Overview

During this stage, the pregnancy is called an embryo.

Wondering what an embryo looks like at 8 weeks? (Figure 1) It is now about the size of an olive.

How the embryo is changing

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

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

Figure 1 - Fetal development at 8 weeks of pregnancy

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.