Can an 8-week-old baby start teething. What are the early signs of teething in young infants. How to soothe a teething 2-month-old baby. Is it normal for babies to begin teething at 8 weeks old. What remedies are safe for very young teething babies.

Is It Possible for an 8-Week-Old Baby to Start Teething?

Many parents wonder if their 8-week-old baby could possibly be teething already. While it may seem early, teething at this age is not unheard of. Some babies can indeed start showing signs of teething as young as 6-8 weeks old, though it’s more common for teething to begin around 4-6 months of age.

Is teething at 8 weeks normal? While not extremely common, it falls within the range of normal teething onset. Every baby develops at their own pace, and some infants are simply early teethers. In rare cases, babies may even be born with teeth already emerged.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Teething in Young Infants

Recognizing the signs of teething in a very young baby can be challenging, as many symptoms overlap with normal infant behavior. However, there are several indicators that your 8-week-old might be starting to teeth:

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Fussiness and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Rubbing face or ears
• Gnawing on hands or objects

Do all teething babies exhibit these symptoms? Not necessarily. Some infants may show only a few signs, while others might display most of them. It’s important to remember that every baby’s teething experience is unique.

Teething and Fever: Is There a Connection?

Many parents associate teething with fever, but the relationship between the two is not as straightforward as commonly believed. Can teething cause fever in an 8-week-old baby? While mild temperature elevation (less than 101°F or 38.3°C) may occur during teething, high fevers are not typically caused by teething alone.

If your 8-week-old has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician, as this could indicate an underlying illness unrelated to teething. Always prioritize your baby’s overall health and seek medical advice when in doubt.

Safe Remedies for Teething 8-Week-Old Babies

When it comes to soothing a teething 8-week-old, gentle and safe remedies are key. Here are some options to consider:

1. Cold teething rings or toys
2. Gentle gum massage with a clean finger
3. Soft, damp washcloth (chilled in the refrigerator)
4. Age-appropriate teething gels (consult your pediatrician first)

Are over-the-counter pain medications safe for 8-week-old teething babies? It’s crucial to consult with your pediatrician before administering any medication to such a young infant. They can provide guidance on appropriate dosages and alternatives if needed.

The Impact of Early Teething on Development

Parents often wonder if early teething at 8 weeks old might affect their baby’s overall development. Does early teething indicate advanced development? Not necessarily. While early teething can be a sign of fast physical development, it doesn’t necessarily correlate with advanced cognitive or motor skills.

Early teethers may experience some temporary discomfort, but this generally doesn’t impact long-term development. Each baby follows their own unique developmental timeline, and early teething is just one aspect of their growth journey.

Caring for Your 8-Week-Old’s Oral Health

Even before teeth emerge, it’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits for your baby. How can you care for your 8-week-old’s gums and emerging teeth?

• Gently wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings
• Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle
• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth appear
• Schedule the first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth emerging

Implementing these practices early on can help set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

When to Consult a Pediatrician About Early Teething

While teething at 8 weeks old can be normal, there are instances when you should seek professional medical advice. When should you consult your pediatrician about your baby’s early teething?

• If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• If teething seems to cause severe discomfort or pain
• If you notice any unusual changes in behavior or eating habits
• If you have concerns about your baby’s oral development

Your pediatrician can provide personalized advice and ensure that your baby’s early teething is progressing normally.

Nutritional Considerations for Teething 8-Week-Olds

Teething can sometimes affect a baby’s eating habits. How can you ensure your teething 8-week-old is getting proper nutrition? At this age, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition. If teething is causing discomfort during feeding, try these strategies:

• Offer smaller, more frequent feedings
• Try different feeding positions
• Use a cooler teething ring before feeding to soothe sore gums
• Consult with a lactation specialist if breastfeeding challenges arise

Remember, maintaining adequate nutrition is crucial for your baby’s growth and development, even during the teething process.

The Role of Genetics in Early Teething

You might wonder if there’s a genetic component to early teething. Can early teething run in families? Research suggests that genetics can indeed play a role in when a baby starts teething. If you or your partner were early teethers, there’s a chance your baby might follow suit.

However, it’s important to note that while genetics can influence teething timelines, environmental factors and individual development also play significant roles. Each baby’s teething journey is unique, regardless of family history.

Common Myths About Early Teething

There are many myths surrounding early teething in babies. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

• Myth: Early teething means advanced intelligence
• Fact: Teething timelines are not indicative of cognitive development
• Myth: Teething always causes severe pain and discomfort
• Fact: Some babies may experience minimal discomfort during teething
• Myth: Amber necklaces can relieve teething pain
• Fact: There’s no scientific evidence supporting this claim, and necklaces pose a choking hazard

It’s crucial to rely on evidence-based information and consult with healthcare professionals for accurate teething advice.

The Importance of Patience and Support

Dealing with a teething 8-week-old can be challenging for parents. How can you maintain your well-being while supporting your teething baby? Remember these key points:

• Practice self-care and seek support from family and friends
• Understand that teething is a temporary phase
• Be patient with your baby and yourself
• Celebrate small victories and milestones

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to provide the comfort and care your teething baby needs.

Long-Term Dental Health Considerations

While focusing on your 8-week-old’s current teething experience, it’s also wise to consider long-term dental health. How can early teething impact future oral health? Here are some points to keep in mind:

• Early teething doesn’t necessarily mean early loss of baby teeth
• Proper oral care from infancy can set the stage for lifelong dental health
• Regular dental check-ups should begin by the first birthday
• Be mindful of habits like thumb-sucking that can affect tooth alignment

By being proactive about your baby’s oral health from the start, you’re investing in their future smile and overall well-being.

Teething and Sleep Patterns

Many parents notice changes in their baby’s sleep patterns during teething. How can teething affect an 8-week-old’s sleep? Teething discomfort may lead to:

• More frequent night wakings
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Shorter naps
• General sleep disruption

To help your teething baby sleep better, consider these strategies:

1. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
2. Offer comfort and soothing techniques before sleep
3. Use white noise or gentle music to create a calming environment
4. Ensure the sleeping area is at a comfortable temperature

Remember, sleep disruptions due to teething are usually temporary. Patience and consistency can help both you and your baby navigate this challenging period.

The Role of Diet in Teething Comfort

While your 8-week-old is still too young for solid foods, diet can play a role in teething comfort for the breastfeeding mother. Can a nursing mother’s diet affect her teething baby? Some believe that certain foods in a mother’s diet might influence breast milk and potentially soothe a teething baby. Consider these dietary suggestions:

• Stay hydrated to maintain milk supply
• Consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin C
• Consider incorporating natural anti-inflammatory foods like ginger or turmeric
• Avoid excessive caffeine, which can make the baby more irritable

Always consult with a healthcare provider or lactation specialist before making significant changes to your diet while breastfeeding.

Preparing Siblings for a Teething Baby

If you have older children, involving them in the care of their teething sibling can be beneficial for everyone. How can you help siblings understand and assist with a teething baby?

• Explain teething in simple terms they can understand
• Involve them in soothing activities, like singing to the baby
• Praise their help and patience during challenging times
• Ensure one-on-one time with each child to prevent feelings of neglect

By including siblings in the teething journey, you’re fostering empathy and strengthening family bonds.

Documenting Your Baby’s Teething Journey

Early teething can be a significant milestone in your baby’s life. How can you document this unique experience? Consider these creative ideas:

• Keep a teething journal noting symptoms and remedies
• Take regular photos of your baby’s changing smile
• Create a scrapbook or digital album dedicated to teething milestones
• Write letters to your baby about this special time

These mementos will be treasured keepsakes as your child grows, offering a glimpse into their earliest developmental stages.

Cultural Perspectives on Early Teething

Teething beliefs and practices can vary widely across cultures. How do different cultures view and handle early teething? Here are some interesting cultural perspectives:

• In some African cultures, early teething is seen as a sign of intelligence
• certain Asian traditions use specific herbs or foods to soothe teething pain
• Some European folklore suggests hanging certain objects around a baby’s neck for teething relief
• Native American cultures often have specific rituals or ceremonies for a baby’s first tooth

While cultural practices can be interesting, always prioritize safe, evidence-based approaches to teething care, and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance.

The Future of Teething Research

As our understanding of infant development grows, so does our knowledge about teething. What might future research reveal about early teething? Some areas of ongoing and potential future research include:

• Genetic markers for early teething
• Advanced pain management techniques for teething infants
• Long-term effects of early teething on dental development
• Connections between teething and overall infant health

Staying informed about the latest research can help parents make the best decisions for their teething babies.

As we conclude our exploration of teething in 8-week-old babies, remember that every child’s journey is unique. While early teething can present challenges, it’s also an exciting milestone in your baby’s development. By staying informed, patient, and attentive to your baby’s needs, you can navigate this phase with confidence and care. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice, and cherish these early moments in your child’s growth.

Teething at 8 weeks!

Anonymous

26/11/2006 at 4:51 pm

Not at all to early to be teething my son started at around 9 weeks old drooling constantly and gums burning… He is now almost 14 months old and has all his teeth including the double ones at the back. Your lo just sounds like he is growing up fast and getting his teeth early. xxxx

Reb71jhg

26/11/2006 at 6:32 pm

I dont think it is too early, Johnathon started teething around 8 weeks too, same things at you LO, red cheeks, dribbling a lot and chewing his hands constantly. Hes got a teething ring, you can get them from mothercare and babies r us (and probably any baby store), the one I got him at 8 weeks had a clip to clip to his sleeve or bib and he learnt quickly to gnaw on it. Also Calgel/bonjela is really good if you rub a bit of that on, calpol works a treat on him too.
The H/V said he is teething but that he might not get an actual tooth for months, although you can see them coming through and definetly feel them.
Ask you H/V or midwfie to have a look if your worried, and good luck with it (I know it is a nightmare!)  😕

sammie c

05/12/2006 at 8:47 pm

my niece had 2 teeth at 10 weeks

Gai31eum

06/12/2006 at 9:31 am

My daughter is the same, except she is premature so she isn’t even meant to be born for another 2 weeks!!!!

Kel91ycy

06/12/2006 at 2:05 pm

everyone uses bonjela io find this runs off gims try using anbesol u get it from boots its a liquid so it soaks into gums and works wonders its to use from any age

Kel91ycy

06/12/2006 at 2:07 pm

runs off gums sorry i cant type today as got a laptop and cant use it as good

Cat28bqv

09/12/2006 at 9:36 pm

Oh dear – happened with my son as well.   Perhaps it is something to do with boys, cos my daughter was fine.   His took an age to come through despite starting so young, and caused havoc!    Have lots of Calgel and teething granules to hand (best thing ever invented for calming fractious sprogs) and don’t worry!   Good luck!

Carole D(24)

24/09/2018 at 7:08 am

Some babies are born with teeth so it’s really not early – we swore by Ambesol

2-month-old baby: Development, Milestones & Growth

Your 2-month-old baby has already grown by leaps and bounds, but is still very much a newborn. Here’s what you can expect this month.

Your baby’s development

At 2 months, your baby may be more engaged with the world and spend less time crying. Your baby isn’t ready for an established schedule just yet. However, they may have settled into a more regular feeding and sleeping pattern.

If your baby isn’t there just yet, don’t worry. The newborn stage means all bets are off, and you’re still very much in survival mode. Your baby may be sleeping and eating at all hours of the day and night, and that’s still to be expected at this stage. Your goal is to get sleep when you can, ensure your baby is growing appropriately, and continue to learn your baby’s eating and sleeping cues so you can help encourage a more consistent baby schedule in the future.

2-month-old milestones

Here are some of the milestones your 2-month-old may reach:

• More coordinated eye movements. This month, your baby’s eye movements become more focused and targeted. For instance, your baby may be able to track an object that moves in front of them, and they might be able to focus more on their favorite view of all – your face!
• Increased head and neck control. Your baby still needs head and neck support, but they’re gaining strength every day. The more tummy time you offer, the better muscle control your baby will have. (Tummy time also helps your baby avoid getting a flat spot on the back of their head.) Tummy time can be done upright too: If you use a baby wrap or baby carrier, it can help strengthen the important neck, back and core muscles your baby needs to develop.
• Mini-pushups. Thanks to all that tummy time, your baby may even start to push up off the floor while lying on their stomach. At this age, some babies can raise their heads and chests by supporting themselves on their forearms, but others won’t do this until they are closer to 4 months old.  
• Hearing. Your baby can definitely recognize your voice and loves to listen to you talk, sing (whether you can do it well or not!), or read. They may even turn their head to try to look at you when they hear your voice. Even though they can’t understand your words yet, your baby is learning to recognize familiar voices. You’ll set the foundation for language learning by talking to your baby – so narrate your day and your activities together.
• Cooing. Don’t expect your baby to start saying words just yet, but by the end of two months, your little one may start to imitate your mouth shapes and sounds with some pretty adorable cooing or similar sounds. Expect to be transfixed by those first sweet little noises.
• Smiling. Prepare for your heart to melt when your baby begins to smile at you sometime this month. There are lots of gummy grins coming your way – consider them rewards for all of your hard work so far.
• Hands to mouth. Around now, your baby may learn to bring their hands to their mouth. And they may start to suck on their fist in a first attempt at self-soothing. (That’s good news for you!)

Milestones for a 2-month-old vary a lot, especially if your baby was born early. It doesn’t mean that something’s wrong if your baby hasn’t met a certain milestone yet, especially at this age. But be sure to attend your baby’s well-child visits and tell your baby’s care provider if you have any concerns about developmental delay.

2-month-old weight and length

By 2 months old, your baby will have gained about 4 to 5 pounds since birth and 1 to 2 inches in length. If you’re wondering how much a 2-month-old should weigh or how big a 2-month-old baby is, you can refer to these averages:

Baby boys

Average weight for a 2-month-old: 12 pounds 6 ounces

Average length for a 2-month-old: 22 3/4 inches

Baby girls

Average weight for a 2-month-old: 11 pounds 4 ounces

Average length for a 2-month-old: 22 1/2 inches

Keep in mind there’s a lot of variations; every baby is different, and it’s important that your little one is following their own growth curve. For instance, a baby who was 5 pounds at birth will have a different growth trajectory than one who weighed 10 pounds.

The most important thing you can do to ensure weight gain is on track is to attend all your baby’s doctor visits. At each visit, the doctor will check their weight, length, and head circumference.

2-month-old feeding

At 2 months old, your baby will still be eating around the clock. After all, they have a lot of growing to do!  

So how much does a 2-month-old baby eat? In general, a breastfed baby will continue to eat about every 3 to 4 hours, although your little one may be able to go longer stretches between feedings, especially if they’re sleeping for longer periods of time.

Keep feeding your baby on demand. That means watching for hunger cues and feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting for your breast, smacking their lips, or sucking on their hands. You can expect to breastfeed anywhere between six and 10 times per 24-hour period, although that can vary from infant to infant and even day to day.

A formula-fed 2-month-old will drink about 4 to 5 ounces of formula every three to four hours. If your baby is drinking breast milk from a bottle or alternating bottles of formula and breast milk, the amount should remain the same.

If you have questions about whether you should wake your baby to feed, it’s a good idea to talk to your baby’s doctor, because it really depends on your individual baby’s growth and any feeding challenges you may be facing. If your baby is struggling to gain weight, or needs extra nutrition for any medical reason, waking to feed may be crucial. For other babies, it may be okay to sleep through a feeding. At 2 months old, many babies can sleep for longer stretches – about 4 to 6 hours – and don’t need to be woken up to eat.

2-month-old sleep

Chances are your baby will be sleeping more at 2 months old, although your little one probably won’t be sleeping through the night just yet. (However, some babies will, so if you’re one of the lucky ones, enjoy it!)

But just how much should a 2-month-old sleep? A lot. Your baby is still in the newborn sleep stage and needs 14 to 17 hours of sleep every 24 hours.

Here are some important things to know about sleep for a 2-month-old:

• Your baby may start settling into more of a regular sleep-wake pattern. That means that they may have more predictable naps, and 1 to 2 hours of awake time between naps.
• Your baby’s sleep might look like this: Two morning naps, two afternoon naps, an evening nap, and broken-up sleep at night. For more details, check out these sample baby schedules.
• Your 2-month-old isn’t ready to try sleep training – you’ll need to wait until your baby is 4 to 6 months old. Your baby hasn’t developed the ability to regulate sleep just yet, and still needs regular feedings throughout the night.

Though it’s too early for sleep training, you can encourage your baby to be a good sleeper:

• Keep naps short – about one to two hours.
• Add as much predictability as possible to your baby’s day, with feedings, outings, and bedtime on a fairly consistent schedule.
• Keep your baby’s days bright and busy and nights dark and quiet so they’ll figure out when it’s time to sleep.
• Put your baby to bed when they’re sleepy but awake, giving them a chance to fall asleep on their own.
• Start a simple bedtime routine for your baby with things like a bath, a feeding, and a lullaby.

Your baby’s health

At 2 months, your baby is due for their next well-baby checkup. Regular doctor visits are important to ensure that your little one is growing well. The 2-month visit is also a chance for you to discuss any concerns you have and address any challenges in your baby’s sleep or feeding. Here’s what you can expect at the 2-month checkup:

• A medical assistant or nurse will take all of your baby’s physical measurements, including weight, length, and head circumference. Those measurements will be plotted on a growth chart to track your baby’s growth over time. Remember, no two babies develop the same way.
• Your baby’s doctor will address any concerns about sleeping, feeding, and behavior, and ask about your baby’s sleeping and eating habits.  
• The doctor will do a complete physical and check your baby from head to toe, including the diaper area.
• The doctor will ensure that you’re following recommended steps to keep your baby healthy, including giving vitamin D drops, encouraging tummy time, and following safe sleep practices.

Your baby will also be eligible for several vaccines at the 2-month visit. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the vaccines with your baby’s doctor. It’s normal to have questions, and a good doctor will help explain the safety and importance of vaccines for your little one. Here are the vaccines your 2-month-old may receive:

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Prevents against pneumococcal infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia, which can occur in children younger than 5.
• DTaP vaccine: A combo vaccination that prevents against three major infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Whooping cough in particular is very contagious, and can be deadly to babies.
• Hib vaccine: Protects against Haemophilus influenza type b, a leading cause of serious conditions, including meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis (severe throat swelling).
• Polio vaccine: Thanks to this vaccine, polio may be very close to being eradicated worldwide.
• Rotavirus vaccine: Prevents the leading cause of diarrhea among babies and children. This one is given by mouth, so no pokes needed.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Protects against Hepatitis B, which can cause liver disease and death. It’s given in a series of three separate shots, so your baby may have already had the first one.

Your 2-month-old baby: Week by week

Want to learn more about what’s happening with your baby this month? Get more details on your 2-month-old’s weekly development:

6 Week old baby TEETHING!!?

    It’s easy to think you’re going a little mad sometimes as a new Mum.. You see, us new Mummy’s we spend a great deal of time worrying, we worry because our babies can’t tell us if something hurts or if something’s uncomfortable. We worry about whether or not they’ve had enough milk, we worry about whether they are too hot or too cold, in fact we worry abut a lot us Mums.

Sometimes we are accused of over-worrying and I’m sure that a lot of the time it’s probably true, we do over-worry but hey that’s just what Mums do!

    I actually did think that that was the case when I spotted a little white stump on Ethans bottom gum the other day.. ‘A tooth?’ I thought, ‘Surely not!’.. but at our six week appointment today the Doc confirmed it – Ethan, my six week old baby is teething! {Which in truth does go someway to explain his persistent grouchiness of late! 🙁 }. 

   I had thought that it was rather rare, but actually it’s a lot more common than I believed for babies to teeth this early, in fact I’ve since found out that some babies are even born with teeth! My own Doctors Son began to teeth at 6 weeks old also, however the tooth didn’t fully come through until around 8 months or so she said. However on inspection of Ethans tooth she believes that this little wayward tooth will be popping out rather soon! Eek!..

   I’m rather proud of myself to be honest, looking after a 6 week old baby mostly by myself, learning the {at times very challenging} ropes of Mummyhood as a brand new Mum on Maternity Leave whilst my Husband is at work in the week, keeping the house, my blog, the cats, my WoW account 😉 and myself all going, oh and not forgetting helping out with my Husbands on-the-side eBay business all whilst my little 6 week old is teething {and being a very grouchy little monkey at times because of it}! Yep, I just blew my own trumpet!.. But hey someones got to. 😉

And to end, here’s a few pics from today of the little teether himself with his Auntie, Uncle and Cousins..

And I’ll even throw in this adorable one of the gorgeous Charlie for extra viewing pleasure 🙂

                                                                                                                         — hashtaglazycat 

  Oh and just before I forget, I actually got round to creating a Facebook page for Bump to Baby last night! {Yup, I got there in the end}. So I’d be so grateful if you could help me out by heading over and giving it a ‘like’ and if you want to leave me a comment with your own blogs facebook page, I’ll be more than happy to return the ‘like’. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/alexbumptobaby

Enjoy your weekend peeps!

xo

https://twitter.com/Alexgladwinx
On Instagram : alexgladwin
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Teething: 4 to 7 Months

​Teething usually starts during these months. The two front teeth (central incisors), either upper or lower, usually appear first, followed by the opposite front teeth. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines or eyeteeth.

The timing of teething: 

There is great variability in the timing of teething. If your child doesn’t show any teeth until later than this age period, don’t worry. The timing may be determined by heredity, and it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong.

How to ease your baby’s discomfort:

Teething occasionally may cause mild irritability, crying, a low-grade temperature (but not over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38. 3 degrees Celsius), excessive drooling, and a desire to chew on something hard. More often, the gums around the new teeth will swell and be tender. Try gently rubbing or massaging the gums with one of your fingers. Teething rings are helpful, too, but they should be made of firm rubber. (The teethers that you freeze tend to get too hard and can cause more harm than good.) Pain relievers and medications that you rub on the gums are not necessary or useful since they wash out of the baby’s mouth within minutes. Some medication you rub on your child’s gums can even be harmful if too much is used and the child swallows an excessive amount. Stay away from teething tablets that contain the plant poison belladonna and gels with benzocaine. Belladonna and benzocaine are marketed to numb your child’s pain, but the FDA has issued warnings against both due to potential side effects.​ If your child seems particularly miserable or has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius), it’s probably not because she’s teething, and you should consult your pediatrician.

How should you clean the new teeth? 

Simply brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush when you first start seeing her teeth. To prevent cavities, never let your baby fall asleep with a bottle, either at nap time or at night. By avoiding this situation, you’ll keep milk from pooling around the teeth and creating a breeding ground for decay.

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Development, Milestones & Care Tips

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Every article that we publish, confirms to stringent guidelines & involves several levels of reviews, both from our Editorial team & Experts. We welcome your suggestions in making this platform more useful for all our users. Write in to us at [email protected]

Last Updated on September 26, 2020

It’s been nearly two months since you gave birth, and you must be having many questions about how fast your baby should be growing, how much he should weigh, and what is expected of him in general. Here is everything you need to know about your 8 week old baby!

8 Week Old Baby Development

Your baby is nearing two months of continuous change and development. By now, you would have understood his moods and behaviour, and have an established routine of feeding, bathing, and playing. Try not to compare yourself and your baby with other moms and their kiddos. Though you may not feel all that confident with what you are doing, your baby is the best judge of how well you’re doing! Babies are fairly content as long as they get plenty to feed, sleep well, and have their diapers changed on time.

Your 8 week old baby’s weight should have increased between 900 grams to 1. 3 kilograms since he was born. He would also have grown about 5 cm, and started showing some volume on the pads of his cheeks, tummy, arms, and legs. An important milestone that your baby should have attained by now is a social smile (meaning that when someone smiles at him, he smiles back), and his neck holding should be better than what it was when he was born. You would also notice that the 8 week old baby growth spurt makes him cluster feed more in the evenings and have some fussy feeding at night.

[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Development]

Eight Week Old Baby Milestones

• Your baby will now start showing curiosity towards things around him. He’ll watch people and moving objects, and express interest towards unfamiliar objects.
• Babies start realising that smiling is fun. You’ll see him smile whenever you cuddle him, or when he hears your voice or sees people he likes.
• He will start favouring some toys over others, and smile when he sees his favourite toy.
• His vision has improved, and can now look at objects that are about 20 cm in front of him.
• He has now become more aware of his arms and legs, so expect a lot of kicking and reaching with the hands. His movements may be a bit jagged at first, but you’ll see that they become more controlled in no time.
• 8 week old teething is very rare, but your baby’s salivary glands are developing fast. So, expect plenty of drooling from now on.

[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Milestones]

Feeding

Your baby would still need at least 6 feeds every 24 hours at 2 months old. At this stage, he will often go through growth spurts, and cluster feed around the evenings to meet his growing demand for nutrition. Cluster feeding can seem concerning to first-time moms if they are exclusively breastfeeding, as they tend to doubt if they have enough milk. A good way to tell if the baby is getting enough is a steady growth rate of 150 to 200 grams a week, and 6 or more pale or wet nappies a day. Also, when your baby has had enough, he will seem happy and alert.

If you are bottle feeding you may find that your little one’s appetite is a little larger, and he’d finish one bottle and look for more. Speak to your doctor about the correct quota of milk for his age and weight. It’s also important not to alter the ratio of formula and water in the mix – feed him as instructed, and throw away the excess.

[Also Read: 2 Month Old Baby Food]

Sleeping

Your 8 week old baby’s sleep will last between 11 to 15 hours a day, unlike the 18-hour total sleep time he had in his first few weeks. Although babies still wake up in the middle of the night at this stage, they should start sleeping in solid chunks of 5-6 hours at a stretch. Some babies sleep more and have a regular sleep routine that is predictable. Other are more alert, and refuse to sleep when their parents try to put them to bed. In general, there is not much control over your 8 week old’s sleep schedule, and you need to tailor your responses to his rhythms.

It’s worthwhile, however, to place babies in their cot at this stage, so they can learn how to fall asleep on their own over the upcoming months. Babies who are always asleep when they go into their cots become dependent on their parents to fall asleep. They would not develop the skills involved in self-settling when they go through lighter phases of sleep and wakefulness.

[Also Read: 2 Month Old Baby Sleep Basics]

Behaviour

At 8 weeks, most of your baby’s movements would still be a little random and flinging. Babies do not yet possess enough control to hold a rattler or a toy, but that milestone is on the horizon. Babies will also start losing their grasp reflex to soon be replaced by a conscious grab and hold. It’s a good idea to frequently talk to your baby even though he can’t understand what you’re saying. You’ll see that he will soon begin to react with smiles and “coos” to what you say. Research shows that baby babble follows the rhythm of speech they hear from their surroundings, and especially from you.

If you have older children, allow them to interact with the baby. Gentle play and loving, positive stimulation will help build the baby’s social skills. You’ll also see that your baby can recognize different faces; he may even stare longer at people who wear glasses.

Crying

It shouldn’t be surprising if you find that your baby is still unsettled and has fits of crying now and then. Crying for long periods of time can be hard on babies, as it might tire them out and get them cranky to the point where they are hard to soothe. Crying can peak around mid-morning or the late afternoons, so anticipate a fit, and ensure the baby is well fed and comfortable as a precaution. Sometimes, parents might see that the baby is unsettled for a few days straight, and can get anxious about the underlying cause. If you suspect that it might be colic, a condition that affects many infants, contact your paediatrician about how to deal with it.

8 Week Old Baby Care Tips

• Babies at this stage still spit up during or after feeding, as they ingest air along with the milk. Ensure that you have lots of receiving blankets on hand to shield yourself!
• Offer your baby a range of objects to look at and feel. It lays down the foundations of his visual and tactile perceptions.
• Supervised floor time every day when your baby is awake will help him strengthen his neck, shoulder and chest muscles.
• Since babies often kick during their sleep, you’d find that the bed covers are usually kicked off. A baby sleeping bag can work well in such cases.
• If you wish to bottle feed your baby henceforth, now is a good time to switch and slowly introduce the feeding bottle teat. Also, have another family member or a caretaker feed the baby often with the bottle.

[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Care]

Tests and Vaccinations

Your baby needs a general check-up at 6 to 8 weeks to check for growth rate, weight gain, and infections. At 8 weeks, your baby will also get the first immunizations appointment to administer vaccinations against harmful germs. It can be daunting during the first time, so take along your partner, a family member, or a friend.

Babies are given their first dose of immunisation of a 5-in-1 vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and Hib virus. They will also get a shot of the first pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against the bacteria that cause meningitis and septicaemia. An oral rotavirus vaccination is also given as drops, to protect against the rotavirus infection that causes diarrhoea and sickness.

Games and Activities

Here are a few simple games that may be considered at this stage:

1. The Swatting Game

Starting from two months, your baby will start swinging at objects within his reach, especially those that are bright and attractive. This can be used to develop his hand-eye coordination, and build strength in his arms. You’ll need a screw in ceiling hook, some string, simple toys that are soft and light, rattlers, and a coat hanger.

Put the hook in the ceiling over your bed or your baby’s cot, and using a strong string, dangle the coat hanger from the ceiling. You can hang a bunch of light and shiny toys on the coat hanger such that they are just within the baby’s reach to swat, but not low enough to grab.

2. Go Fish

There’s nothing like a bright, colourful object to capture your baby’s attention. Taking him to an aquarium to see the fish is a good exercise that builds his vision and a sense of object permanence. All you need is an aquarium in your house or at a friend’s place that has plenty of colourful fish. You can also visit a pet store to see a lot more fish!

[Also Read: 2 Months Old Baby Games and Activities]

When to Consult a Doctor

Consult your paediatrician if:

• You notice that the baby feeds only a little, is having dry nappies, and is in pain. It could be dehydration and constipation. He should be taken to the doctor immediately.
• The baby’s fontanelles (the soft spots on the head) haven’t fused yet, and continue to remain soft for a while. They may bulge slightly when the baby is crying, or appear sunken when dehydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time.

Congratulations – you’ve made it through your baby’s fussy phase! There are more exciting times on the horizon!

Previous Week: 7 Weeks Old Baby

Next Week: 9 Weeks Old Baby

Growth & Development: 2 Weeks

The first two weeks with a new baby requires a lot of adjustments and can be physically exhausting for new parents.  Be sure to conserve your energy and rest when your baby sleeps.  Let go of less important tasks at this time and accept help from family or friends.  By 2 weeks your baby should have regained any initial weight lost.

Development

Two-week-old babies can:

• Be expected to sleep a large portion of the day – about 16 – 20 hours.
• Raise their heads slightly. When your baby is awake, give him or her supervised time on his or her tummy so he or she can develop upper body muscles.
• Focus and begin to make eye contact with you.
• Blink in reaction to bright light.
• Respond to sound and recognize your voice, so be sure and talk to your baby often.

Diet & Feeding

For proper growth and development, breast milk or formula is all your baby needs for the first 4 – 6 months of life. Breast milk is the preferred form of nutrition for infants. However, not all moms are comfortable with this method of feeding or are able to breastfeed. For these babies, formula is an excellent source of nutrition.

Giving solid food, juices or homogenized milk too early can lead to problems including anemia or even obesity. Contrary to popular belief, cereal in the bottle will not make a baby sleep through the night. Most babies will sleep through the night once they weigh between 13 and 15 pounds and are around 4 – 5 months of age.

Amount

About 6 – 8 feedings every 24 hours for formula-fed babies is the norm; more frequent feedings are required for breast-fed babies (usually 8 – 12 within a 24 hour period). Your breast-fed baby will likely nurse 10 – 20 minutes on each breast every 1½ – 3 hours. Average amounts of formula are as follows:

For now, a flexible feeding schedule is best. Remember, these are just guidelines. Your baby is able to regulate his or her own intake to meet day-to-day needs.

Tap water is appropriate to make up baby formula. It does not need to be boiled, if your home is on city water. If you have well water, contact your local health department to ensure safety and fluoride content. Boiling of well water is recommended up to six months of age.

Offering plain tap water to your baby is not necessary since breast milk and formula are over 95 percent water.

Baby formula WITH iron is recommended. With this, no additional vitamins or iron are necessary.

Breastfeeding mothers should continue to take their prenatal vitamins and drink 8 ounces of water, juice or milk per feeding.

Although newborns can normally lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight during the first week of life, they should be back to their birth weight by two weeks of age. Then, over the next few weeks, they generally gain about an ounce per day.

Babies should not be placed flat on their backs while being fed. Hold your baby slightly upright so your baby can see your face. Propping the bottle or laying your baby flat can lead to choking or an increased chance of ear infections. A baby who awakens at night for feedings should be fed and returned promptly to his or her own bed. Do not encourage play during nighttime feedings. Many infants spit up often. If your baby tends to do this, keep his or her head elevated 30 – 45 minutes after each feeding.

Crying & Sleeping

Many infants will average two to three hours of crying per day. This is considered normal. This usually starts after two to three weeks of age, peaks by six weeks of age, and then resolves by two to four months of age.

If your newborn cries, you should pick up your baby. You will not spoil him or her at this age. During the night try and allow your baby to learn to fall asleep on his or her own, after you have ensured that he or she is not hungry, wet or uncomfortable. If you feel that your baby’s crying is excessive, please talk with your doctor.

Babies need to sleep in their own beds. You should also try to put your baby down when he or she is drowsy, but not quite asleep so they can learn from an early age to fall asleep on his or her own. This will help babies avoid having sleeping problems when they are older. However, getting a newborn or young infant to sleep may be challenging. They do require a lot of swaddling and closeness as they transition to the outside world. Biologically, because of their immature sleep cycle, they also tend to be light sleepers. Sleep difficulties should begin to improve after six weeks of age. During these first few months, your baby’s sleep- wake cycle may be confusing and trying. Try to nap when your baby does.

Bowels

Stools should be soft, and range from liquid to pasty. With breastfeeding, a baby’s stools are usually looser than with formula feeding. Seed-like particles in stools are normal. Babies may have small stools after every feeding or might only have one large stool every three to four days. Straining, grunting, and turning red in the face during stooling does not signify constipation as long as the stools are soft. Constipation is defined as hard and infrequent stools. Please talk with your doctor if your baby is having hard, infrequent stools or is not feeding properly.

Bathing

At first, your baby may or may not enjoy bath time. Pay special attention to your baby’s genitals. Do not force back the foreskin on uncircumcised boys; the foreskin will gradually go back within a few years. Little girls should be wiped from front to back rather than from back to front. Gently spread the outer labia apart to cleanse out stool and secretions.

Medications & Vitamins

Do not give your baby any over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol®, fever drops, ibuprofen, or cough and cold medications. These can be harmful at this age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all exclusively breast-fed children receive vitamin D 400 IU per day. Infants who are breast fed should receive supplemental vitamins, such as Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol®, D-Vi-Sol® or Tri-Vi-Sol (1mL per day) m, by two weeks of age. Formula-fed infants do not need any additional vitamin D.

Safety

Suffocation & SIDS Prevention

• Your infant should only sleep on his or her back in the crib, bassinet or cradle.
• Do not let your baby sleep on a pillow, plush blankets, couch or sofa, your bed or waterbed to reduce the risk for SIDS.
• Crib slats should be no farther apart than 2 3/8 inches. There should not be a gap between the mattress and the crib where arms and legs could get caught. Pick a safe location for the crib in the same room where you sleep, preferably away from any heaters.
• Recent research on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) states that the use of pacifiers may reduce the likelihood of SIDS. Do not tie the pacifier on a string around your baby’s neck or use a pacifier holder during sleep.
• Research shows the risk of SIDS has been reduced when the infant sleeps in the same room as a caregiver, but in his or her own bed.
• Learn infant/child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves management of choking.

Burns

• Never carry your baby and hot liquids or foods at the same time.
• Do not warm your baby’s bottle in a microwave oven. Uneven heating can cause scalding of your baby’s mouth. Formula can be given at room temperature.
• Set your water heater temperature to no more than 120° F to avoid scalding accidents.
• Always check the baby’s bath water before placing your baby in the tub.
• Have a working smoke detector in your home. Change the batteries roughly two times a year.
• Remember most house fires are caused by improperly extinguished cigarettes so do not allow smoking in your home.

Car Injuries

ALWAYS use an approved infant car seat while traveling in an automobile. The safest place for your child is the backseat until 13 years of age. Car safety experts now recommend keeping children rear facing until they are two years of age. It is okay if their legs are bunched up. It is still the safest way to transport young children. Make certain that your baby’s car safety seat is installed correctly. Read and follow the instructions that come with the car seat and in the owner’s manual of your car. Strongly consider having the installation inspected by local experts.

Drowning

NEVER leave your baby unattended in a bath, even for a second. Children can drown in two inches of water.

Falls

Always strap your baby in when using the car seat as a carrier. Babies can stretch their legs and may roll from the carrier. Be aware that although two week olds do not usually roll, they can wiggle. Do not leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed or sofa. If your child has a serious fall or does not act normally after a fall, call your doctor.

Healthy Habits

All household members and direct caregivers of your baby should receive a flu vaccine each October. All children older than six months should receive an annual flu vaccine. Children under nine years of age need a booster shot four weeks after their very first flu vaccine.

• Do not allow smoking in your house or car. Tobacco smoke in a baby’s environment is linked to more frequent ear and respiratory infections and even to SIDS.
• Do not give honey to an infant less than 12 months of age. Honey contains a toxin, which a baby’s digestive tract may not be able to inactivate.
• Since babies, during the first two months of life, do not fight off infection as well, keep your baby away from people with colds, the flu or other contagious illnesses. This could mean not taking your baby out much, especially during the first four to eight weeks of life, unless absolutely necessary.
• Practice good hand washing.
• Breastfeed for up to 12 months of age, if possible.

Next Visit

Your child’s next appointment is at one to two months of age. The vaccine series will begin at two months of age. Please call us if you have any concerns about your child before then.

8 Week Old Baby Development – Child Development Stages

How will your 8-week-old baby sleep?

Your baby can broadly tell the difference between day and night now so they’ll naturally be starting to sleep more at night than in the daytime; they may also be starting to sleep for longer stretches at night before waking up for a feed. Every baby is different but on average your little one needs about 14 to 17 hours sleep a day including three or more hours of daytime naps. 

Some infants wake at night just once for a feed at this age while others will need to feed twice or three times during the night. It’s just the luck of the draw – about half of mums have an 8 week-old that already sleeps uninterrupted for five hours or more at night, but the other half are still being woken up several times a night. Remember that night-waking is normal and healthy during early infancy – hang in there as things will improve soon.

Your 8-week-old baby and food

All your baby needs is milk for their first six months and ideally that should be breastmilk. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding your little one should have a daily vitamin D supplement (8.5 to 10 micrograms).

The average8-week-old baby drinks about 720ml to 960ml of milk a day spread over six to nine feeds.

Physical developments to expect from your 8-week-old baby

Your GP will give your baby a full physical examination at 6 to 8 weeks which includes checking their eyes, heart, hips and testicles (for boys). Then at 8 weeks it’ll be time for your baby’s first scheduled vaccinations – these are important to protect your child against pneumococcus, rotavirus, meningitis B, diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenza b), polio, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). 

Movement and head control

During tummy time your little one will probably be able to hold their held up at a 45 degree angle and is beginning to try to push themselves up (as if they’re attempting to do a miniature press-up!). They’ll also have better control over their arms and legs and will be able to wriggle, wave and kick more smoothly.

Your baby will be starting to lose their ‘grasp reflex’ by now, so they won’t always grip your finger or an object instinctively but instead will start to grasp and unclasp objects more purposefully.

Sight, hearing and awareness

Your baby pays close attention to people’s faces and may also be able to recognise people and brightly coloured objects further away. Whenever you’re near they will try to look at you and they can also tell what direction a sound is coming from.

Social, emotional and communication

You can tell by now that your baby’s crying sounds different depending on whether they are hungry, tired, bored, emotional, uncomfortable or in pain. Generally the amount of crying should be starting to lessen too, as your little one gets better at expressing themselves. On average a 8-week-old may cry for as little as 40 minutes a day or as much as 4 hours a day. They’ll also be able to vocalise in other ways like cooing, gurgling and humming. Crying, cooing and making other sounds are vital for language development as your baby is learning how to control their lungs, vocal chords and muscles used in speech.

Have you noticed your baby sometimes sucks on their hand? This is your little one learning how to calm themselves briefly and is another reason why they might not feel the need to cry so often these days.

You’ll also be aware that your baby can let loose a well-formed smile on people now.

Your baby’s milestones at 8 weeks old…

What activities and games will help my 8-week-old baby develop?

• Smile and act excited when your little one makes sounds; copy their sounds sometimes but also use clear language so they can start to learn words
• Talk, read and sing and look at pictures together
• Play peek-a-boo
• Daily tummy time
• Encourage your 2-month-old to reach for toys
• Let your baby look at herself in a baby-safe (i.e. non-glass) mirror.

AT A GLANCE: YOUR BABY AT 8 WEEKS

The key milestones for your 8-weeks-old baby are: 

• Holds their head up when lying on their tummy

• Turns head towards sounds and to look at you

• Smiles and pays close attention to faces

• Follows an object with eyes

They will probably also…

Find out what to expect from your baby at month 3

90,000 8 weeks pregnant: fetal development | Pampers RU

Eighth week of pregnancy: how the baby develops

This week, the baby has fingers and can now bend the arms at the elbows and wrists.

Pigmentation of the iris appears, the genitals are formed, although at this stage it is still impossible to determine whether you will have a boy or a girl. But if curiosity haunts you, try to guess the gender of the baby using our test.

Not only external features change, but also internal organs.The intestine is being formed, which is still located in the umbilical cord, because there is still not enough space in the baby’s abdominal cavity. Even at this early stage of its development, the intestine performs its function, removing the waste products of the fetus from the body.

In a month, when the baby’s stomach becomes more spacious, the intestines will be in the abdominal cavity.

The size of the embryo in the eighth week of pregnancy

The baby has already come a long way, and very soon the growth rate will increase. This week it is about the size of a raspberry – 14-20 mm from crown to tailbone.What the embryo might look like at the eighth week:

What happens to the mother’s body at the eighth week of pregnancy

By the eighth week, the typical symptoms of pregnancy become pronounced. Perhaps right now you will notice that it is getting cramped in your usual clothes, but now for the first time you can hear how the baby’s heart is pounding. Agree, a pleasant compensation for not the most pleasant sensations.

Perhaps you start to wonder when the belly starts to grow during pregnancy.Each expectant mother and each pregnancy is unique, so the moment when the belly begins to grow will be different for each woman and for each pregnancy.

Some expectant mothers notice that the usual jeans begin to squeeze slightly somewhere around the 13th week of pregnancy.

If this is not your first pregnancy, you may be interested to know what are the differences in symptoms typical of first and second pregnancies.

Eighth week of pregnancy: pregnancy symptoms

Here are some of the symptoms you may experience during the eighth week of pregnancy:

• Nausea. Now you are most likely suffering from bouts of nausea and even vomiting. Fortunately, the symptoms of nausea in pregnant women usually subside in the second trimester, and there is less and less time before it. In the meantime, follow these tips: Eat a few bland crackers right after waking up, before getting up, and try to break your meals into five to six meals in small portions.

• Food and olfactory aversions. Now you find some tastes and smells disgusting that you didn’t worry about before.The rise in hormone levels sharpens your sense of smell and makes your stomach feel like you’re climbing down a roller coaster.

• Diarrhea. Digestion is becoming much more sensitive than before. Make sure your food is healthy and complete, and be sure to drink plenty of water. If an attack of diarrhea lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, be sure to see a doctor. Do not take any medications for diarrhea or any medication without your doctor’s approval.

• Frequent urination. Yes, you still have to go to the toilet more often than you would like. These manifestations will appear throughout the entire period of pregnancy, because as the child grows, the uterus expands and presses on the bladder.

• Slight pulling pains in the lower abdomen. The reason for this may be an increase in the size of the uterus. If the pain is severe, see your doctor to rule out complications.

• Back pain. By the eighth week of pregnancy, back pain, especially in the lower back, may appear. The fact is that the uterus increases in size and the body is forced to redistribute weight, and therefore the load on the back muscles increases. It can also be due to a shift in the center of gravity of the body and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments under the influence of pregnancy hormones.

• Slight spotting. Mild spotting (a few drops of blood at a time) may be normal.But if the discharge is profuse, or something worries you in your condition, immediately consult a doctor.

• Fatigue. Increased fatigue is due to an increase in progesterone levels. If there is an opportunity to take a nap, do not hesitate to take advantage of it. Listen to your body and do not overuse it.

• Sleep problems . Due to hormonal changes, discomfort and frequent trips to the toilet, pregnant women often experience sleep disturbances.If you can’t sleep, listen to relaxing music or read a book. You can also drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed, take a shower or a bath. You can also lie on your left side – this way the blood circulates better. Place a pillow between your knees to make it more comfortable.

Eighth week of pregnancy: what to look for

• Top up your wardrobe with loose, stretchy clothing that will keep you comfortable as your belly grows. Perhaps, just at this stage, you feel cramped in the usual things.From now on, it is also recommended not to wear tight trousers or jeans that press on the stomach. It is also worth choosing a special bra for yourself during pregnancy, because the breasts will continue to grow.

• Sports are a great way to take care of your body. If you were active before pregnancy, in most cases you can continue your favorite activities during pregnancy (but you should still consult with your doctor).

• It is very important to receive qualified advice.Now you definitely need to visit a gynecologist, so if you have not yet decided who will lead your pregnancy and where the birth will take place, it’s time to make a decision. Whichever route you choose, it is important that you get along with your doctor and share his approach to managing your pregnancy.

• Is it worth sharing important news? There is no consensus on when to tell others that you are pregnant. Some immediately report to close friends and family. Others prefer to wait until the end of the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage decreases.

• If you have a little free time this week, read the article on Which Pregnancy Symptoms Should Not Be Overlooked. Knowing the symptoms of possible complications of pregnancy, you can more confidently be able to recognize which manifestations are considered normal and which require the attention of a doctor. If you have any doubts or something worries you about your well-being, always consult a doctor.

• Of course you don’t know yet if you are expecting a boy or a girl, but that doesn’t stop you from thinking about names for your baby.Start making a list of names. You can even add it to your pregnancy album if you maintain it. So, in the future, your baby will learn about all the options. You can add names to the list throughout your pregnancy. You still have a lot of time left.

• Try meeting other families who are preparing to become parents around the same time as you. There may be support groups in your area or there are parenting groups online. Other parents can share helpful information, support, and advice.

Eighth week of pregnancy: what to discuss with your doctor

Typically, in the first trimester, you will need to see your gynecologist once a month. At the end of the first trimester and until the very birth, you will need to go to appointments more often. Seeing your gynecologist is a great opportunity to ask questions and share concerns.

• How can you improve your sleep quality?

• Is it normal to have brighter dreams during pregnancy?

• Is it possible to travel during pregnancy and when is it better to do it?

• When and how can I contact my doctor between appointments?

• What examinations are recommended and for how long are they prescribed?

Eighth week of pregnancy: reminder

• Choose the specialist who will manage your pregnancy.It is important that you like him and inspire your trust.

• Ask your doctor for the next appointment. We advise you to download a guide for pregnant women – in it you will find a calendar of appointments.

• Discuss with your partner how and when you will tell family and friends that you are expecting a baby.

• Make an appointment with the dentist. Your dentist will advise you on how to care for your teeth and gums during pregnancy.

• Schedule a break this week! If possible, set aside half a day for your favorite activity. Make it a habit. Spend a few hours each week doing what you love.

• Subscribe to the weekly newsletter with tips for expectant mothers:

5-8 weeks pregnant

Baby’s fifth week

The fifth week of embryo development is significant with the isolation of the body of the unborn child and extraembryonic auxiliary structures – the yolk sac, amniotic bladder, chorion.The process of active formation of organs and tissues continues. At this time, the emergence of all the main systems of the future organism is taking place.

In the fifth week, the embryo size is 1.2-1.5 mm. It is possible to see the front pole – the place of the future head, as well as the back pole – the place of the future legs. The body is formed according to the law of symmetry – along the chord is laid, which is the axis of symmetry. It is around it that the laying of future symmetrical internal organs takes place. In the future, some of them will be formed by the fusion of primordia (liver, heart), and some will remain double (lungs, kidneys, etc.)).

The embryo in this period is in a bent state and looks like the letter C. By the end of the fifth week, the heart begins to pulsate, which has already been formed. The formation of the pancreas, liver, lungs, thyroid gland, trachea and larynx begins from the middle germ layer (mesoderm).

On the fifth allotment, the formation of the central nervous system also begins. The cells, which were previously located flat, begin to roll up like a tube, i.e.the formation of a neural tube occurs. The viability of the embryo is highly dependent on the complete closure of the tube, so the fifth week is of the utmost importance. Folic acid is capable of contributing to the quality of tube closure. Therefore, when planning pregnancy, experts recommend taking drugs containing this substance. Folic acid is also needed throughout the first trimester, but its role is especially important during 5-7 weeks. There are bulges along the tube, from which the formation of the parts of the brain will occur.

The processes along the neural tube are called somites and represent future muscles.

Also, the fifth week is characterized by the beginning of the formation of germ cells in the embryo – this is another important moment in his life. In future people, at the stage of early development, the rudiments of eggs and spermatozoa are already laid.

Expectant mother in the fifth week

The period of five weeks is quite early, so if changes occur in the female body, they are insignificant.At this time, the delay in the cycle is one week, which not every woman pays attention to. If she is aware of her position, thoughtfulness, serenity, or, conversely, high activity may appear.

From the fifth week, the appearance of intolerance to odors and nausea is likely. Most women are prone to early toxicosis, which manifests itself in the form of vomiting, which usually occurs in the morning. Toxicosis can be mild or severe. The second is accompanied by incessant vomiting.Women faced with a severe form of toxicosis are hospitalized.

A feeling of heaviness in the chest or slight pain on pressure is also a sign of early pregnancy.

Baby’s sixth week

During the sixth week, the embryo grows from approximately 3 mm to 6-7 mm. At this time, the shape of the embryo is cylindrical and resembles to a certain extent a fish embryo. The rudiments of arms and legs appear along the body, which in the sixth week have the form of processes.The handles are formed faster than the lower extremities; by the end of the sixth week, the rudiments of the hands are formed. The legs are currently not yet formed and remain in the primordial stage. At this time, complete closure of the tube should occur, and the rudiments of the hemispheres are formed from the cerebral vesicles.

The heart at this stage is characterized by intensive development and active pulsation. Inside this organ, division into chambers and compartments occurs, ventricles and atria arise. If you use highly sensitive ultrasound equipment, the heartbeat of the embryo can already be detected.At this stage, the heart commits 100-160 beats per minute.

Also in the sixth week, the formation of the digestive tube occurs, which ends with the formation of the large and small intestines, the stomach.

The development of the gonads continues, the ureters are formed. An important process at this stage is the formation of chorionic villi, that is, the laying of the future placenta. The sixth week is marked by an active stage of vascular growth and “training” of the placenta. Of course, as a separate organ, the placenta has not yet formed and does not perform its functions, but the first trial steps are already being taken – there is an exchange of blood between the mother and the embryo, such an exchange is a precursor of future blood circulation.

Sixth week for a mother-to-be

If the cycle is delayed by two weeks, which corresponds to the sixth obstetric week, a woman may have increased manifestations of toxicosis. Often, nausea begins to lead to vomiting. If this happens more than two to three times a day, you need to see a specialist. In the chest, the permeability of the vessels changes due to changes in the hormonal background. Therefore, a periodic tingling sensation can join the feeling of fullness of the glands.

A woman in the sixth week is often accompanied by irritability, drowsiness, fatigue and weakness.All of these symptoms are a consequence of the influence of hormonal levels, which are trying to create the best conditions for the development of the child. Experts note that the severity of the course of toxicosis directly depends on the emotional state of the woman. Therefore, the expectant mother should limit physical activity, avoid stressful situations, provide positive emotions and a good mood.

Women may develop new tastes. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to ensure the comfort of the expectant mother, but one should not forget about common sense when choosing a diet.Even if it leads to harmful products, they should not be consumed, of course, smoking and alcohol are contraindicated. It is undesirable to use smoked meats and any products containing chemical elements. The more correct the diet is, the more benefits it can bring to the unborn baby.

Special attention should be paid to the water balance. Dehydration of the body can only aggravate toxicosis, so it is important to monitor the amount of fluid you consume. Sometimes fruits, water and juices even become the only possible food for a woman.

The seventh week for the baby

At this age, the embryo reaches a length of 8-11 mm, its weight at the seventh week is less than a gram. The head is half the size of the body, while the shape of the body is arched. You can see in the lower part of the pelvic end an extension of the tailbone, which looks like a tail.

In the seventh week, the formation of the embryo occurs quite intensively. On the hands, you can already see the interdigital spaces, but there is no division into individual fingers yet.The embryo begins to develop a face, on which a nasal fossa appears. In this place, a spout forms a little later. Also in the seventh week, the initial development of the auricles occurs. They begin to form from two elevations on the head, both jaws form.

The seventh week is characterized by such an important event as the formation of the circulatory system of the female body and the fetus, as well as the umbilical cord. Uteroplacental blood flow occurs. From now on, tissue respiration and nutrition of the fetus occur through the mother’s blood.The unborn child falls under the protection of the mother’s body. The future placenta (chorion) not only nourishes the embryo, but also acts as a protective filter, preventing harmful microorganisms and toxins that can significantly harm the embryo.

Seventh week for a mother-to-be

From the seventh week, a woman begins to grow uterus, this can be determined by a specialist during a gynecological examination. At this stage, many expectant mothers have an increase in the abdomen, which is one of the main signs of pregnancy.The growth of the uterus and the size of the embryo cannot cause an increase in the abdomen. This is due to the action of progesterone, which leads to lethargy of the intestinal loops, as well as a decrease in the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Bloating occurs, which is the cause of visible changes in the abdomen.

Increased urination is a consequence of the fact that the total blood volume in the female body increases. Such a change will accompany the expectant mother throughout the pregnancy and will be especially evident in the last trimester.If pain occurs when urinating, then there is a reason for a visit to the doctor, since this is not considered the norm. Changes in the work of the intestines are possible, constipation and diarrhea can occur with the same probability. The reasons may be a change in the usual diet or hormonal background. Since regular daily stool ensures the timely removal of toxins from the body of the expectant mother, it must be carefully monitored. If you have problems with bowel movements, you should consult a specialist.

Eighth week baby

The embryo by the beginning of the eighth week has a length of 15-20 mm, and by its end – 40 mm. The embryo weighs five grams. After the eighth week, the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. After eight weeks, experts no longer use the term embryo, the unborn child is called the fetus until it is born. The main features of the eighth week are the intensive development and modification of the embryo. The body is straightened, and it is more and more divided into segments – limbs, head and trunk.

At this stage, the nervous system is actively developing. Also, at the eighth week, the brain is divided into sections, the hemispheres are outlined more clearly, gyrus are formed.

The face of the unborn child becomes more prominent, ears, nostrils and eyes are formed. By the end of the eighth week, the upper lip is fully connected, and the face looks quite distinctly formed.

The process of ossification of the skull, arms and legs belongs to the features of this period. Bones harden.The fingers are formed, and the large one becomes detached and opposed to the palm. Large joints (elbow and knee) are formed.

The structures of the brain, which are responsible for muscle tone, and the muscular system itself are also actively formed. This enables the embryo to perform a variety of movements. The development of the digestive tract is practically completed by the end of this week. The intestines and stomach are supplied with nerve endings, which in the future will be able to provide the motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract, the cavities of the kidneys, heart, bladder and ureters are formed.

The vascular system develops in the future placenta. Chorionic villi are deeply embedded in the wall of the uterus. The uteroplacental circulation becomes complete. A comprehensive supply of the growing fetus is provided by the vessels of the umbilical cord, through which it receives blood enriched with oxygen and various nutrients. Also, through these vessels, metabolic products and carbon dioxide are removed.

Eighth week for a mother-to-be

For a woman’s body, the eighth week does not bring significant changes.All manifestations of toxicosis do not change their character, but they are already much easier to tolerate. This is due to the fact that by this time pregnant women get used to their condition and find factors that facilitate it and create comfort. It can be certain foods, good sleep, one or another diet, walks, etc.

In this material, the gestational age is indicated as obstetric, that is, it is calculated from the first day of the menstruation prior to pregnancy.

90,000 A little child has a pain.What should I do?

In the first thousand days of life, a child needs special attention and care. The baby is born weighing 2.5-5 kg, without teeth and knee caps, with soft bones and a fontanelle in the skull. By the age of one year, his weight increases 2-3 times, the first teeth appear, the “fontanelle” grows over, vision and hearing become practically like in an adult, he begins to move independently, pronounce the first meaningful sounds and show emotions.

By the age of two, the height increases by 2 times and is half of its “adult” height (for example, if at birth the height was 53 cm, at 2 years old – 90 cm, and at 25 years old it will be 180 cm).From two to three years old, the baby develops knee caps, and he learns to run, milk teeth grow, and the intestines begin to digest solid food. Increases motor skills, reaction and learning.

Moms know that diseases of the early period are different from diseases of adults, and even from diseases of older children. And many diseases do not need treatment at all – this is one of the manifestations of a growing organism.

You can read more about the diseases of infants here:
A child under one year old: what to be afraid of and what not to pay attention to

Until a certain period, a small person cannot explain what and how he hurts, so mothers need to learn to determine it on their own or contact a pediatrician.At the first meeting of the Healthy Journalist Club in 2018, organized by SANTO, pediatricians talked about what to look for and how to cure simple childhood diseases. Neuropathologist, director of the Department of Pediatricians Healthcity clinic (MBA) Konstantin Pushkarev and pediatrician, doctor of medical sciences, professor of the department of KazNMU named after SD Asfendiyarova Saule Sarsenbayeva shared knowledge, experience and gave examples from their practice.

Saule Sarsenbayeva and Konstantin Pushkarev

Why does the child have a fever?

A rise in temperature usually occurs with infectious diseases.The body fights pathogens, an antiviral substance – interferon – enters the bloodstream. In the blood, metabolism and bactericidal activity are increased in order to more effectively fight bacteria and viruses. Therefore, doctors do not recommend medication to lower the temperature on the first day or lower it if it is not too high. But a baby is not a miniature copy of an adult. Many processes are arranged differently, including heat transfer.

“Young children have problems with heat exchange – they quickly get hypothermic and just as quickly overheat.If there are usually no questions with the cold – any mother first of all tries to warm her child, then in the second case a problem arises – we are used to wrapping up children. And they cannot be wrapped up even in cold weather. Many inflammatory processes spread quickly, “Saule Sarsenbayeva said.

In babies, symptoms of intoxication are more pronounced – at high temperatures they become lethargic, inactive, they feel nauseous. Loss of micro- and macroelements, dehydration occurs quickly.If the temperature rises, parents need to water their babies more. On the other hand, babies have an advantage – they recover much faster than adults.

What if my baby has a fever?

1. First, the temperature must be measured with a thermometer.
2. If the temperature is not high (38 degrees for newborns and 39 degrees for children over three months old), nothing needs to be done. You need to continue to observe, measuring the temperature every two hours, not forgetting to drink warm water.
3. If the temperature is higher than 38-39 degrees or lasts a long time, then you need to cool the child – first of all, undress and transfer to a ventilated room, having closed the windows before that.
4. You have chilled the baby, but the temperature does not drop. Try to wipe the baby with a cotton swab dipped in plain boiled water or a weak vodka solution. Alcohol evaporates quickly, taking excess heat from the skin with it.
5. If all of the above doesn’t work, call your doctor.Most likely he will prescribe an antipyretic syrup. Be sure to check the dose and frequency of admission and strictly adhere to the scheme. If, after taking the drug, the temperature immediately dropped, you still need to adhere to the pediatrician’s prescription.

Many parents are afraid of children’s seizures and for good reason, because the brain remembers this reaction of the body to a rise in temperature. At the first manifestations of seizures, immediately begin to bring down the temperature. Konstantin Pushkarev gives advice from his American colleagues: at high temperatures, bathe the baby in a warm bath with a water temperature of 36.6 degrees.A few minutes should be enough to bring your baby back to normal body temperature and avoid seizures.

Another point that parents should pay close attention to is exactly how a child gets fever at an elevated temperature. There are two types of fever – pink and white. With pink fever, blood vessels dilate, a person is hot, everything is on fire. This is a good reaction to pathogens, which means that the body is actively getting rid of excess heat. First of all, physical methods of cooling help well here, and often it does not come to antipyretic drugs.White fever, on the other hand, is characterized by fever and pale skin. This is where physical methods of lowering the temperature can be harmful. A child with such symptoms can only be helped by a pediatrician.

Why is the child in pain and what to do about it?

There is a “bulbous” theory that arose in the pre-war years, but was finally formed in 2014, which says that any pain consists of the same components:

1. Nociception – mechanical, thermal, chemical stimuli or genetic predisposition to pain.
2. Pain is the interaction of the nociceptive system with the antinociceptive system and their influence on each other.
3. Experience – an affective component in which the limbic system plays a role in determining human behavior. Several factors play a role. For example, genetics, gender, age and field of work.
4. Pain behavior, which depends on the age of the patient, his activity and knowledge of this type of pain in the past.
5. Relationship with others.Having a relationship of trust with people around you, colleagues, family members, or healthcare providers has been shown to reduce sensitivity to pain.

“All people – both big and small – are afraid of pain, – said Konstantin Pushkarev. – Pain is a four-component process. It is simultaneously social, physical, mental and psychological.”

What kind of pain is there?

Nociceptive is caused by tissue damage. Neuropathic occurs when the nervous system is damaged. The third type has no name, but this pain is due to neurological dysfunction. People experience all three types of pain in different ways. The pain is sharp, throbbing, burning, shooting, aching, but in any case it brings only suffering to a person, and in some cases brings death closer. According to Konstantin Pushkarev, even very young children can experience phantom pain. For example, if a child experiences discomfort during fetal development, these feelings may recur.The problem with childhood pain is that babies up to a year old cannot show where it hurts, and up to two years old they cannot explain exactly how it hurts.

“If a very small child is crying, it is possible that something hurts him. The first steps of the mother: take him in her arms, shake him, stroke him, feed him and talk to him in a gentle, calm voice. Mother’s native smell, soothing voice, gentle hugs – all this soothes the baby Breast milk contains pain relieving elements.It must be remembered that the emotional state of the mother is immediately transmitted to the child. If the mother is angry and worried, the child will also cry. But then Daddy will come, take him in his arms, stroke him, kiss him and give him a calming testosterone. Thus, the painful sensations and the associated anxiety will gradually disappear “, – said Konstantin Pushkarev.

It is not always possible to soothe pain with parental love, and then pain relieving syrups are used. Analgesics for children are divided into several categories, and paracetamol and Ibufen ^® are considered the safest and most effective, which also lower the temperature.Each of these drugs has its own contraindications and advantages – for example, it has not yet been proven whether paracetamol is safe with long-term use, and Ibufen ^® should not be given to children under three months of age. But doctors emphasize that any antipyretic and analgesic syrup should be given to the child not as needed, but according to the scheme described in the instructions for the drug, or on the recommendation of a doctor. At the same time, babies should easily swallow the medicine, so it should not be in a solid form.The ideal form is syrup. Ibufen ^® (ibuprofen) is prescribed for children with colds, childhood infections accompanied by fever, flu, pharyngitis, pain syndrome: toothache / teething, headache, ear pain, and even post-vaccination reactions. It is important to remember about the dosage, which is easy to follow with a syringe-dispenser, and not to exceed the recommended dosage for children of different ages.

The main thing, remember: under no circumstances should a child under 15 be given aspirin.Saule Sarsenbayeva gave an example from her practice: her parents wanted to quickly get her 8-year-old daughter to her feet with a cold and stuffed her with everything they found in the first-aid kit. As a result, the baby was brought to intensive care with bleeding of literally all organs: in addition to internal bleeding, blood oozed from the eyes, nose, urethra. Aspirin is a very effective medicine for colds, but deadly for children, including those who have not yet been born.

How to communicate with a child in pain?

According to statistics, 70% of cases of ARVI in Kazakhstan are under 14 years old.This means that children are the primary beneficiaries of doctors and pharmacies. And therefore, further information applies to everyone who in one way or another comes into contact with sick children – parents, pharmacy employees, doctors and nurses.

But the problem is that even doctors were not previously taught how to properly handle a sick child. The main thing was to provide help, this is the necessary good, and in what form it is done, it was not important. But, for example, in the United States, doctors have long understood that a friendly conversation with a patient not only calms him down before unpleasant treatment procedures, but also has a high therapeutic effect.

Kazakhstani doctors are gradually mastering communication skills, this discipline has already begun to be taught in medical universities.