u/Quantum_O_O_F

Have had my pa for about 3.5 months. Was pierced at 12g and tried to stretch for the first time today to 8g, but the new ring just wouldn't go in. Used lube and tried to push from both sides, but pushing from the inside hurt and I got scared and stopped trying. Is the jump from 8 to 12 too big? Should I go for 10 first? Am I just a wuss? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.