The child
Your baby is now eight weeks old and measures approximately 1.2 inches (3 cm) from crown to rump. The reproductive organs will complete their development over the next few weeks, so it’s too early to tell from an ultrasound whether you’re having a boy or a girl. All the vital organs have formed.
At this time, your baby’s head is enormous in comparison with the rest of the body and is about half of the baby’s body length. At birth, the head will account for about one quarter of your baby’s body length. Your baby can now yawn, suck and swallow. Tiny details such as hair and nails start to develop.
Mother
Your body is surging with activity 24/7 and many bodily functions are working extra now that you are expecting—all aimed at keeping you and baby as healthy as possible. Because your blood volume is higher than normal, your hands and feet may feel warmer. It can also cause your pulse to speed up and you may occasionally experience heart palpitations. There is no reason to be alarmed.
You may also find that you’re thirstier than usual. This, in combination with the fact that your uterus is growing, is the reason why you need to pee more frequently.
You may have already told everyone that you’re expecting, or you may be wondering how and when the best time is to do so. If you’re not ready to share your news with the whole world, you’ve probably already come up with tricks for keeping your secret to yourself.
You might have told your older children that there is a little brother or sister living inside of you, and that this new life taking shape makes you extra tired. How older siblings react to the news that a new sibling is coming varies from child to child. Reactions can include both joy and anger depending on the age of your child.
Partner
Did you know that you might also be experiencing sympathetic pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, weight gain, headaches or backaches? This condition is known as “Couvade syndrome” (from the French word “couver” which means “to brood”). Studies of fathers-to-be have found that an estimated one in five to one in seven men has suffered one or more of these symptoms. During the pregnancy, it’s common for partners to process the situation in their dreams, actions and thoughts. The aim of all this is to help you to become the best parent possible.
