Week 8: If Only I Had A Brain

Welcome to the end of your second month, Mama! Your body is going through many complicated and miraculous changes. If you haven’t already, make sure you find a qualified healthcare professional to oversee your pregnancy care, someone that you trust and who you can come to with your questions. They will be a helpful and reliable resource in the months to come! This week, you may start to notice some changes happening to the outside of your body. You will see a difference in pigmentation in your perineal area. The vaginal tissue will turn a darker, violet-blue colour as more blood flow increases to that area. Vaginal discharge may also increase, and sex may feel different as the tissue begins to relax and stretch in response to pregnancy hormones increasing. On the inside, your uterus is busy building more layers of muscle. This muscle is essential, as the uterus needs to be strong and coordinated when it comes time for labour. Your uterus also needs to withstand the stretching happening as your baby grows. Your uterus is a beautiful organ, full of strength and power, able to adapt and change, and protective and nurturing. Remind yourself of some of these truths on the hard days, and trust your body!

Your baby is eight weeks old and is well formed, with many of the physical features of the face and extremities visible. Even little fingers and toes are seen on detailed ultrasound. Additionally, your baby’s heart has grown and now looks like a tiny version of your heart. Even more significant is that your baby’s brain is already starting to function in an elementary way. The beginning of messages being sent throughout your little one’s body is truly a miracle. As the weeks progress from here, this activity will become more and more intricate as your baby’s body learns to function more independently.