Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 8
This week, you may be scheduled to have your first prenatal appointment! Prepare to submit a urine sample upon arrival. In fact, be prepared to do this at every doctor’s appointment moving forward unless you are one of the lucky ones!
What’s Going on with Baby
Week 8, your baby is the size of a marble!
Big things are happening this week (aren’t they every week?), including the possibility that your baby’s heartbeat can be heard for the first time! Baby is forming fingers, upper lip, and nose. These details may one day be recognizable as ‘coming from Dad’ or ‘coming from Mom’ and hold a special place in your heart. So, what else is going on?
Bones, muscles, and skin are developing
Baby is starting to look more like a baby and less like a reptile
Little fingers and toes are beginning to take definition
The tail is starting to fade, eventually becoming the tailbone
What’s Going on with Mom
It’s possible at Week 8 that you are scheduled to have your first trimester screening and blood tests. If not this week, you can expect this to take place sooner than later. Here are some things to expect at this appointment:
The NT (nuchal translucency) is measured in an ultrasound, which is the fluid-filled space at the back of baby’s neck. The CRL (crown-rump length) is also measured to help get an estimate of how many weeks your baby is (also known as the gestational age). This is one of the most accurate estimate of your baby's size and age you'll have!
Blood tests will likely be taken to ensure the results look fine and normal.
Ultrasound and blood test results will give your doctor a risk score that may help predict chromosomal abnormality. However, this is not a definitive diagnosis if there is a risk.
This is also an excellent time to talk with your doctor about OTC medications to relieve morning sickness or other troubling symptoms. They can suggest appropriate OTC medications or give you a list of approved medicines.
What’s going on with Partner
Hi Dad! A lot is happening with your little one in the oven and with Mom. This is such an essential time for development!
If at all possible, try to attend the first prenatal appointment. Usually there will be a first trimester screening and ultrasound. You don’t want to miss the sound of your baby’s heartbeat for the first time! You may even be able to capture this sound on your phone; just make sure to first check with the ultrasound tech.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
There's often a lot of confusion around what exactly will happen at your prenatal appointments. Read this blog to feel prepared for your upcoming appointments!
