Skip to main content

Fetal Development: Week 8

Image depiction of an embryo at 8 weeks development.8 weeks after conception (56 days or 2 months)

(10 weeks after the last menstrual period)

The embryo is 7/8 of an inch to 1 ¼ inch (0.875 – 1.25 inches) long or about the size of an extra-large olive. At the end of the first 8 weeks, the main organ systems have begun to form. The eyes, ears and mouth are recognizable. The four heart chambers are formed. The fingers and toes are well-formed. Limbs have elbow and knee joints. The heartbeat can be heard with an electronic monitoring device. The embryo tail disappears.

An extra-large olive is 0.79 – 0.87 inches Image of an olive

 

THE FETAL PERIOD

The embryonic period goes through the 8th week. The fetal period begins at the ninth week of pregnancy until childbirth. The beginnings of key body parts and organs are present, although they are immature and not positioned in their final locations

Click here for a list of clinics offering free pre-natal ultrasounds

Click Here to go to Pre-Natal Care Page (Step 3 of 5)