip, and eyelids are taking shape.
- The first prenatal visit (typically weeks 8 to 10) includes blood work, urine testing, health history, and often a dating ultrasound.
- Nausea typically peaks between weeks 8 and 10 for most people, then gradually improves.
Your Baby This Week
Size: Raspberry (about 16 mm, or 0.6 inches)
- Fingers and toes: Webbed but starting to separate
- Face: Upper lip, nose tip, and eyelids are forming. Ears taking shape on the sides of the head.
- Movement: The embryo is making spontaneous movements, though you cannot feel them yet
- Heart: Beating at around 150 to 170 beats per minute
- Tail: Nearly gone
- Reproductive organs: Beginning to develop internally, though the sex is not visible on ultrasound yet
Next week, the embryo officially graduates to being called a "fetus." Track your baby's growth with our Milestone Tracker.
Your Body
- Nausea remains common. For most people, it peaks between weeks 8 and 10.
- Uterus expanding: Now about the size of a large orange, though still not visible from the outside
- Constipation: Progesterone slows gut motility. Fiber and water help.
- Vivid dreams: Hormonal changes and disrupted sleep can make dreams more intense.
You may notice your bra feels tighter. Breasts can grow a full cup size during the first trimester.
What to Do This Week
- Attend your first prenatal visit. This typically includes a health history review, blood work (blood type, Rh factor, iron levels, rubella immunity, STI screening), urine test, and possibly an ultrasound. Read our ultrasound guide to know what to expect from your first scan.
- Ask about genetic screening options. Your provider can explain first-trimester screening, NIPT, and what they look for.
- Eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help with constipation.
Common Questions
What will the first ultrasound show?
At 8 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound typically shows the gestational sac, the embryo, and a flickering heartbeat. Your provider will measure the embryo (crown-rump length) to confirm or adjust your due date.
What if no heartbeat is detected?
In some cases, dates may be off, and the pregnancy is earlier than expected. Your provider may schedule a follow-up ultrasound in one to two weeks. Try not to panic. Inconclusive early ultrasounds are common and often resolve at the next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my 8-week ultrasound show?
A transvaginal ultrasound at 8 weeks typically shows the gestational sac, the embryo (measured from crown to rump), and a flickering heartbeat at around 150 to 170 bpm. Your provider will use the crown-rump length to confirm or adjust your due date.
What if no heartbeat is found at the 8-week ultrasound?
If no heartbeat is detected, it may mean the pregnancy is earlier than expected, or it can indicate a problem. Most providers will schedule a follow-up scan 1 to 2 weeks later before drawing any conclusions, as early dating can be off by several days.
What blood tests are done at the first prenatal visit?
Standard first-visit blood work typically includes blood type and Rh factor, complete blood count (for anemia), rubella immunity, hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV screening, and STI screening (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea). Your provider may also offer early genetic screening options.
Should I tell people I am pregnant at 8 weeks?
There is no medically correct time to share the news. Many people wait until after the first trimester (week 12 to 14) when the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. Others tell close family immediately. It is entirely a personal decision.
Related Articles
- Pregnancy Week-by-Week Overview — see the full timeline
- Pregnancy Week 9: Now a Fetus — what comes next
- Ultrasound During Pregnancy, what to expect from your scans
Sources
🔧 Helpful Tools
- Due Date Calculator — Calculate your estimated due date
- Contraction Timer — Track your contractions during labor
- All Baby Tools — Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care
