8 Weeks Pregnant

Along with your expanding belly may come new aches and pains above the neck. Your blood volume will increase by just under 50 percent, which — along with those pregnancy hormones — may spur headaches.

Got one? Talk to your doctor about trading aspirin and ibuprofen for baby-safe alternatives like acetaminophen.

It's not too soon to start thinking about what you'll need to buy before baby's arrival. Baby registry must-haves range from big-ticket items (like the crib and stroller) to everyday essentials (think diapers, wipes and burp cloths). If you'd prefer to let us do the research about where to register and what should go on your baby registry, you can use What to Expect's Registry Builder to get customized recommendations.

Out, out damned spot! For many women, hormone surges in pregnancy can cause melasma, or dark spots on the skin and face.

That means your skin, freckles and moles may look darker, and there's probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra). Your areolas could be a deeper shade too.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone — this condition affects 50 to 75 percent of expectant mothers. You may be able to prevent melasma from getting worse, however, by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you’re outside, since sunlight makes the condition more pronounced.

It’s good to gain weight gradually throughout your 40 weeks of pregnancy — but that doesn’t mean you’ll gain weight evenly.

In your first trimester, you may not gain more than two or four pounds; and if you're suffering from morning sickness, you might not gain at all.

During the second and third trimesters, you may put on an average of about one pound each week until you reach month 8, or about 20 to 28 pounds. The weekly gains will vary, though they tend to average about a pound apiece.

In month 9, your baby's weight gain will continue with gusto, while yours will likely only total about two to three pounds; you might even lose in the days before delivery.

If you haven't worked out in a while, don't start out with a bang. Overdoing it can lead to injury, nausea, overheating and just plain exhaustion — plus, it'll make you more likely to quit when you're just getting started.

Right now, ease into exercise. Begin with 10 minutes of a gentle warm-up, followed by five minutes of moderate exercise and a five-minute cool-down. Then increase the moderate segment by five minutes every week until you hit the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise (which averages out to 30 minutes a day, five days a week).

Dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is never easy — but it's especially hard when you're anxious to start feeding yourself and your baby well.

Don't worry. As challenged as your tender first trimester appetite is right now, it's still up to the challenge of meeting your nutritional needs (after all, your baby is just a little bigger than a pea, so those needs are pretty tiny).

In the meantime, if big meals are a big turnoff, eat at least six smaller but nutrient-packed mini-meals and snacks throughout the day.

Not only will the mini-meals be easier for your queasy stomach to, well, stomach, but keeping your tummy a little bit filled is the best way to keep it from emptying out.

Right now, focus on foods you find less offensive — even if it's crackers, crackers and more crackers.

Choose a healthy option whenever your tummy doesn't protest — like making those crackers whole grain — and serve them up with a slice of mild cheddar. And don't forget to tap into the soothing power of ginger!

Has the word "carb" become a four-letter one in your diet plan? Redefine it by choosing healthy complex carbohydrates that nourish your baby and fuel your energy needs.

Here's a list of healthy carb options that reads like the roster of a nutritional all-star team: fresh fruits, dried and freeze-dried fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grain breads, crackers and cereals, baked potatoes (with skins on), beans and peas.