Note: The length, weight and size mentioned below are only a guideline, as these vary from baby to baby and from one pregnancy to another.
What is going on with your baby during week 9?
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- From crown to rump your baby measures at 2.2-3cm or 1-1¼ inch, the size of a medium green olive.
- This week your baby is looking less like a tadpole and more human - the tail at the bottom is shrinking and disappearing and the face is more rounded.
- Hands and feet continue to form along with the fingers, toes and elbows.
- Internal organs such as testes and ovaries start to develop this week but the external genitals don't have noticeable male or female characteristics yet.
- The eyelids almost cover the eyes now, the intestines are growing longer and the pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder and anus have formed.
Week 9 Fetus
Changes in you at this stage Week 9
- As your uterus grows larger your waistline starts to thicken as well.
- The hCG levels are at their peak this week. This week is going to probably be rough but starting next week things start to get better as your hormone levels stabilize.
- For most women the side effects of the first trimester still continue to bother, especially the nausea and vomiting - expect this to last the entire month. It almost always subsides by the end of next month.
- Changes in body shape and function may affect you causing you to feel less attractive in general, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
- Negative body image may affect your sex life.
- Your second prenatal visit is around the corner - it will be briefer this time. Pelvic exam is not required unless something is amiss.
Good to Know in Week 9
Metallic taste
- Many women experience a metallic taste in their mouths. Though unpleasant it is not unusual and is most likely to ebb in the second trimester along with most of the other discomforts.
- Chewing ice may help.
Discharge
- Increased vaginal discharge is yet another annoying but normal surprise of pregnancy.
- You will need to use pads for the discharge caused by increased hormones and blood flow to the skin and muscles of the vagina area.
Gestational times
- In general, the larger the animal the longer the pregnancy - for human beings it is 40 weeks. The average gestational time for some other mammals:
- Elephant - 95 weeks
- Whale - 52 weeks
- Sea lion - 52 weeks
- Horse - 47 weeks
Wholesome Advice in Week 9
- Exercise has its benefits. During the first trimester, you should let your body guide you and do what feels right. Don't feel bad if you are not able to even go for walks because of your overwhelming fatigue or extreme queasiness. You can exercise later when you feel better.
- Virtually nothing can be done to prevent the episode of a miscarriage. Many women blame themselves or search for a reason for the miscarriage. Studies show that work, exercise, sex and most falls do not cause the woman to miscarry. Likewise conditions such as stress, morning sickness or fright do not cause a pregnancy loss - most miscarriages occur randomly and are not likely to reoccur in the future.
Your actions can impact your baby's growth at this stage
Top 10 Foods to ease the Queasy feeling
- Saltine crackers
- Toast
- Rice
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Gelatin
- Dry roasted nuts
- Frozen juice bars
- Potatoes
- Pretzels
Eating for 2!
- Research has proven that you need only an additional 300 calories per day during pregnancy, which roughly means an apple and a glass of milk!
- Smaller meals of 5-6 servings per day ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable and your digestive system isn't taxed.
- Top this with 8 glasses of water and your system stays hydrated and your metabolism stays right.
Computer use
- According to research, extended use of computer during pregnancy is nothing to worry about. If at all pay attention to your posture to avoid backache and keep your feet raised using a foot stool.
First trimester Fatigue
- Your fatigue is a by-product of all the work your body is doing at present. Your brain is receiving less oxygen, your blood pressure is lower now, you are growing a whole new organ for your baby (the placenta) and your sweat glands right to your kidneys are working doubly hard. Lastly extra weight caused by fluid retention means more weight to lug around.
Common Concerns in in Week 9
What are the pros and cons of sharing my pregnancy news now?
- You receive a lot of attention and maybe even gifts; you also get to share the excitement with many others
- You have the excuse of showing odd behavior or attitude such as mood swings or wanting to rest at a gathering full of people and get away with it
- You can benefit from other peoples experiences and receive wholesome advice
- Your pregnancy seems to last forever
- The only thing anyone ever asks you is ‘when are you due? Or is it a boy or a girl?
- If you have a miscarriage or other problem typically occurring in the first trimester, everybody gets to know about it
What are the pros and cons of waiting to share the news until later?
- You and your partner have the time to adjust and plan
- If you miscarry or have other problems, you can deal with it privately
- You won't have to suffer unsolicited comments or advice from various sources
- You may have to lie or come with excuses to deal with your pregnancy discomforts e.g. lie to disguise your need to lie down
- You may have to deal with an interrupted social life
- You cannot use the excuse of pregnancy to avoid unpleasant tasks
- You are going to hurt some people since you didn't tell them sooner
Weekly Nutrition advice in Week 9
- Fruits and vegetables are important during pregnancy. You can add a variety to your diet because they are seasonal.
- They are excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. You get your supply of iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamin C.
Tasty low-cal sources of Vitamin C
Strawberries - 1 cup contains 94mg of vitamin C
Orange juice - 1 cup contains 82mg of vitamin C
Kiwi fruit - 1 medium contains 74mg of vitamin C
Broccoli - ½cup cooked contains 58mg of vitamin C
Red peppers - ¼ of a medium contains 57mg of vitamin C
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C can be very important during pregnancy. It is important for fetal tissue development and iron absorption. Some studies indicate that vitamin C helps prevent preeclamsia. Deficiencies have been linked to premature births. It helps build the amniotic sac. The recommended daily dose is 85mg. Besides your prenatal vitamin, you can depend on fruits and vegetables for your daily dose. Every day try to eat one or two servings of fruit high in vitamin C and at least one dark green or deep yellow vegetable for extra iron, fiber and folic acid. Fruits and vegetables you may choose and their servings outlined below:
Grapes - ¼cup
Banana, orange, apple - 1 medium
Dried fruit - ¼cup
Broccoli, carrots and other veggies - ½cup
Potato - 1 medium
Leafy green vegetable - 1 cup
Vegetable juice - ¾cup
