Your baby at 9 weeks
Your baby is the size of a cherry at 9th week of pregnancy.
No more tail
Your baby, now known as a fetus, is looking less and less like a pink blob now that the tail has disappeared. With the trunk straightened and elongated, your little one is about 2.5 cm (one inch) long this week.
Growth
This stage is a critical period for arm and leg development. The legs have lengthened and the buds that will eventually become the toes have started to sprout. Meanwhile, the arms have grown longer and have begun to bend at the elbow. A basic hand structure is forming too, with the fingers and a thumb. Your baby’s liver, gallbladder, spleen and adrenal gland are working hard to develop.
On the go
Nine weeks marks the beginning of the dance period! Your little one has started moving vigorously, even in response to stimuli from outside of your body. Try to be patient: You’ll have to wait until the second trimester to actually feel these movements. Also, find out what to expect during your second trimester pregnancy here.
Your pregnancy at 9 weeks
Make way for milk
Your breasts are probably fuller, heavier and tender to the touch. Although they’ll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, the sensitivity should subside by the end of your fourth month. You may also start to see small white bumps on your areolas (the dark-colored part of your nipple). These glands, called Montgomery's tubercles, will produce oils to keep your nipples moist during breastfeeding.
Swim at the pool
Many experts consider swimming to be the best exercise for pregnant women, as it’s gentle on your joints. The hormone relaxing that’s now running through your body makes your joints loose so that your pelvis can expand during birth. While this will help during your delivery, make sure to avoid any exercises that could put too much strain on your joints in the meantime.
Twin development at week 9
You may discover that you’re carrying twins if you have an ultrasound this week. Some women carrying multiples may have more intense pregnancy symptoms than women who are only carrying one baby. Allow yourself time to rest. Speak with your doctor if you have excessive morning sickness.
9 weeks pregnant symptoms
- nausea or vomiting
- frequent urination
- tender or tingly breasts
- fatigue
- dizziness
- irritability or unexpected emotions
- heartburn or constipation
- food aversions or cravings
- increased hunger
To combat these symptoms, try any of the following:
- Wear a maternity bra to relieve sore breasts. A sports bra may also help.
- Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to combat constipation and provide fullness.
- Stand up slowly, don’t skip meals, and avoid standing in place too long, to help prevent dizziness.
- Eat several small meals a day and avoid greasy and spicy foods to help prevent heartburn and nausea.
- Morning sickness may be eased by eating salty crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed, eating ice chips, sucking on a tart lozenge, or eating bland, easy-to-digest small meals.
- Avoid caffeine and take bathroom breaks as needed to cope with frequent urination.
Quick tip for moms
- Avoid eating under cooked meat, fish, or eggs. Cook or avoid all deli meats.
- Eat no more than two to three servings of fish weekly, and avoid swordfish, shark, tile fish, or mackerel. Also eat no more than 12 ounces of canned, light tuna weekly, and no more than 6 ounces of tuna steak or albacore tuna.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Keep cutting boards and dishes clean.
- Eat four servings of dairy daily. Avoid unpasteurized milk and milk products and soft cheeses.
- Drink no more than one to two caffeinated drinks per day.
- Use artificial sweeteners in moderation, up to one packet a day. None is best.
- Take a 1,000-mcg folic acid supplement each day.
- Take a prenatal vitamin with DHA and EPA as recommended by your doctor. Do not drink alcohol, since it may cause birth defects.
9 Weeks Pregnant: Understand Surprising Growth of Your Fetus!
Want to know more about your upcoming week? Find out what to expect during 10th week of pregnancy for you and your baby here.
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