Week 8: Say Goodbye to the Tail

Your baby is about to lose a tail and gain eyelids

By Dr Michelle LIM, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

What's Happening to Your Baby?

With a growth rate of 1mm a day, your baby is now the size of a kidney bean. Eyelids and an upper lip are starting to form and the tip of your baby's nose is pointing out. Webbed fingers and toes are helping your baby make spontaneous movements, which could be contributing to your nausea although you can't quite feel the movement. With a heart rate of 150 to 170 beats per minute, your little one is continuing to develop vital organs. Nerve cells are connecting in the brain, forming primitive neural pathways.

What's Happening to You?

As your baby continues to grow, so too does your womb. Now's the time to start taking some belly selfies to track your size. Your amniotic fluid increases with your baby's needs and your blood volume will almost double by the end of your pregnancy. This can trigger headaches so be sure to discuss pain management options with your doctor. If you can't stomach vegetables right now, try eating a range of fruit that are rich in vitamins. Remember to stock up on multivitamins: folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects and calcium is good for your baby's bones.

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This article was last reviewed on 22 Nov 2023