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Sign InWeek 8 — Hello, Little Raspberry
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
raspberry
Your baby — now officially called a fetus from around this week — is about the size of a raspberry, measuring roughly 16mm. The tiny arms are longer than the legs right now since the upper body develops faster, and webbed fingers and toes are just beginning to separate. Eyes are becoming more visible, ears are forming, and the little face is getting more defined every day. The intestines are also doing something wild this week — they temporarily grow into the base of the umbilical cord because there's not enough room in the abdomen yet.
This is typically when your first prenatal appointment happens, and it's a big one — expect it to last around an hour. Your provider will confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date, run bloodwork, check your blood pressure and weight, and likely offer an ultrasound. You'll probably be asked a lot of questions about your health history and family history, so it helps to have that info ready. Bring a list of any questions you've been sitting on.
Your baby's heart is now beating at around 150–170 beats per minute — almost double the rate of a resting adult heart. At the same time, your own heart is also working harder, pumping about 50% more blood than usual to support the pregnancy. So right now, two hearts in your body are both running on overdrive, and from the outside you look completely normal.
Write down your questions before your first prenatal appointment. Good ones include: What foods or medications should I avoid? Do I need genetic screening tests? What symptoms should make me call you immediately? How much weight gain is expected? Your mind will go blank the moment you're in that room — a written list saves you.
Protein is essential for all the cell growth happening right now — aim for 70–100g per day. Eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, beans, and lentils are all great sources and generally well tolerated even when nausea is present.
Come to the first prenatal appointment if you can. Hearing the heartbeat on the ultrasound is a powerful moment, and being present at the first appointment shows your partner they have support throughout.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer