Pregnancy Week 8: Fetal Development, Prenatal Tests & Maternity Clothes Style Pregnancy Weekly

About Baby

Baby is about the size of a kidney bean this week. And guess what? He or she looks more like a baby and not an alien. The nose is beginning to get defined and his eyelids are forming. Those fingers and toes that you’ll soon count are taking shape, though right now they’re webbed. The brain is doing important things right now, too. Nerve cells are connecting formal neural pathways. It’s still too early to feel your baby move, but believe that a lot of moving and shaking is going on in there!

Photo: Embryo at week 8 of development

About Mom

Tests, tests and more tests! But these are good ones. The first one you already passed – the pregnancy test! Here’s a list of screenings, prenatal tests and exams to have on your radar (though you may not have to do all of them) from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

• Nonstress Test: Electronically monitors the baby’s heart rate and movements. It’s done by placing a belt around your abdomen.

• Biophysical Profile: Combines a nonstress test and an ultrasound. The test evaluates breathing and movement of the baby, and also the amount of amniotic fluid.

• Glucose Screening: This screening checks to high blood sugar levels, which can indicate gestational diabetes. Typically done between 24 and 28 weeks, you’ll drink a sugar solution (yes, it’s that test) and then blood will be drawn.

• Group B Strep (GBS) Screening: Done by a swab of the vaginal area at around 35 to 37 weeks, this test shows if you have bacteria that could be passed on to your newborn during delivery.

• Ultrasound: Best done at about 18 weeks, an ultrasound checks for physical abnormalities in your baby – and can sometimes tell if you’re having a boy or girl (or twins!).

You will also be offered a screening to see if your baby has Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. Done around 10 weeks, this test is optional. CVS (chorionic villus sampling) is another diagnostic test done between 10 and 12 weeks where cells are collected from the placenta. The optional test can identify hundreds of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.

Your Pregnancy Style

Are you checking yourself daily to see if that baby bump has emerged so you can go shopping for maternity clothes? Before you grab your purse and car keys, here are a few maternity clothes do’s and don’ts:

• Don’t Just Wear Oversized Clothes: Maternity clothes aren’t simply oversized shirts and pants. Feeling beautiful during pregnancy is a must, so opt for outfits that make you feel comfy – and fabulous! Think leggings, maternity jeans, cute maxi dresses and form-fitting maternity tops that show off your baby bump.

• Don’t Just Raid Your Husband’s Closet: Yes, that XL T-shirt or oversized button-down dress shirt may be comfortable around the house, but your hubby may not want you stealing all his clothes. Would you normally wear your husband’s shirts out of the house? Probably not. So why start now? (OK, maybe during your Netflix binges.)

• Do Make a Maternity Clothes Budget: A shopping spree buying piles of maternity clothes may sound fun and enticing for first-time pregnant moms, but know that they are not cheap. Decide up front how much you want (or can) spend on your maternity wardrobe and stick to it. Your budget will thank you later.

• Do Buy Basic Pieces to Mix and Match: A few basic clothing pieces will do ya! Think a couple of pairs of leggings in neutral colors, those fabulous maternity jeans, a few T-shirts, a couple maternity tanks (great for layering) and a maternity dress or maternity skirt for special occasions or if needed for work.

Get more maternity clothes do’s and don’ts and get tips on feeling beautiful during pregnancy. 

Bump Talk

“It’s a great thing about being pregnant, you don’t need excuses to pee or eat.” – Angelina Jolie

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