9th Week of Pregnancy: What’s Happening To Your Body and Baby

Welcome to the 9th Week of Pregnancy. You are coming to a close in your first trimester. And the changes are going to be more evident, more visual now.  The placenta has formed by this time and that is the lifeline between you and the baby-to-be. In this way, both your baby and your body might be going through several changes.

So, here are a few highlights you might have to look out for in the 9th week of your pregnancy. 

how Your Baby Looks Like in the 9^th Week

Your baby has been in an embryonic stage for more than one week. This week, the embryonic tail has already disappeared and foetal development has begun. So, when you visit the healthcare provider at this stage of your pregnancy, you’ll get a better clarity on how the foetus is developing.

• The length of a developing foetus is not more than 1 inch long.
  
• The head may be big compared to the rest of the baby’s body parts. Still, the facial features are more visible, and recognisable at this stage with tiny eyes, eyelids, a prominent nose, and a small mouth.
  
• The would-be-foetus is going to bear arms and feet. But the fingers and toes will not yet be formed. They will look like grooves.
  
• The bones are also gradually taking shape.
  
• Besides these developments, there will be a few essential organ developments taking place in the soon-to-be foetus. For instance, the lungs, brain, kidneys, gut, and heart are going to develop slowly. Out of the other developing organs in your baby, the baby’s heart has developed enough, and foetal cardiac activity might be audible to you with a Doppler test.
  
• The genitals are also developing and the foetus is also slowly forming, but by looking at the genitals you won’t be able to make out whether you’re carrying a boy or a girl inside your womb.

How Your Body is Changing This Week

Seeing your baby develop, you might be curious to know what’s happening to your body in the 9^th week. You might have gotten over the “morning sickness” at this stage, and your belly may also not prove your pregnancy, but you might still have to deal with a lot during this week.  

• Due to the fluctuating pregnancy hormones and the developing foetus, you may be suffering from gestational diabetes and hypertension.
  
• While you’re “eating for two” and taking in some extra calories, you’re gaining some weight, undoubtedly.
  
• Thanks to your soaring hormones you may suffer from headaches and feel very tired.
  
• You might feel extremely happy to think that you’re giving birth. But at the same time, you may feel unintendedly moody and anxious. You might even feel like crying.
  
• Since your uterus is slowly growing and pressing against the bladder, those extra bathroom visits may be a part of your day. The kidneys may work overtime during this stage.
  
• The elevated levels of pregnancy hormones can cause swelling and blockage in the nasal passage.
  
• The ebb and flow of the pregnancy hormones and the increased blood flow in your body can make your breasts look heavy, full, and tender to the touch.
  
• Your power to digest may have reduced and you might feel bloated and constipated. An explosion of gas at a public place may leave you a little embarrassed. Heartburns are also not uncommon from this stage onwards.
  
• Due to some significant change in your baby, the uterus is expanding and you might feel menstrual-like pain or cramps in your stomach as well as lower back in the ninth week of pregnancy. If you feel that the cramping is severe consult your healthcare provider immediately.
  
• The soaring hormones and “eating for two” can make you feel hungrier than before. As a result, you may indulge in some strange food cravings. Aversions for certain food also cannot be denied during this time.
  
• If you haven’t developed acne before your pregnancy, there is a high chance that you’ll develop acne during this time of your pregnancy. After all, the elevated hormones can alter your skin making it oily or dry.
  
• You’ll have thick and shiny hair.
  
• Light vaginal discharge may turn out to be irritating for you.

How to Deal With the 9^th Week’s Pregnancy Symptoms?   

9^th week means the 3^rd month of pregnancy. There are many things for this week’s pregnancy symptoms that you can do about. 

• Ensure that you get the correct size of inner for your tender breasts to make you feel comfortable. Along with this use hot and cold compresses for your tender breasts.
  
• Chew some sugarless gums to battle your heartburn. Try not to have large meals as add to your bloatedness and constipation. Stay hydrated. If you’re drinking warm water, add a dash of lemon to it.
  
• Avoid coffee or other caffeinated drinks. They don’t filter through your placenta and may not impact your pregnancy positively.
  
• You’re already on a healthy and balanced diet. Supplement your food with iron-free prenatal vitamins.
  
• Do some exercise for your and your baby’s health and well-being. Your weight will be in control. Your pregnancy health conditions are also in perfect balance. So, going for brisk walking is a must! You can go for a swim along with your partner. Prenatal yoga and meditation can make you feel stress-free.
  
• Take a warm shower to keep your pain reduced.
  
• Get an appointment for your antenatal classes with your partner. You’ll not just learn about your pregnancy but you’ll also meet a few more pregnant mothers with whom you exchange your grievances and happiness.
  
• Get a power nap whenever you can.
  
• Don’t forget to consult your doctor. Your tests and vaccines are essential. 

Embracing the journey of motherhood is a joy in itself. Enjoy it thoroughly. Don’t forget to plan about cord blood banking from this stage.