week 8 of pregnancy: what's going on inside

overview

during this stage, the pregnancy is called an embryo.

wondering what an embryo looks like at 8 weeks? it is now about the size of an olive.

how the embryo is changing

here are some of the important facts and developments around 8 weeks.

the embryo starts out looking like a tiny seed, and then like a tadpole with a tail.
at 6 weeks of pregnancy, embryos have the beginnings of a brain, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, liver, and other organs. they have tiny bumps where their arms and legs will grow.
by 8 weeks of pregnancy, embryos have webbed fingers and arms that bend at the elbow. their legs and feet will take a little more time to grow. their muscles will soon start working. their heart and brain have divided into their major parts.

related information

credits

current as of: july 10, 2023

author: healthwise staff
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