Canada's Largest & Oldest Cord Blood Bank
Are you finally starting to feel pregnant? Most expectant moms come into terms with their amazing new reality around this time.
This Week’s Highlights
Your baby is officially a fetus
Your baby’s sense of smell is starting to develop
Nausea and fatigue may hit you full on
Your Baby at 8 Weeks
Your baby is the size of a raspberry, measuring about 0.63 inches (1.6 centimetres from head to rump and weighing in at about 0.04 ounces (0.02 grams). The baby is still pretty small, so the growth is hard to estimate at this stage. From now on, he or she will grow about a millimetre a day.
Baby Development at Week 8
Your baby’s tiny tail is starting to disappear, which means that your embryo is now officially a fetus. You may not feel it yet, but your ‘jumping bean’ is starting to move now. These movements include spontaneous twitches in the arms and the limbs.
Your baby’s facial features are becoming more prominent now, nerve cells are making some of the first neural connections, and tiny fingers and toes are starting to take form. This week the taste buds are also beginning to develop, making strides toward tasting that first meal.
At your first prenatal appointment, which usually happens around 8 weeks, your healthcare provider order a few different tests. There will be a blood test to confirm your blood type, hormone levels, red and white blood cell counts. You will also be screened for certain immunities and infectious diseases (e.g. Hep B, HIV).
You will give your inaugural urine sample to look at protein and sugar levels in your urine. Peeing in a cup is routine at every prenatal check up, so you better get used to it.
Pregancy Tip
Start doing squats. Strengthening and toning your thighs will help you during labour. You can incorporate them into your workout or do them during one of your minibreaks.
Your Bump at 8 Weeks
Your baby is still not big enough for the bump to start showing. But with the bloating and increased water retention, you may feel like your belly is showing, a bit. On the other hand, if you’ve been plagued with morning (or all day) sickness, you probably haven’t gained much weight.
How Far Along are You?
8 weeks in, 32 weeks to go! You are a fifth of your way through pregnancy. Even though pregnancy is measured in weeks this means you are in your second month of pregnancy.
How Your Body is Changing
There is a huge increase in your blood volume during pregnancy, with 45% to 50% more blood running through your veins. This increase is necessary for keeping up with the oxygen and nutrient demands made by your baby.
This increase in circulation will make you more prone to varicose veins and hemorrhoids, so you will want to read more about preventing these issues. Changes in blood flow may also result in headaches. Consult your healthcare provider about painkillers that are baby safe.
Why Stem Cell Therapy?
Did you know that clinical trials were initiated to investigate the use of stem cell therapy for treating COVID-19?
At the onset of the pandemic, we wrote about it here: https://www.healthcord.com/clinical-trials-investigate…/
Why stem cell therapy? In April 2020, the FDA approved several treatment options for COVID-19, including the use of mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (found in cord tissue, bone marrow, and other tissue) are early-stage cells that can regenerate a number of different cell types in the body, including cartilage, bone, and fat cells.
Diet and Exercise at Week 8
Your diet and eating habit may change dramatically this trimester because of morning sickness. When possible, incorporate healthy, nutritious food into your diet. It is important that you eat enough to support your body and to sustain the growth of your baby.
Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy. Recommended overall weight gain is around 25 to 35 pounds (11.3-15.8 kilograms), which amounts to about 1 to 2 pounds a week. Remember to stay active with pregnancy friendly activities such as swimming, yoga and walking.
Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 8
Cramping – As your uterus expands to make space for the baby, you may experience cramping. If your cramping is extreme or if you are worried about them, feel free to talk to your healthcare provider.
Fatigue – Exhaustion is one of the most common symptoms associated with this stage of pregnancy. Remember, your body is going through massive changes ensure that your baby grows healthy and strong.
Constipation – Constipation usually affect moms in their second or third months of pregnancy. The same pregnancy hormones that relax your muscles and joints, also relaxes muscles in your digestive tract. This means food is passed along at a slower rate, causing your system to be backed up a bit. Including fibre-rich foods in your diet can help.
Food aversions and cravings – Food aversions and cravings are caused by hormonal changes, changes in your sense of smell and taste and the need to find comfort in food. It is natural to want a very particular flavour of ice cream or a specific brand of spicy noodle at some point during your pregnancy. But, if you feel like eating clay or laundry starch, you will need to contact your healthcare provider as these cravings are indicative of nutritional deficiencies.
Vivid dreams – Strange dreams are a normal part of pregnancy. They may be due to hormones or your fears and anxieties about the upcoming big change.
Morning sickness – About 85% of expectant moms feel some degree of morning sickness. The severity varies from one mom to the next. Most moms-to-be find relief from morning sickness as they head onto their second trimester at 13 weeks.
Invest in Your Baby’s Future by Preserving Newborn Stem Cells
Checklist This Week
Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It contains rare stem cells that have many potential medical applications.
We have put together a fantastic webinar that will introduce you to cord blood and everything you need to know about it.