8 Weeks Pregnant: What to Do — Complete Guide
At eight weeks pregnant, you are likely to have your booking appointment with the midwife. This is an important first step in your NHS pregnancy care. Your baby is now about the size of a kidney bean and is growing and developing at a remarkable pace.
What is happening with your baby
By week eight, your baby's fingers and toes are beginning to form, though they may still be webbed. The eyes are developing and moving toward the front of the face. The tail-like structure from earlier weeks is disappearing as your baby takes on a more human shape. Bones are starting to harden, and the heart is beating strongly.
What to do this week
Attend your booking appointment
This is one of the most important early appointments. Your midwife will:
- Take a detailed medical and family history
- Offer blood tests to check your blood group, iron levels, and immunity to certain infections
- Take your blood pressure and measure your height and weight
- Discuss screening tests for conditions such as Down's syndrome, Edward's syndrome, and Patau's syndrome
- Offer you a chance to ask questions about your pregnancy
- Provide your maternity notes, which may be digital or paper
Ask about screening tests
At your booking appointment, your midwife will discuss screening options. These include the combined test offered between weeks 11 and 14, which uses a blood test and ultrasound scan to assess the likelihood of certain conditions. You do not have to have any screening if you prefer not to.
Keep taking supplements
Continue with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily and a pregnancy-safe vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms. Your midwife can advise on additional supplements if needed.
Managing symptoms at eight weeks
Continued nausea
Morning sickness may still be going strong. Keep up your small, frequent meals and stay hydrated. If nausea is affecting your ability to work or care for yourself, speak to your GP. Safe anti-sickness medications are available on prescription.
Visible changes
Your clothes may be starting to feel tighter, even though you may not have a visible bump yet. This is often due to bloating and your uterus expanding. Consider investing in some comfortable stretchy clothing.
Vivid dreams
Many women report intense, vivid dreams during pregnancy. These are caused by a combination of hormones, disrupted sleep, and your mind processing the emotional significance of becoming a parent. They are completely normal.
Exercise and wellbeing
Staying active is beneficial for both you and your baby. Safe options include:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Prenatal yoga
- Low-impact aerobics
- Gentle stretching
Avoid sports with a high risk of falls or abdominal impact. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel dizzy, breathless, or in pain.
Nutrition this week
Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, and lean protein. Key foods to include:
- Lentils and pulses for fibre and iron
- Fortified cereals for folic acid
- Cooked eggs for protein and choline
- Spinach and kale for vitamins and minerals
What to avoid
- All alcohol
- Smoking and recreational drugs
- Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
- Unpasteurised dairy
- Soft and blue-veined cheeses unless cooked thoroughly
- High-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, and marlin
- Caffeine over 200mg per day
Emotional wellbeing and relationships
Pregnancy can affect relationships. Whether you are with a partner, co-parenting, or going it alone, communication matters. Share how you are feeling, and let those close to you support you. If you are struggling emotionally, talk to your midwife, who can refer you for counselling if needed.
When to seek help
Contact your GP, midwife, or NHS 111 if you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramping, shoulder tip pain, fever, or persistent vomiting.
Summary
Week eight is a milestone with your first midwife appointment. Keep up your supplements, manage your symptoms, and lean on your support network as you navigate the first trimester.