Week 8 of Pregnancy

👶🏽 Mi Bebé: Little Bean, Big Changes

Your baby is now about the size of a kidney bean, somewhere between 8 to 11 millimeters long. If that doesn't seem like much, let me tell you—this tiny being is busy. The limbs that started as simple buds are now growing into arms and legs, complete with developing elbows and knees. Fingers and toes are appearing too, though they're still webbed, like little underwater dancers learning the choreography of life.

Facial features are becoming more distinct—lips, nostrils, and even the tongue are forming. Deep inside the gums, tooth buds are setting up shop. And while it's still too early to tell your baby's sex visually, the reproductive organs are beginning to develop internally. Your little one's tail, left over from early embryonic development, is almost completely gone—how wild is that?

Even more awe-inspiring: ossification is beginning. That's the process where your baby's cartilage starts turning into real bone. And in their tiny brain, neural pathways are branching out, forming the early wiring that will one day carry their thoughts, feelings, and personality. An ultrasound this week might even detect the rapid flutter of your baby's heartbeat—a steady drumbeat of new life.

🤰🏽 Mi Cuerpo: You're Feeling It, Even If You Don't See It

You might not be showing yet, but by Week 8, you're definitely feeling pregnant. Your breasts may feel swollen and tender, and you're probably making more trips to the bathroom thanks to increased blood flow and fluid levels. If it feels like you're tired all the time, that's because you are—your body is producing higher levels of progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy but also causes that heavy, can't-keep-my-eyes-open fatigue.

And then there's morning sickness, which, let's be honest, should be called "All-The-Time Sickness." Nausea can hit at any hour, triggered by smells, hunger, movement, or nothing at all. About 75% of pregnant women experience this, and while it's rough, it usually starts to ease up by the end of the first trimester. This is your body adjusting to the hormone hCG, which is also a great sign that things are progressing.

Emotionally, this week can feel like a blur of ups and downs. One minute you're daydreaming about baby names, and the next you're crying over a commercial. That's normal. That's human. You're not being dramatic—you're being transformed.

💧 Mi Salud: What to Watch and What to Love

Hydration is key right now. A simple way to check if you're drinking enough water? Take a peek at your urine color—if it's light yellow, you're good. If it's dark, time to grab that water bottle. Dehydration can worsen fatigue and nausea, so keep sipping even if food is a struggle.

Other things to be mindful of:

• Avoid caffeine or reduce it significantly
• Skip cleaning the litter box if you have cats (toxoplasmosis risk)
• Listen to your body's cravings and aversions, even if they don't make sense

Tender breasts, mood swings, and round-the-clock exhaustion aren't signs that something is wrong—they're reminders that your body is working full-time, even in your sleep. If you're ever unsure, remember this: There is no such thing as a silly question for your doctor. Ask. Wonder. Advocate.

😴 No Rest for the Weary: Sleep & Secrecy

Oh, the joy of pregnancy insomnia. You're tired but restless, your bladder is now alarm-clock level sensitive, and your brain won't turn off. If sleep feels like a distant dream, here are some ways to cope:

• Try white noise to soothe your thoughts
• Use pillows to prop yourself up and ease reflux
• Nap during the day, guilt-free
• Don't be afraid to rest—rest is a form of preparation

And then there's the emotional weight of the secret. Maybe you're not ready to share the news yet, but your clothes are starting to tighten. If you need a cover story, try swingy dresses or become the group's new designated driver. Got a bar hang planned? Order a Shirley Temple with confidence—nobody needs to know unless you want them to.

💬 Nosy Questions? Mama, You've Got the Mic

The world can be nosy, especially if you've shared plans to grow your family. Here's how to reclaim your peace:

"When are you giving your parents grandkids?"
👉🏽 "We'll see—might just surprise everyone one day!"

"Are you expecting?"
👉🏽 "Expecting people to mind their business? Yes."

"You're glowing! Are you pregnant?"
👉🏽 "Must be my new skincare routine."

Whether you answer with humor, love, or firm boundaries—know this: you don't owe anyone your truth before you're ready.