Week 8 Pregnancy

First Trimester

Last reviewed: July 2026

8 weeks pregnant at a glance

You are in the first trimester.
Your baby is roughly the size of a raspberry.
The booking appointment usually happens around now.
Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.

You are 8 weeks pregnant and in your first trimester. Your baby is about the size of a raspberry. This week's key development: Fingers & Tiny Toes. NHS note: The booking appointment usually happens around now.

The Booking Appointment

Around week 8, you will usually have your booking appointment with your midwife. This is a comprehensive check-up discussing your medical history, birth options, and screening tests.

This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy.

Week 7

Week 9

Baby's Development

Your baby is about the size of a raspberry.

Fingers & Tiny Toes — Webbed fingers and toes are forming, and your baby is beginning to make small spontaneous movements, though you won't feel them yet. The spine's tail-like structure has disappeared, and your baby is looking more and more human.

Raspberry

Approx. 1.6cm

Your Symptoms

Indigestion and heartburn
Vivid dreams
Constipation
Fatigue

Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.

NHS Appointments

The booking appointment usually happens around now. You'll discuss your health, history, and screening options.

Practical Advice for Week 8

Nutrition

Continue folic acid and vitamin D daily.
High-fibre foods (wholegrain bread, vegetables, beans) help prevent pregnancy constipation.
Drink plenty of water — at least 6–8 glasses per day.
Probiotic-rich foods like natural yoghurt support gut health.

Exercise

Your booking appointment may include advice on safe exercise — ask your midwife.
Swimming, walking, and prenatal yoga are all safe and beneficial.
Avoid exercises that require you to lie flat on your back for long periods.
Pelvic floor exercises — they take 2 minutes and make a huge difference.

Wellbeing

Vivid dreams are very common in pregnancy — they're usually harmless.
If constipation is bothering you, try prune juice or a handful of dried apricots.
Talk to your midwife about any mental health concerns — support is available.
Start thinking about what kind of support you'd like during labour.

Preparation

Your booking appointment usually happens this week — it's a long one, so allow 1–2 hours.
Bring a list of your medical history, medications, and family health conditions.
Your midwife will discuss screening tests and give you your maternity notes.
Book a free NHS dental check-up — pregnancy hormones can affect your gums.

Tip of the Week

High-fibre foods and plenty of water can help with pregnancy-related constipation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Week 8

How many months is 8 weeks pregnant?

At 8 weeks pregnant, you are roughly 1 months pregnant. Remember that pregnancy is typically measured in weeks rather than months for clinical accuracy.

What size is the baby at 8 weeks?

At 8 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a raspberry (about 1.6cm). Webbed fingers and toes are forming, and your baby is beginning to make small spontaneous movements, though you won't feel them yet. The spine's tail-like structure has disappeared, and your baby is looking more and more human.

What are the common symptoms at 8 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms at this stage include indigestion and heartburn, vivid dreams, constipation, fatigue. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's normal to experience different symptoms.

Is 8 weeks in the first trimester?

Yes, 8 weeks falls within the first trimester.

Are there any NHS appointments at 8 weeks?

The booking appointment usually happens around now. You'll discuss your health, history, and screening options.