8Th pregnancy week

Twin pregnancy at 8 weeks: Symptoms, baby size, and fetal development

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At 8 weeks pregnant with twins, you've likely seen (or will soon see) your babies on an ultrasound. Pregnancy symptoms at this time include morning sickness, bloating, food cravings or distaste, fatigue, breast changes, frequent urination, and increased vaginal discharge. Your twin babies will soon be considered fetuses and are developing quickly. They now have hearts that pump blood, developing brains and spinal cords, and their lungs are beginning to form, too.

Twin pregnancy symptoms at 8 weeks

By this time, you've likely received a positive pregnancy test confirming that you're pregnant, and it's likely you'll start to have some pregnancy symptoms, if you haven't already. But don't worry if you're not feeling much different – some women don't feel the side effects as much or as early as others.

Pregnancy sickness - nausea and vomiting
Often called "morning sickness," pregnancy nausea can affect you any time of the day. This nausea is common in the first trimester of pregnancy and may or not include vomiting. Pregnancy sickness is most likely caused by the pregnancy hormones HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and estrogen.
Eating and drinking small portions regularly, always having something small to eat as soon as you wake up, and sticking with bland foods for a little while are all great ways to ease or prevent the nausea if you do have it.
Bloating. The pregnancy hormone progesterone causes digestion to slow down, which may cause you to feel bloated in early pregnancy. This bloating may also contribute to pregnancy nausea.
Food cravings and distaste. You may experience specific food cravings or aversions throughout your pregnancy. The types of foods you want or don’t want can vary and is different for each woman.
Fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially early pregnancy. A rise in the hormone progesterone is one factor that causes you to feel tired, but it's also important because it supports your body during pregnancy
Breast changes. Due to a rise in hormones, you may feel sensitivity and tenderness in your breasts, and they might grow in size and feel firmer than you're used to. The area around your nipple, the areola, might darken in color, as well.
Frequent urination. Pregnancy hormones and an increased amount of blood flow in your body will cause you to feel the urge to pee more frequently than usual. This will be compounded as your uterus expands and grows, putting pressure on your bladder.
Increased discharge. You will likely have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but this is normal due to an increase in estrogen production. However, talk to your provider if you have green, yellow, or thick cheese-like discharge, if you have foul smelling discharge, or if your vaginal area is red, itchy or irritated. Any of these things could be signs of an infection or problem.

Twin baby development at 8 weeks

Your babies are currently embryos and will be considered fetuses after this week of pregnancy. You can see them both on ultrasound now and your provider can detect heart beats. Their cells have been multiplying and are differentiating into different body systems and body parts, and their organs are forming rapidly.

Body systems
Your babies' hearts have begun forming and are already pumping blood! Their brains and spinal cords have begun forming and are collectively called the "neural tube." Their lungs begin forming this week.
Face
The muscles of your babies' eyes, nose, and mouth have begun to form. Their ears have begun as folds on the side of the head and their inner ears are beginning to form as well.
Fingers and toes
Your babies' hands and feet began as small buds and they now have webbed fingers and toes sticking out from their developing hands and feet.
Placenta
This week, tiny hair-like projections called villi will develop from the placenta and extend into your uterine wall. Blood vessels from each embryo will extend through the umbilical cords into these villi, which will allow blood to flow between you and your babies. The placenta will soon take over as the main source of oxygen and nutrients for your babies.
Amniotic sacs
Your babies are now surrounded by an amniotic sac, or amniotic sacs, filled with amniotic fluid. They float in the fluid. The amniotic sac and amniotic fluid give each baby a space to grow and provide them with protection.
Twin placentas and amniotic sacs
In a twin pregnancy, it's common for each baby to have their own placenta and their own amniotic sac. However, sometimes twin fetuses may share a placenta and in even rarer instances, twin fetuses share one placenta and one amniotic sac. If your pregnancy is one of the latter two scenarios, your provider will check on your babies more often throughout your pregnancy.

Learn more about your twins in the womb at 4 weeks.

Learn more about your twins in the womb at 12 weeks.

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Kandis Lake

Kandis Lake is a registered nurse, health writer, and mom of three kids. She lives in Utah and loves reading and adventuring with her family.

My pregnancy week by week

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9 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Pictures & More

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810

Highlights this week

Your baby's body

Your baby has all the essential body parts now, including elbows and knees. On your baby's face, the upper lip, nose, and eyelids have formed. And your baby's tiny toes are visible!

Warning signs of a pregnancy complication

Lower back pain, vaginal bleeding or spotting, and persistent itching are among the pregnancy symptoms you shouldn't ignore. Always reach out to your doctor or midwife when you have a concern – that's what they're there for.

Feeling exhausted?

Not only does it take a lot of energy to make a baby, but pregnancy brings all sorts of sleep disturbances, including nausea, heartburn, and a frequent need to pee. Try to nap when you can, and consider investing in a good pregnancy pillow if you're having trouble getting comfy in bed.

Baby development at 9 weeks

Teeth are budding

Ten tiny tooth buds are developing within each band of gums. (They'll transform into the 20 "baby teeth" that eventually fall out during childhood.) Next week, the teeth start to harden and connect to your baby's jaw. You'll see these pearly whites start to poke out when your baby gets a first tooth, usually between 4 and 7 months old. Some babies are born with a tooth, but this is rare.

Your baby's heart

The four chambers of your baby's heart have formed. If you expect to hear the familiar, steady "lub-dub" sound of a human heartbeat at a prenatal appointment, you're in for a surprise. Many people describe the sound of their baby's heartbeat as similar to the thunder of galloping horses. That's because your baby's heart beats about twice as fast as yours does.

The placenta takes over

Your body is not only growing a new baby, but also a new organ – the placenta, which is attached to your uterus and connected to your baby through the umbilical cord. Your placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones that help your baby grow and develop. By the end of your pregnancy, it will be about 9 inches in diameter and an inch thick, not unlike a large pancake. Some moms choose to eat the placenta after birth, though the benefits of this haven't been proven.

Your baby at 9 weeks

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Your baby is about the size of a grape

length

0.9

inches

head to bottom

weight

0.95

ounces

Pregnancy symptoms during week 9

Food cravings

Having any food cravings yet? The extreme hormonal changes you go through during pregnancy can have a huge impact on taste and smell. Some experts think that cravings for certain foods are linked to a mom-to-be's nutritional needs, but others think that pregnancy cravings can't be explained that easily. If you're having cravings, go ahead and indulge in moderation. But if you start to crave nonfood substances, such as laundry starch, dirt, or clay (a condition called pica), let your provider know.

Food aversions

You may suddenly find that certain foods you used to enjoy now seem completely repulsive. Food aversions may be a side effect of rapidly increasing levels of estrogen in your system. Common food aversions during pregnancy include meat, eggs, dairy products, spicy foods, foods with strong smells, and coffee.

Heightened sense of smell

Many newly pregnant women find they're overwhelmed by gag-inducing smells. A heightened sense of smell is a common side effect of rapidly increasing levels of pregnancy hormones. If cooking smells are making you feel particularly ill, ask your partner or another loved one to make your meals, or get restaurant takeout or ready-to-eat food from the grocery store.

Nausea and vomiting

This is peak morning sickness time. Some experts believe that morning sickness may be the body's way of protecting your baby from toxins in early pregnancy. This theory makes sense because the first trimester – when most women have the strongest morning sickness – is the crucial period of development when all of your baby's organs and physical structures form. Nausea can strike at any time of day or night, not just in the morning, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer. Try these remedies for morning sickness to get some relief.

Heartburn

Even if you've never had heartburn before, you might experience it during pregnancy due to hormonal and physical changes. It's an unpleasant burning sensation between your lower throat and the bottom of your breast bone. If you're suffering from heartburn, avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, mint products, and processed meats. Foods that are fatty, spicy, fried, or highly seasoned may also upset your stomach. Chewing gum after eating can help neutralize your stomach acids.

Constipation

Up to half of pregnant women will have constipation during pregnancy. Keep things moving with plenty of water and high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Some moms swear by adding unprocessed wheat bran or prune juice to their diets. Pregnancy exercise can also ease constipation.

Your body at 9 weeks

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Pregnancy checklist at 9 weeks pregnant

Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby

It's not too early to start bonding. Take some time each day to sit quietly: Focus on the miracle unfolding inside you, and plan for the kind of parent you want to be. Or you may want to journal or write a letter to your baby.

Share your pregnancy with your partner

Though your partner may never understand the visceral realities of pregnancy, they can still participate in special moments and bond with your baby before birth. You can involve your partner in your pregnancy by encouraging them to talk to the baby, reading pregnancy books or looking at pregnancy apps together, and making joint decisions.

Start walking

Walking is a safe activity you can continue throughout pregnancy, and one of the easier ways to start exercising if you haven't previously been active. If you've been walking for exercise, keep it up. If you were fairly inactive before you got pregnant, start with a slow walk and gradually build up to brisk jaunts of 20 to 60 minutes, as long as your healthcare provider has given you the go-ahead. When you're walking, make sure to protect your skin with SPF to avoid melasma, drink plenty of water, and have a high-protein snack 30 minutes before you exercise. If it's hot, stay cool with a hat and a spray bottle filled with water – or walk indoors on a treadmill.

Get vaccinated

The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine are safe and recommended for all pregnant women. Both shots significantly lower your chances of getting a severe infection and being hospitalized. There's also an important benefit to your baby: Antibodies that you develop during pregnancy in response to the flu shot and COVID vaccine are passed to your baby and provide protection after birth. That protection can be crucial because babies younger than 6 months can't be vaccinated against flu (are especially vulnerable to complications from flu) or COVID. Learn which vaccines are safe for pregnancy, and which ones to avoid.

Watch out for household chemicals

Take a closer look at what's inside your cupboards. Some cleaning products, pesticides, paint, solvents, and lead in drinking water from old pipes can be harmful to your pregnancy.

9 weeks pregnant bellies

If the band on your undies is digging uncomfortably into your growing waist, it's probably time to buy some maternity underwear. Many moms-to-be find that their underwear is one of the first things to feel too tight, even early in pregnancy. That's why maternity underwear is so amazing – it rests easily under your bump or has a panel to stretch over your belly for more support. Or, you can always just buy your regular brand of undies a size or two larger. Whatever helps you feel comfortable is important during pregnancy!

This week's video

Kate Marple

Kate Marple is a writer and editor who specializes in health, pregnancy, and parenting content. She's passionate about translating complicated medical information into helpful pregnancy and parenting advice that's easy to understand. She lives in San Francisco with her family.

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8 weeks 10 weeks

18th week of pregnancy - what happens, sensations in the abdomen at the eighteenth week of pregnancy, ultrasound and fetal development

WHAT'S HAPPENING

At this time, the development of the child's brain continues, subcutaneous fat gradually accumulates. By the end of the 18th week of pregnancy, the external and internal genital organs of the fetus will be fully formed, and during the ultrasound you will be able to find out who has settled in your tummy.

The immune system of the crumbs is also improving: by the 18th week of pregnancy, his body begins to produce interferon and immunoglobulins, designed to protect the baby from infections and viruses.

On the fingers of your crumbs, a pattern has appeared that is unique to him. The rudiments of teeth have formed, the child is able to hear, but the development of the organs of vision has not been completed, but by the 18th week of pregnancy, the baby already distinguishes between light and darkness.

YOUR FEELING

By the 18th week, your weight has increased by about 4-5 kg compared to the “pre-pregnancy” state. Appetite has increased, but if all the desires of the body are followed, there may be a risk of rapid weight gain. Therefore, it is extremely important to eat right.

Some women at a period of 17-18 weeks of pregnancy note a deterioration in vision: flashes of light, flickering, clouding of the picture before the eyes, distortion of the outlines of objects, narrowing of the visible area may occur. For any complaints, you must definitely go to an ophthalmologist, since even the most insignificant symptom can be a sign of a serious complication.

At the 18th week of pregnancy, increased production of melanin continues, which is why more and more dark spots appear on the body. Where the skin is especially delicate (in the armpits, on the neck, under the breasts), papillomas often form. After childbirth, some of them will disappear, but some may remain. And expectant mothers at 18 weeks of gestation are often worried about skin rashes (common acne or raised red plaques). As a rule, they do not require treatment and go away on their own.

As your uterus grows, you may feel pressure in your navel. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Also at the 17th - 18th week of pregnancy, many women experience discomfort in the lower abdomen. They are similar in nature to menstrual cramps. If you also notice something similar, do not be alarmed: this is how your body prepares for childbirth.

Considerable discomfort at the 17th - 18th week of pregnancy can be caused by pain in the legs and back, especially after physical exertion and long walking. A special bandage will help reduce pain in the back, and so that your legs are not so tired, wear comfortable shoes with low, stable heels. Also, a traditional problem at this time is constipation. You can solve it by introducing foods containing fiber into the diet.

One of the most common complaints in the 18th week of pregnancy is insomnia, which can be caused by a growing belly that prevents the body from getting into a comfortable position. Try to sleep on your right side, using a special pillow for pregnant women or simply placing a soft roller between your legs.

As a rule, breast tenderness decreases by the 18th week of pregnancy, and colostrum is released from the mammary glands. To prevent it from staining your clothes, purchase special breast pads. In no case should it be squeezed out, because stimulation of the nipples can tone the uterus.

RISK FACTORS

If you have already felt your baby moving at the 18th week of pregnancy, it's time to start listening to his behavior. When your little one is awake, track the number of his movements: normally, the fetus moves from 4 to 8 times in one hour. If you notice an excessive activity of the baby when you are 17 - 18 weeks pregnant, this may be a sign of a lack of oxygen entering through the vessels of the placenta. You must inform the doctor about the increased mobility of the baby: the specialist will determine the reason for such activity of the crumbs and give you appropriate recommendations.

A dangerous phenomenon at the 18th week of pregnancy is dizziness, which usually occurs due to a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Such conditions of the expectant mother require medical supervision, as there is a risk that one day you may lose consciousness and harm yourself and the child.

Like any other period, the 17th - 18th week of pregnancy is a time characterized by the risk of premature birth. If you experience symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

At the 18th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound is usually performed, during which the doctor evaluates the parameters of the growth and weight of the fetus, listens to the heartbeat and determines the sex of the child. At this time, mom must pass urine and blood tests. The first allows you to find out if there are any violations in the work of the kidneys, and the second - to exclude the presence of iron deficiency anemia.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Continue to eat a healthy diet at 18 weeks pregnant. Have a full breakfast, eat a meat dish (beef, rabbit, chicken, turkey) for lunch: protein is needed for the normal development of the fetus. As a light snack, fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, biscuits, unsweetened yogurt without artificial additives are great. To prevent constipation, drink a glass of kefir at night.

17 - 18 weeks of pregnancy - the period when the kidneys work in an enhanced mode, so you have to run to the toilet more often. Empty your bladder on time and avoid stagnation of urine: this will help prevent infection.

If you experience dizziness during a sudden change in body position, do not get up immediately after sleep. First, sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes, and only then you can slowly rise. And if at a period of 18 weeks of pregnancy during the working day you feel tired, try to retire to a secluded place and rest for 10-15 minutes.

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28 weeks pregnant - what's going on, fetal development, belly at 28 weeks pregnant

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Most of the pregnancy is over, but the development and improvement of the baby continues. From this time, subcutaneous fatty tissue (hypoderm) begins to form. It helps the body to keep warm, fat reserves and vitamins A, E, D, K, and also softens blows, indirectly affects the process of hematopoiesis and is involved in the biosynthesis of the hormones estrogen and leptin.

By 28 weeks of pregnancy, the baby has developed its own regime, and you can already observe when he sleeps and when he is awake. During the day, the child usually rests, and in the evening, when the mother wants to lie down, she develops vigorous activity. Also, the activity of your son or daughter may increase after eating or when you are nervous. Be sure to control the movements of the fetus: the optimal indicator is 10 times within an hour. If there are fewer of them (even the smallest movements are taken into account), this is a cause for concern, as is the excessive activity of the child.

YOUR WELL FEELING

At the 28th week of pregnancy, you may still be disturbed by various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: heartburn, constipation, stool disorders, stomach cramps. Proper nutrition and the use of foods rich in fiber will help to cope with discomfort.

Your growing belly makes it uncomfortable to sleep, difficult to walk, and difficult to sit. Starting from 27-28 weeks of pregnancy, wear a support bandage: it will help relieve tension from the spine. Also, for the prevention of back pain, special gymnastics for pregnant women is useful - this is a great way to strengthen muscles. In addition to discomfort in the lower back, sometimes there is pain in the area of the pubic joint. This is a sign of stretching of the ligaments and muscles under the weight of the enlarged uterus.

At the 28th week of pregnancy, the stomach may pull a little. Weak intermittent spasms are a symptom of Braxton-Hicks training contractions. Also at this time, there is a high probability of breathing difficulties, especially when climbing stairs and long walks. This is due to the fact that the uterus supports the diaphragm. After childbirth, shortness of breath and other discomfort will disappear.

By the 27th - 28th week of pregnancy, not only the stomach increases - you can notice how the volume of the hips and buttocks has grown. And there are swelling of the hands and feet. To prevent them, stick to a salt-free diet and drink lingonberry or cranberry fruit drinks: these drinks help to gently remove excess fluid from the body.

RISK FACTORS

At the 28th week of pregnancy, rapid weight gain is highly undesirable, since it may indicate the presence of hidden edema in the body and late toxicosis (gestosis). If you have symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, flickering "flies" before your eyes, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, you may develop preeclampsia.

At this time, there is a danger of placental abruption, as indicated by acute, severe pain in the lower abdomen and the appearance of blood from the genital tract, but in some cases, bleeding is also internal.

Also at the 27th - 28th week of pregnancy, the risk of premature birth remains relevant. Most often they occur in women suffering from gynecological diseases or some diseases of the internal organs. Pregnant women who experience severe late toxicosis also belong to the risk group. At this time, the birth process that has begun cannot be stopped, you need to carefully monitor your condition. In case of premature birth, slight aching pains in the lower abdomen (sometimes radiating to the lower back) may appear, then they become cramp-like and become regular.

Painful sensations do not pass under a warm shower or in a supine position and are accompanied by a waste of amniotic fluid. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance. If the baby is born at 28 weeks of gestation, he has a fairly good chance of surviving. However, this will require special care with the use of special equipment and equipment.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

At the 28th week of pregnancy, standard procedures are carried out: blood pressure is measured, the size of the pelvis, weight and height of the expectant mother are determined. The doctor also listens to the baby's heartbeat and checks how the fetus is located in the abdomen.

As usual, you need to do a complete blood and urine test, take a test for glucose tolerance, take a test for the level of iron in the blood. If a woman has a negative Rh factor, an injection of immunoglobulin can be made at 28 weeks of pregnancy, which helps prevent the development of an Rh conflict between mother and baby, and a blood test for antibody levels is also taken.

Regular medical examinations allow you to timely notice the appearance of abnormalities (late toxicosis, diabetes, edema, the risk of premature birth), as well as see the leakage of amniotic fluid. This phenomenon is rare, but it is very dangerous. Leakage of amniotic fluid at a period of 27-28 weeks of pregnancy is a sign of a violation of the integrity of the fetal bladder, which means that any infection can penetrate the child. In addition, even the smallest "leak" is fraught with a breakthrough of the membranes and premature birth, and if you do not have time with medical help, the consequences can be sad. You can determine the leakage of amniotic fluid yourself if you constantly monitor the amount of vaginal discharge. If you have the slightest suspicion, contact your doctor immediately.

RECOMMENDATIONS

At 28 weeks pregnant, try to move smoothly so as not to lose balance and fall. When preparing for bed, lie on your left side with your knee bent to your chest. This position will be comfortable for both you and your baby.

Nutrition should be balanced and regular. Eat small meals 5 times a day. The daily amount of calories at the 27th - 28th week of pregnancy is no more than 3100, and most of them should be consumed in the morning. And in order to control weight and not overeat, think over the menu in advance. Eating before bed is not recommended, but if you experience a strong feeling of hunger, eat an apple, drink a glass of kefir or warm milk with honey.

Keep in mind that simple carbohydrates add weight, so cut down on sweets, baked goods, potatoes, white rice, and chocolate. The basis of the diet is foods containing complex carbohydrates:

Cereals, all except semolina;
Whole grain pasta;
Low sugar fruits - apples, grapefruits, kiwis, peaches, pears;
Vegetables - all types of cabbage, squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and leeks;
Greens - spinach, lettuce.

At a period of 28 weeks of pregnancy, many expectant mothers feel fear of the upcoming event - the birth of a baby, which is quite normal and natural. And to get rid of anxiety, study information about childbirth. A huge number of women go through this process, and you will succeed too.

In addition to fear, there may be sudden mood swings caused by hormonal changes. To improve your condition, try to get more positive emotions: watch good films, communicate with friends, spend time with relatives, attend concerts, theaters, go to the movies.

To cheer up, you can go shopping - things for the baby or new clothes for pregnant women. It is important that your wardrobe consists of comfortable and spacious things, and the fabrics from which they are sewn are natural. Pants and skirts are better to choose with laces, and not with elastic bands; as for shoes, they should be on a low, stable heel.

If you haven't signed up for future parenting courses yet, it's time to do so at 27-28 weeks pregnant. In the classes you can get useful information about childbirth and tips on caring for your baby.