Day 58 of 280, first trimester
You are 8 weeks and 2 days
Who will your baby look like? Your baby's unique facial features are starting to take shape this week.
222 days until your due date
If you had an ultrasound scan this week, several of your baby's facial features would be recognizable.
The eyelids fuse and will stay closed until around week 26. The lips have formed and, with the skin around them, will have the highest concentration of nerves. The muscular tongue grows from the floor of the mouth, but the first taste buds won't appear for two weeks.
The hard palate (the roof of the mouth) grows from two "shelves," one on each side beneath the tongue. These lift up to join horizontally, letting the tongue drop down into the mouth, and once they've joined, the nasal septum grows down to meet them.
Tiny tooth buds are in place, which is vital for the jaw to develop properly. One set will form the milk teeth and a separate set the permanent teeth. The milk teeth develop slowly and won't get their hard enamel coating until the sixth month of pregnancy.
The embryo is still very curled up, with its head resting on its chest. Over the next two weeks, as the jaw and neck grow, the head will gradually lift.
Explainer
Around young children
If you're regularly around young children while pregnant, it's even more important to check your immunity to childhood illnesses.
Ask a Doctor
I work at a dry cleaner. Could the chemicals harm my baby?
Research has shown that women who operated dry-cleaning machines had a higher risk of miscarriage. Some organic (carbon-containing) solvents used in these machines can cross the placenta if touched or inhaled, and some are thought to raise the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
Talk to your employer about changing your duties during pregnancy to limit your contact with organic solvents and industrial chemicals.
Good to know
Childhood illnesses
Being immune to common infectious illnesses protects your baby. You may be naturally immune to illnesses such as chickenpox and fifth disease from having them as a child, and you'll almost certainly have been vaccinated against mumps and measles, so your baby is protected from those.
If you're unsure about your immunity or medical history, or think you've been in contact with any of these infections, contact your doctor straight away. They can check and reassure you.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Booking appointmentUsually between 8 and 12 weeks
Read the full 8 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.