8 Semanas

Fetal development in pregnancy week 8:
We’ve got one whole inch of baby to measure! (Uau! Que crescido!) Your little embryo has finally reached the one-inch mark (30mm) at last. And if it were possible to take a peek, you could see your tiny baby with your naked eye! What’s more, your baby is finally starting to take on some very distinct human features. For starters, their little tail (really just the spinal cord) has disappeared completely. It’s nice to know your baby can no longer be mistaken for a sea creature! Additionally, both their toes and fingers are prominent with very little, if any, webbing. Upper and lower limbs all show recognizable joints (elbows and knees) and the lower limb bones are starting to ossify. But don’t expect your baby to resemble either parent quite yet. Right now, your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than the rest of their body-making up almost half of your little one’s height and weight!

And how's mom doing?
Your slightly-larger-than-a-cherry embryo is also starting to have a physical impact on you this week—and not just hormonally, as you may be noticing a slight bulge at your midline. Most people wouldn’t even notice the change, but since you’re tuned in to every little change in your body, it hasn’t it’s always worth the time and effort to explain to yourself and others the reason for your current emotional rollercoaster; you don’t have to be a monster just because you feel a little whacked out slipped past. Good news for the hormonally tortured (Qual tortura? Se isto for assim até ao final da gravidez posso ter uma equipa de futebol. Sinto-me excelente!): if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is just starting to make your baby’s hormones. This means your body will soon be able to relax its over-production of hormones as the placenta starts to regulate your baby’s hormones-- allowing your body to focus on producing more “regular levels” of hormones.
At this point any close family or friends have undoubtedly noticed you’re a little more moody and/or irritable than usual. And there are probably times where you’re ready to tell the world off (maybe you already have - claro: me and my big mouth), but it’s always worth the time and effort to explain to yourself and others the reason for your current emotional rollercoaster; you don’t have to be a monster just because you feel a little whacked out. Focus on your breathing and energy levels. Take naps if you feel fatigued but don’t be afraid to take long walks outside for fresh air. Sit down if you start to feel nauseous, eat (healthy vitamin-rich - M&M conta?) foods when you’re hungry. Even though there’s no bi-weekly paycheck or boss, pregnancy is harder work than you might think and you need lots of positive physical and emotional energy to provide your baby with the safest strongest home possible (uma casa que já se nota bem, digo eu).