Pregnancy Calendar at Week 8
What's Happening with the Baby
At 8 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is about the size of a bean – measuring between one and a half to two centimeters in length and weighing around three grams. The baby is starting to look more human, the "tail" is disappearing, and the head is still disproportionate to the body.
The little one is actively growing and developing. First and foremost, the musculoskeletal system is strengthening, and the bone tissue is becoming more robust. At this stage, the baby's knee and elbow joints are barely discernible, and you can see the shoulders and ankles. Facial features are becoming more defined, and toes and fingers are appearing, though they are still webbed.
An important milestone for the baby is the development of the reproductive system. Although boys already have testes and girls have ovaries, the baby's sex is not yet determined due to a high margin of error. During an ultrasound, you can clearly see:
- the contours of the upper and lower jaw;
- ears;
- the nose and even the nostrils.
You can also see the eyelids, which will soon start to open. The eyes are beginning to produce pigment responsible for light perception.
The baby's heart has divided into four chambers, and the valves are actively forming. The opening between the ventricles is already closing up, while the one between the atria remains. The heart beats at a rate of 150 to 170 times per minute. At eight weeks, the baby is still in a curled-up position (the so-called "embryo pose"), but soon the baby will start to straighten out. The respiratory organs, bronchi, and lungs are forming. By the eighth week, the baby is already trying to clench their fists, but these movements are still not noticeable to the mother.
The brain continues to develop, and neurons are forming increasingly complex connections that will carry the first nerve impulses. The intestines are forming, and the esophagus and stomach are distinguishable. The liver begins to produce blood cells. The spinal column continues to improve. A very important organ, the thymus gland, is forming; it plays a role in the body's immune defense by producing the first protective cells – lymphocytes.
What's Happening with Mom
The eighth week of pregnancy brings noticeable changes to a woman's life. While the body was just starting to adjust in the first few weeks, at this stage, the hormonal balance is still unstable and significantly different from the pre-pregnancy state. This instability can cause discomfort and new sensations in the mother's body, which she now needs to adapt to.
Changes in the Uterus
By the 8th week of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow, but it doesn't increase in size significantly, remaining in the area just above the pubic zone. If sexual contact occurs during this time, the uterus can become overly irritated, leading to slight bleeding from small blood vessels. This happens due to the hormonal impact on the uterus but does not negatively affect the baby.
Frequent Urination
Not all women notice this, but indeed, when the bladder is full, there are urges to urinate because the growing uterus presses on the bladder, causing it to signal the need to empty.
Lower Abdominal Pain
It's completely normal for a woman to feel slight pulling sensations in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. This discomfort is primarily due to the stretching of the uterus as it prepares to carry the baby. Another cause of these pulling sensations can be a multiple pregnancy. If the pain is periodic, goes away on its own, and isn't accompanied by other symptoms, there's no need to worry.
Headache
At 8 weeks pregnant, headaches can occur due to fatigue, which is triggered by hormonal instability and the weakened state of the mother's body. To avoid headaches, it's important not to get nervous or expose yourself to stress. If headaches are frequent, it's advisable to consult a doctor, as this could be a sign of an infection or vascular issues.
Lower Back Discomfort
The lower back area becomes especially sensitive during the period when the uterus increases in size. The compression of nerve endings spreads a dull, aching pain throughout the lower back, causing many women at 8 weeks to suffer significantly, and staying in one position can intensify these sensations. A light massage and changing body positions can help alleviate such pains. If the pain is sharp, radiates to the kidneys, and urination is difficult, there may be a suspicion of a urinary system pathology. If the lower back pain is accompanied by bloody discharge, it could be a miscarriage. In these cases, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Breast Tenderness
It's not unusual for women to experience pulling sensations in their breasts due to hormonal changes – this is the mammary glands preparing for breastfeeding. Particularly sensitive women may notice these signs as early as 8 weeks. There is a feeling of heaviness in the breasts, enlargement of the mammary glands, and a tingling sensation. Usually, the discomfort is quite tolerable, and as the hormonal balance normalizes, the breast pain tends to subside a bit.
Swelling
Fluid retention in the body of a pregnant woman, and consequently – swelling in the legs, hands, and face – is a typical companion during pregnancy. This is caused by the increased load on the urinary system, which can't keep up with filtering the fluid and timely removing it from the mother's body. It's also important to consider that water is now needed not only for the woman's body but also for all the processes happening in the fetus's body. Water is also used for increasing the amniotic fluid. You can manage the swelling by drinking a little less water, not walking for long periods, and choosing comfortable shoes. If the swelling doesn't go down and only gets worse – see a doctor to rule out kidney pathology.
Vaginal Discharge
Normally, during pregnancy, vaginal discharge is to be expected. Don't worry if it's clear or milky white and doesn't have a strong odor. Such discharge is caused by hormonal changes, and the process of old cells dying off and being replaced by new ones is actively happening in the vagina, so there's no need to be afraid. However, if the discharge is yellow-green, dirty-colored, or mixed with blood, you should see a doctor. This could not only be a sign of an infection but also the first sign of a miscarriage threat or placental abruption. Only a doctor can diagnose and take the necessary measures.
Increased Body Temperature
Pregnant women are often concerned about the so-called false cold, where they experience all the symptoms of a real cold. Their body temperature slightly increases, they feel fatigue and headaches, and with a stuffy nose, they become convinced they have a cold. Don’t rush to take pills – first, consult your doctor to identify if it’s a real respiratory illness.
Fatigue
This occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. Fatigue is exacerbated by morning sickness. Women constantly feel sleepy and tired, and they often experience mood swings, so those around them need to be more patient.
Food Preferences and Smells
Almost all pregnant women notice changes in their food preferences at this stage. Their appetite fluctuates, disappearing and reappearing. Some suffer from morning sickness, making their favorite foods unappealing and breakfast ineffective. Hormonal changes can make them crave previously disliked foods. Increased consumption of certain foods may indicate a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, so women should listen to their cravings.
Weight Gain
With an increased appetite, weight can significantly rise. However, by the eighth week, the normal weight gain isn't that substantial, the belly hasn't grown yet, and the pregnancy isn't noticeable. If a woman notices a gain of one kilogram or more, it's worth adjusting her diet or consulting a doctor. Excess weight during pregnancy can be harmful and complicate childbirth.
Development of Twins
At this stage of a twin pregnancy, the babies are developing at the same rate as in a singleton pregnancy. The only significant difference is the weight of the twins. The babies each weigh about 1 gram and are no longer than one and a half centimeters. The little ones have heads that are the same length as their bodies, and their position is curled up. The facial features are becoming more defined, with eyes still on the sides of the face, but the nose, ears, mouth, and tongue are clearly visible. The babies continue to receive nourishment from the yolk sac, as the placenta has not yet formed to sustain them.
The formation of large and small joints is occurring, but they are not always clearly defined. While the arms almost resemble human arms, the legs look more like flippers. In a normally developing pregnancy, the cardiovascular system of the twins is functioning properly. Each baby has a four-chambered heart. The digestive organs are differentiated, and sex cells are being produced, with one fetus possibly being a boy and the other a girl.
The amount of amniotic fluid in a twin pregnancy is slightly more than in a singleton pregnancy. Therefore, the size of the uterus does not correspond to the gestational age; the maternal organ is somewhat larger, which is the first sign of carrying a multiple pregnancy – an ultrasound will definitively confirm this. At this stage of a twin pregnancy, the mother's belly is not yet noticeable.
The umbilical cord in babies is already formed, and the endometrium is gradually breaking down due to the villous chorion. At the eighth week, it's crucial that the placenta and umbilical cord develop correctly, as the risk of complications increases with twin pregnancies.
Medical Check-Up at 8 Weeks
Pregnancy means taking the utmost care of your health, so to monitor key indicators, a woman needs to get tests done and visit certain specialists. This is essential for the timely detection and treatment of any conditions during pregnancy.
Doctors
- Ophthalmologist – Visiting this doctor will help diagnose vision problems and, if necessary, perform laser correction, which is safe for the baby. Rapid vision decline can affect the method of delivery;
- Dentist – Since calcium in the mother's body is redistributed in favor of the fetus, there is a risk of developing cavities, and some women may already have cavities before pregnancy. It's important to have a dental check-up to plan any necessary dental treatments during a safe period;
- Endocrinologist – This specialist will help diagnose and correct hormonal imbalances in a timely manner. A visit is also essential for women with a history of diabetes, thyroid disorders, or those who have lived in radiation-affected areas;
- Therapist – Conducts a general examination, consults on existing chronic conditions, and can recommend medications that are safe for the baby if needed;
- ENT Specialist – The doctor will examine the patient and provide a conclusion regarding chronic infections that women might overlook, such as tonsillitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis. These need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Tests
- Blood test – clinical and biochemical;
- Blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin levels;
- Test for venereal infections, TORCH complex, hepatitis;
- Urine test.
Examinations
- Electrocardiogram – determines heart rhythm, heart rate, and the electrical axis of the heart. In some women, the heart and diaphragm may be slightly displaced, but this is not an abnormality and everything will return to normal after childbirth. This test allows for the timely diagnosis of heart pathologies in women;
- Ultrasound of the appendages and uterus – performed for the first time if it wasn't done in the early stages. It determines the number of embryos, their location, and the condition of the uterus and ovaries.
Pregnancy Challenges
At eight weeks pregnant, women may encounter difficulties in carrying the fetus due to various factors. The most important thing is to recognize the danger in time and seek help from a clinic.
Morning Sickness
Although morning sickness is a common companion of pregnancy, it can become a serious threat to the mother's health. Severe morning sickness at 8 weeks pregnant often occurs in multiple pregnancies. This condition is dangerous due to rapid dehydration if vomiting happens almost every day. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite lead to the loss of not only water but also nutrients, so consulting a doctor is crucial in cases of severe morning sickness. Pregnant women can experience vomiting up to twenty times a day, and weight loss can be around 3 kg (about 6.6 lbs) per week – these are alarming signs for a doctor. In such cases, simple dietary and daily routine recommendations are not enough – the woman is hospitalized, her water balance is restored, and nutrients lost during morning sickness are replenished.
Miscarriage
The threat of spontaneous miscarriage and pregnancy loss at the 8th week of gestation still persists. This situation can be triggered by increased uterine tone, genetic abnormalities of the fetus that make its development impossible, rejection from the uterine cavity due to immune incompatibility, serious illness of the pregnant woman, stress, and harmful habits. If cramping pains in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region, or bloody discharge appear, you should immediately consult a gynecologist to preserve the pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Abnormal attachment of the embryo is not that rare. This can be caused by past inflammatory processes, anatomical features of the reproductive organs, or previous abortions. All these factors affect the passage of the embryo through the reproductive tract to the uterus. Most often, the embryo is found in the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, and even in the abdominal cavity. By the 8th week, when the fetus increases in size, it causes sharp pains in the side, leads to heavy bleeding, and threatens to rupture the tubes. In this case, a doctor's consultation, an ultrasound examination, and termination of the pregnancy are necessary.
Fetal Demise
A non-developing pregnancy can happen at any stage, and the 8th week is no exception. The danger of this condition lies in the fact that it may not be diagnosed immediately, not until signs of maternal body intoxication appear. The causes can be both fetal pathologies and the mother's health condition. The result of halted fetal development is intrauterine death and miscarriage. Women experiencing this pregnancy complication may have bloody discharge, feel unwell, experience painful cramps in the lower abdomen, and have a fever, indicating the development of an inflammatory process.
TORCH Infections
This is a well-known complex of infectious diseases that can lead to pregnancy termination or intrauterine fetal pathologies. These diseases include rubella, herpes, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus. Primary infection with any of these viruses is particularly dangerous because the mother has not developed immunity, and there is no protection for the baby. When an infection from this complex is detected, doctors often recommend terminating the pregnancy due to the high risk of carrying a sick fetus and miscarriage.
Placental Abruption
Pain in the lower back, radiating towards the tailbone, and the onset of bleeding often become signs of placental abruption. If you seek medical attention promptly, the process can be halted. The doctor will prescribe special medications, recommend bed rest, and the woman will be able to avoid the crisis and give birth to a healthy baby.
Pregnancy with Periods
The so-called "colorful pregnancy" is being registered more frequently – about one in five pregnant women experience periods for some time, and sometimes even up until the baby is born. This happens due to low production of the hormone that suppresses menstruation. This situation is no longer seen as an abnormality, but rather as a unique aspect of pregnancy. However, if there is any spotting, it is still necessary to consult a doctor to ensure there is no risk of miscarriage.
What You Can and Can't Do
At eight weeks pregnant, there are clear restrictions for women, as well as a list of approved activities. It's crucial to follow these guidelines strictly to ensure the baby is born healthy and the mother's body remains strong after carrying the baby.
What an Expectant Mom CAN Do:
- Drink plenty of fluids, provided there is no swelling. Ideally, about two liters a day – this helps flush out toxins and speeds up metabolism;
- Establish a daily routine and allocate enough time for sleep;
- Take evening walks before bed;
- Add daily physical activity if previously leading a sedentary lifestyle;
- Change your diet, preparing tasty and safe meals for pregnant women, enriched with vitamins and minerals;
- Have sex if the doctor hasn't prohibited it – it doesn't harm the baby and can boost the mom's mood;
- Avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of catching dangerous illnesses;
- Choose a maternity hospital, midwife, and gynecologist if this hasn't been done yet;
- Swim in the pool and continue exercising if there are no contraindications (excluding strength training);
- Sign up for prenatal fitness classes – this helps maintain activity and control weight;
- Start taking care of the skin on your chest, abdomen, and thighs, as the risk of stretch marks increases;
- Treat your teeth with safe methods to avoid sudden tooth pain later;
- Prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids;
- Get a relaxing massage with techniques that are allowed during pregnancy.
What an expectant mother SHOULD NOT do:
- Engage in sports if the doctor has prohibited physical activities;
- Drink alcoholic beverages, smoke;
- Consume raw foods – this primarily includes milk, eggs, and raw fish in sushi;
- Buy vitamin complexes on your own – the correct composition should be prescribed exclusively by a gynecologist;
- Eat for two, as this leads to excessive weight gain – it will be harder to give birth, and even harder to lose the extra pounds afterward;
- Engage in extreme sports;
- Drink strong coffee and heavily brewed green tea;
- Take pills without consulting a doctor – some medications have teratogenic effects;
- Douche;
- Steam in a bathhouse or go to a sauna;
- Dye your hair or use harmful chemicals during a manicure;
- Lift heavy objects or work out with weights at the gym;
- Work in hazardous environments, which involve prolonged standing, inhaling chemical fumes;
- Wear high heels.
Proper Nutrition
The 8th week of pregnancy requires careful attention to the pregnant woman's diet. It's crucial that all foods are fresh, properly prepared, and contain all the necessary nutrients for the healthy development of the baby.
During the 8th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to:
- Develop a diet considering the onset of morning sickness – foods should be easy to digest and not trigger vomiting. Therefore, the woman needs to analyze which foods irritate her and are not well-tolerated by her body, and which ones are easier to handle;
- Exclude salty and smoked dishes from the diet – due to the high salt content, these foods can cause water retention in the body, leading to increased swelling, which can be difficult to manage;
- Adjust the drinking regimen – increase water intake if experiencing severe vomiting and dehydration, but reduce it if swelling occurs;
- Add foods high in fiber to the diet, primarily vegetables and fruits, to help manage constipation;
- Choose fruits from your local region, as unfamiliar products might cause allergic reactions. It's best to add seasonal products to your diet;
- Make sure to consume enough dairy products that contain calcium. This will help enrich your baby's body with this element and also help mom maintain healthy teeth, hair, and nails;
- Avoid frying and salting as cooking methods – high temperatures can release harmful substances from oils, and salting carries the risk of contamination with pathogenic bacteria;
- Eat small, frequent meals to avoid morning sickness and constipation. You can eat 5-6 times a day with snacks;
- The calorie intake for a pregnant woman should be around 2500 kcal per day, but if you're expecting twins, increase the calorie intake by 300 kcal;
- Avoid consuming raw fish, unpasteurized milk, cheeses, and cottage cheese – all questionable products should be thermally processed to prevent intestinal infections and parasites;
- Get a steamer to cook the safest and tastiest food possible;
- Plan your meals so that protein-rich foods are mainly consumed in the morning, while lighter foods are eaten in the evening;
- Don't include foods in your diet that you haven't tried before, as they might cause an allergic reaction. The same goes for citrus fruits – eat them in small amounts.
Women should keep in mind that at the 8th week, the baby's body really needs magnesium, which affects the heart and blood vessels. The woman's body gives magnesium to the baby, but this is often not enough, so there's a need to add it through food and prepare special dishes. Drink hibiscus tea and add rosehip berries to it, eat whole grain baked goods. Be sure to include peanuts and walnuts in your diet – they contain a lot of magnesium.
Need for Vitamins and Minerals
A pregnant woman's body needs vitamins and minerals more than ever, as they are now also distributed to benefit the baby. At the eighth week of fetal development, attention should be given to folic acid, tocopherol, as well as trace elements like magnesium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
This element is extremely necessary for the development of the fetal neural tube, so its content in the mother's body must be sufficient to ensure the baby’s health. Besides its role in forming the nervous system, folic acid is essential for cell DNA, placenta maturation, and the intrauterine development of fetal cells. For the mother, folic acid ensures excellent immunity, improves blood clotting, and helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin B9 is primarily found in beef liver, greens (parsley, lettuce, spinach, onions), cod liver, cabbage, green peas, nuts, cheeses, legumes, whole grain flour products, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
It participates in the metabolic processes in the body of both the mother and the fetus, is essential for hormone synthesis, and is an excellent means for preventing miscarriage and the formation of blood clots. It also helps prevent the development of inflammatory processes. Tocopherol can be found in vegetable oil, grains, bran, eggs, milk, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, rose hips, parsley, and meat.
Iron
An essential element for preventing hemoglobin deficiency and building the baby's circulatory system. Thanks to iron, which binds with oxygen in the blood, the baby gets enough oxygen and does not experience hypoxia. This element is found in meat, organ meats, fish and other seafood, legumes, grains, cabbage, oatmeal, strawberries, blueberries, apricots, and apples.
Iodine
An important element for the thyroid gland's function during pregnancy, it influences the child's mental and physical development. You can increase iodine levels in a pregnant woman's body by adding seafood, cod liver, and seaweed to the diet. It is also recommended to use iodized salt instead of regular salt in food.
Calcium
This element is crucial for the development of the baby's musculoskeletal system, teeth, and the formation of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It also helps maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Calcium is essential for normal muscle function as well. By maintaining adequate levels of this element, it helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the mother. There's also a good chance that all teeth can be kept free of cavities. You can replenish calcium primarily from dairy products, eggs, fish, parsley, sesame seeds, strawberries, and black currants.
Phosphorus
This element is necessary for building bone tissue along with calcium. It's a key player in metabolic processes, particularly in protein formation, energy production, and muscle function. You can find phosphorus in seafood, cottage cheese, grains, cheese, and beef.
Magnesium
Essential for the proper development of the musculoskeletal system, it actively participates in metabolic processes. Magnesium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It also plays a role in the body's detoxification process, which can alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women by the 8th week of pregnancy. Adequate magnesium levels help prevent DNA and RNA mutations. This element is necessary for the synthesis of enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. You can get magnesium from rose hips, cabbage, dried fruits, watermelons, and rye bread.
Zinc
Ensures the normal functioning of the body's immune system, supports fetal cell growth, and influences lymph function, brain activity, and the development of the child's reproductive organs. You can replenish zinc levels primarily from meat, nuts, legumes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and spinach.
Selenium
Involved in the production of thyroid hormones, it ensures the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Naturally, it is an excellent antioxidant, which can reduce the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women. Selenium significantly improves the absorption of iodine and tocopherol. It boosts immunity. Selenium is found in seafood, meat, grains, organ meats, and garlic.
Copper
This element is essential for the functioning of the hematopoietic system, supports the respiratory system, and is an excellent preventive measure against cardiovascular diseases. You can get copper from sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, berries and fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, dill, and cucumbers.
Important! You should only buy a multivitamin complex after consulting with a doctor.
Helpful Tips
Starting from the eighth week of pregnancy, it's important to prepare for changes in your body, particularly in combating stretch marks. As your belly grows, white streaks may appear on your delicate skin. To fight them, use cosmetics with natural oils like wheat germ, lavender, arnica, almond oil, and aloe vera. It's also beneficial if the skincare products contain rosehip extract.
The future dad needs to support his wife, as the challenging symptoms of morning sickness, irritability, and fatigue are extremely hard on a pregnant woman's body. Ensure she has as many pleasant experiences as possible, listen to her needs, and help set up the home. Since pregnant women often experience the "nesting syndrome," consider getting useful items like a water filter or a humidifier.
Exercises for Expecting Moms
Engaging in fitness activities is not only not contraindicated but also recommended. Specialized trainers will select the optimal exercises for a pregnant woman at this stage, ensuring the mother's health and not harming the baby. In the mornings, if there is weakness and morning sickness, it's better to postpone workouts to midday or evening. Thanks to these exercises, it's possible to alleviate back pain, stimulate intestinal activity, and prevent constipation. Women who incorporate sports into their lives gain less weight, carry their pregnancy more easily, and have smoother deliveries. At the 8th week of pregnancy, strength exercises and intense cardio workouts are contraindicated, but other movements, on the contrary, will be beneficial. If the doctor does not prohibit physical activity, then a woman can indulge in this pleasure.
Discomforts During Pregnancy
At eight weeks pregnant, a woman is often surprised by the changes her body is going through, and sometimes these changes aren't exactly positive, as she may experience discomfort typical for this stage of pregnancy.
Pulling Pains in the Lower Abdomen
This discomfort is caused by changes in the uterus and hormonal shifts in the pregnant woman. Under the influence of hormones, the uterus becomes softer, more flexible, and capable of stretching, but at the same time, it becomes more irritable, and any careless movements can trigger discomfort. There's no need to worry if there are no other symptoms besides the aching abdomen. The discomfort will disappear after a while.
Constipation
Constipation is a common companion during the first trimester, and many women experience it at eight weeks pregnant. In addition to constipation, pregnant women may also suffer from gas, a heavy feeling in the abdomen, and difficulties with digestion, such as belching. Significant dehydration due to morning sickness can make constipation more frequent. To normalize bowel movements, it's important to include fiber, vegetables, and fruits in your diet, drink plenty of water, and stay active. Joining a prenatal fitness class can be beneficial.
Back Pain
Back pain is primarily influenced by the growing uterus, which compresses nerve endings. To manage this, exercises, changing body positions, or switching to a firmer or softer mattress can help – each woman needs to find what works best for her to alleviate discomfort. Typically, back pain appears only in the first trimester and will soon pass. Another cause of back discomfort is the production of the hormone relaxin, which helps relax muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints – this is necessary for childbirth later on, but at 8 weeks of pregnancy, these changes only bring noticeable discomfort to the mom.
Yeast Infection
With hormonal changes, the vaginal microflora can be at risk, and the previously peaceful Candida bacteria can increase in number. Normally, this doesn't happen in healthy women because Candida is suppressed by the normal microflora, but during pregnancy, yeast infections become highly relevant. If you notice cottage cheese-like white discharge with a characteristic sour smell, you should see a gynecologist – they will recommend a safe way to deal with the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Morning Sickness
The most common companion of pregnancy is morning sickness. It's often how many women find out they're expecting. Morning sickness varies for everyone. A few lucky ones don't experience it at all, but most women feel its effects to some extent. There are several reasons for morning sickness, all related to pregnancy, but the main goal is to ease its symptoms. Doctors recommend delaying breakfast if you're experiencing morning vomiting, eating more easily digestible foods, and taking vitamins and minerals that help alleviate the condition during pregnancy.
Checklist
- Make an appointment with your gynecologist if you haven't already. Find out your exact due date, estimated delivery date, and when you should go on maternity leave.
- Get an ultrasound if you haven't had one yet to make sure your pregnancy is progressing normally.
- Don't take risks – avoid horseback riding and snowboarding, as any activity that could cause injury might result in fractures or other harm.
- Eliminate toxins – switch to gentler household cleaning products, avoid hair dye, and ask for safer tasks at work.
- Ventilate your room and workspace. If you have a desk job, take a 10-15 minute break every hour to walk around.
- Choose comfortable underwear, specifically a bra and panties, as they shouldn't restrict your body or cause discomfort.
- Do a simple morning stretch routine at home if you don't do fitness or go to the gym.
- Get into the habit of weighing yourself weekly to monitor your weight gain.
- Pay attention to any chronic conditions to avoid triggering flare-ups.
- Avoid stress and manage your emotions – excessive irritability at this stage only brings negative feelings, which you don't need.
- Avoid places where people are smoking – those around them inhale almost as much smoke as the smoker.