The Oh Baybee! Podcast

8 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect

• Mommy Learning Academy

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EP 61:
Congratulations, mama! You're 8 weeks pregnant and halfway through the first trimester. But let’s get real—there’s so much more happening than just the usual symptoms everyone talks about. In this episode, I’m diving into the surprising and lesser-known things about being 8 weeks pregnant.

You’ll learn:

  • What’s REALLY going on with your baby’s development this week.
  • Strange pregnancy symptoms no one warns you about (hello, weird dreams!).
  • Evidence-based tips to help you feel your best.
  • How to handle emotional highs and lows like a pro.

If you’re ready to feel empowered, educated, and a little less alone on this journey, hit play now!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more amazing moms like you! 💕

Hey there, mama. Welcome back. If you're eight weeks pregnant, you've officially made it through half of the first trimester. Can we just take a moment to celebrate that? Today, I'm spilling the tea on the unexpected stuff about being eight weeks pregnant. That's right. We're skipping the basics you've heard before and diving into the juicy evidence-based information that no one tells you. Plus I'll share some real talk tips. To help you thrive this week. Sound good. Let's get into it.

Stephanie:

Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founder and CEO of Birth Prep Academy. I'm on a mission to help pregnant moms prepare for their first hospital birth. I'm sharing revealing conversations about what it really takes to successfully transition into motherhood. So join me. Here to discover things like what to expect in childbirth, how to prepare for your birth. We'll also talk about breastfeeding and so much more. I'm so grateful to share it all with you right here on Oh, baby, the podcast created for pregnant moms, preparing for their first hospital birth. Let's get started.

All right, let's talk about your little one. At eight weeks, your baby, isn't just growing. They're literally transforming. Here are some lesser known things happening this week. first up, the tail's gone. Yep. Your baby's tail has officially disappeared. They're starting to look more human and less like a tadpole. Next up brain overload. Your baby's brain is growing at an incredible pace. About 250,000 neurons per minute. That's like building the most complex Lego tower of all time. Bone beginnings this week, cartilage starts to form, which will eventually harden into bones. It's like their internal skeleton blueprint is being drawn up. Taste buds are forming while your baby can't taste anything just yet the buds that'll help them decide if they love carrots or hate peas are starting to develop. Isn't that amazing? Okay. So you've probably heard about morning sickness and fatigue a million times by now. So let's talk about the stuff that people don't warn you about. So first up is weird dreams. Did you know that pregnancy hormones can give you the wildest dreams? In fact studies show that vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams are super common at this stage. Blame it on those surging hormones and your busy subconscious. Also, you have an increased sense of smell. Your nose is basically a superhero right now and it's not always fine. Scientists believed this is a protective mechanism to help you avoid foods and environments that might harm your baby. Pretty cool, but maybe a little annoying when you can smell everything a little too much. Now let's talk about pregnancy rhinitis. About 20% of pregnant women experienced stuffy noses during pregnancy. Even without a cold it's caused by increased blood flow to your nasal passages. So if you're sniffling, you're not alone. Lastly there's gum sensitivity. Your gums might feel sore or bleed easily. This is a real thing and it's called pregnancy Gingervitis and it's due to those hormone shifts. So time to stock up on floss, mama. Let's pivot and talk about what you can do this week to stay healthy and feel your best. Protein is queen your baby's brain is growing like crazy and protein is key to supporting that development. So aim for around 70 grams a day. Think eggs, Greek yogurt, or a handful of peanuts. Vitamin B6 for morning sickness. If nausea is kicking your butt right now, studies show that vitamin B6 can help. Foods like bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes are natural sources. Or you can ask your provider about supplements. Gentle exercise. Research shows that light activity like a 20 minute walk can boost your mood, help with bloating and even improve your sleep. Plus, it's a great way to prepare for labor later on. Now, you know, I can't talk about taking care of yourself without, including something about hydration. So check out this hydration hack, If playing water, isn't cutting it. Add an electrolyte powder or sip on coconut water. Staying hydrated helps reduce fatigue and headaches, which are common around this time. Remember to have a gum health check. Consider switching to a soft bristle toothbrush. And using an alcohol free mouthwash. Keeping your gums healthy during pregnancy. Is super important. Here's something. No one talks about pregnancy. Isn't just physical. It's emotional too. You might be feeling all the feelings right now from excitement to anxiety, to full-blown. What did I get myself into? First take a deep breath. You're not alone in this research shows that early pregnancy is one of the most emotional times because of all of the hormonal changes. And it's totally okay to feel overwhelmed. Remember journaling or talking with a trusted friend can really help. Also, don't forget to lean on your provider. If anything feels off, whether it's physical or emotional, reach out. That's what they're there for. All right, mama. That's your week eight guide packed with all the things you didn't know, you need it. If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up and make sure to hit that subscribe button. So you don't miss next week's video. And Hey, if you're ready to start prepping for the big stuff like birth and breastfeeding, check out. My bump to bundle blueprint is designed to help you feel calm, confident. And completely prepared for everything coming your way. Now leave a comment below. And let me know. What's your biggest surprise at eight weeks pregnant? I can't wait to see your comments. See you next week for week nine.