8 weeks

Fetal development - 8 weeks pregnant

Written for BabyCenter Australia
Approved by the BabyCenter Australia Medical Advisory Board

Congratulations -- your embryo is now called a fetus, which means "little one." Your uterus expands to accommodate its new resident, which now measures approximately 1.6 centimetres. Many changes take place this week -- the embryonic tail is gone, and all organs, muscles, and nerves are beginning to function. The hands now bend at the wrist, and the feet begin to lose their webbed appearance. Eyelids are beginning to cover the eyes.

Your pregnancy is changing your figure as well. Your breasts may have grown large enough that you'll need bigger bras with better support than your old ones. You may notice your waistline expanding as well, forcing you to pack away your favourite jeans until next year or try a pregnancy waist-expander for more room. If you drink plenty of fluoridated water -- eight glasses or more a day -- you should be getting enough fluoride so calcium and phosphorus will bond well in your baby's developing teeth and bones. If you have tank water or live in an area where the water is not flouridated, check if your carer recommends flouride supplements.