The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of remarkable changes, both for the developing baby and for the expecting mother. Weeks 6 to 8 are part of this early stage, during which your baby undergoes rapid development, and your body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy. These weeks bring both excitement and challenges as you experience various physical and emotional shifts. Understanding what to expect during these weeks will help you navigate this transformative time with confidence.
Lets explore changes and milestones you can expect during Weeks 6-8 of your pregnancy, covering key developments in your baby’s growth, changes in your body, and common symptoms during these early weeks.
Week 6: Early Development and Big Changes for Your Baby
At Week 6, your baby is still very small, about the size of a blueberry—roughly half an inch long. However, this week marks a critical point in fetal development as major systems begin to take shape.
Key Developments in Your Baby at Week 6:
During Week 6, the baby’s heartbeat becomes detectable. It’s one of the first signs that your pregnancy is progressing as expected. The tiny embryo’s heart begins to beat at a rate of around 100-120 beats per minute, though it may not be detectable through an ultrasound until later in the week.
- Facial Features: While still rudimentary, your baby’s face is beginning to form. Tiny, shallow indentations mark where the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth will eventually be. At this stage, the baby’s face looks a bit like a tiny human, though these features will continue to develop in the weeks ahead.
- Development of Major Organs: The brain is growing rapidly, and the spinal cord is taking shape. The foundation of essential internal organs, including the liver and kidneys, are being laid out.
- Limb Buds: Tiny limb buds are appearing, though they will take time to develop into fully formed arms and legs. In the coming weeks, these limbs will grow longer and begin to differentiate into hands and feet.
What Happens to Your Body in Week 6:
As your baby grows, your body will experience a variety of changes to support the pregnancy.
- Hormonal Shifts: During the first weeks of pregnancy, your body is producing increasing amounts of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and progesterone, hormones that help sustain the pregnancy. Progesterone, in particular, is responsible for thickening the uterine lining, allowing the pregnancy to continue.
- Morning Sickness: Many women experience nausea, also known as morning sickness, during this period. Morning sickness can occur at any time of day and may range from mild to severe. It’s caused by the rising levels of hormones and can be one of the most challenging symptoms of early pregnancy.
- Breast Changes: Your breasts may feel sore, swollen, or tender to the touch. This is due to the increased blood flow and hormonal changes that prepare your body for breastfeeding.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom during Week 6. The body is using a lot of energy to support the growth of the baby and adjust to the pregnancy, leaving you feeling exhausted.
Common Symptoms at Week 6:
- Morning sickness (nausea or vomiting)
- Tender breasts
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations
Week 7: Limb Development and Organ Growth
By Week 7, your baby is now about the size of a small raspberry, measuring around one inch long. The growth spurt continues as your baby’s organs, limbs, and facial features develop at a rapid pace.
Key Developments in Your Baby at Week 7:
At this point in pregnancy, many significant changes are occurring in your baby’s development.
- Limbs and Fingers: Your baby’s limbs are developing further. The arm buds grow longer and start to differentiate into recognizable arms with hands and fingers. Likewise, the legs develop, though the feet are still paddle-like.
- Facial Features: The eyes are continuing to develop. The pupil, iris, and lens begin to form, though they are still not fully visible. The mouth and nose start to show more definition.
- Brain Development: The brain continues to develop at an astonishing rate. By Week 7, your baby’s brain will have developed into a structure that starts to resemble its adult form, complete with distinct sections like the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
- Heartbeat: Your baby’s heart is fully formed, and the heartbeat is faster and stronger than ever. While still faint, it is more easily detectable with an ultrasound at this stage.
What Happens to Your Body in Week 7:
- Increased Blood Volume: Your body is producing more blood to nourish the baby and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This can lead to a mild increase in your blood pressure and heart rate.
- Morning Sickness: For many women, morning sickness peaks around this time. This can be physically draining, but it is a sign that your body is adjusting to the pregnancy.
- Bloating and Constipation: Progesterone causes the digestive muscles to relax, leading to bloating and sometimes constipation.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal shifts can lead to changes in mood. You may feel emotional, or your mood may fluctuate rapidly, which is completely normal at this stage.
Common Symptoms at Week 7:
- Morning sickness
- Bloating and constipation
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
Development Milestones of Baby at Week 7
| Developmental Milestone | What Happens This Week |
|---|---|
| Size of Baby | Approximately the size of a small raspberry (~1 inch) |
| Limbs and Fingers | Limb buds develop further into arms, legs, and fingers |
| Facial Features | Eyes, mouth, nose, and ears begin to take shape |
| Brain Development | Brain development continues, and distinct brain sections form |
Week 8: Organ Function and Continued Growth
At Week 8, your baby has grown to about the size of a kidney bean, around 1.2 inches long. By now, your baby’s organs and features are continuing to develop and mature, and the foundations of their body systems are firmly in place.
Key Developments in Your Baby at Week 8:
- Fingers and Toes: By Week 8, your baby’s limbs are lengthening, and fingers and toes begin to form. While they’re still webbed, the basic structures of hands and feet are visible.
- Facial Features: The eyes are becoming more defined, and tiny eyelids are forming. The nose and ears are becoming more distinct, though they are still in their early stages of development.
- Internal Organ Function: The major organs are beginning to function, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. At this point, the baby’s liver begins to produce red blood cells, a crucial step in fetal development.
- Neurodevelopment: The baby’s nervous system is also maturing, and the spinal cord is forming the key neural structures that control basic motor functions.
What Happens to Your Body in Week 8:
- Uterine Growth: Your uterus is growing and may start to exert pressure on surrounding organs, which can cause some mild abdominal cramping or discomfort.
- Increased Vaginal Discharge: You may notice a more significant increase in vaginal discharge, which is normal during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- Physical Discomforts: As your body adapts to the growing baby, some women experience backaches, leg cramps, or heartburn during this time.
Common Symptoms at Week 8:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Mild cramping or pelvic discomfort
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Morning sickness (may start to decrease for some women)
- Mood swings
Navigating the First Trimester
First trimester of pregnancy Weeks 6 to 8 are an exciting and busy time. Your baby is growing quickly and starting to look more human as major organs and features develop. At the same time, your body is adjusting to the hormonal shifts and physical demands of pregnancy.
Throughout these weeks, you may experience a mix of morning sickness, fatigue, and mood swings as your body works to support the growing baby. While these symptoms can be challenging, remember that they are temporary, and your body will continue
