Overview of Week 9 of pregnancy
During week 9 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 0.07oz and 1 inch long
- You are in trimester one
- 31 more weeks to go
- Your baby’s heartbeat may be heard on doppler
Are your pants feeling a little snug this week? Baby bumps come in all different shapes and sizes and some take longer to appear than others. Now may be a good time to start thinking about maternity clothing.
In other news, if you have a doctor’s appointment this week, you may get to hear your little one’s heartbeat for the first time! Don’t worry if you can’t hear it though, depending on the location of the placenta, it may take another week or so to hear. However, if you do hear it, remember to have your video recorder and some tissues nearby!
How many months pregnant is 9 weeks?
You are officially two months pregnant and about to begin your third month of pregnancy. At the end of this month, you will finally enter the second trimester, which is usually considered the easiest.
How big is baby at 9 weeks pregnant?
This week baby is the size of an olive! Your little one is measuring in at about 1 inch long, from crown to rump, and weighing approximately 0.07oz.
Baby development during week 9 of pregnancy
Heartbeat
This week, you may get to experience the exciting moment of hearing your little one’s heartbeat via a doppler. A doppler is a handheld device used to amplify the sound of your baby’s heartbeat by placing it against your abdomen.
Muscles & Bones
Tiny little muscles are growing and starting to form all over your baby’s body. Soon these muscles will be big enough and strong enough that you will be able to feel when your baby kicks.
The skeleton of your little one is also forming, however at this point, bones are still soft and malleable.
Organs
At this point in your baby’s development, all of its organs have begun to develop. It will still take some time before all organs are fully functional, though. These organs include, but are not limited to, the kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas.
Appearance
Your little embryo’s tail is disappearing as the body continues to straighten up, with the legs curled into the torso.
The hands and legs are starting to form little fingers and toes. This means the arms and legs are starting to look less like little paddles.
As for your baby’s face, the earlobes are starting to form and the tip of the nose can be seen.
Pregnancy Week 9 Symptoms
Weight gain
You may not have a noticeable baby bump yet, but your clothes may start to feel a little tight all of a sudden. Weight gain is totally acceptable and even encouraged throughout pregnancy. You are now growing a baby, and with that comes increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and a growing placenta; all of which will contribute to the weight you will be gaining. Most women should expect to gain 25-35 pounds, or even more, during pregnancy.
Nausea
More than 50% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs anytime throughout the day. It is caused by the sudden increase in pregnancy hormones in your body and can be triggered by certain foods, smells, or even for no reason at all. This symptom usually only lasts until the end of the first trimester; however, some women may experience morning sickness throughout the whole pregnancy.
Fatigue
As hormones, particularly progesterone, surge in response to pregnancy, you are sure to feel more tired than usual. Your body is starting to work overtime to grow a new human so it is normal to feel a bit fatigued. Your heart will also pump faster as blood volume increases to supply the developing placenta and the developing circulatory system of your embryo. This increase is also a culprit for this new tiredness you are experiencing.
Frequent urination
You may find yourself running to the washroom a bit more often nowadays. This is due to the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone increases blood flow to your pelvic region, causing your need to urine more often. Your growing uterus will also start to put more pressure on your bladder, which in turn, will cause your bladder to empty more frequently.
Food cravings
Ever wanted to try pickles and ice cream? That combination may have sounded gross to you before, but now that you’re pregnant, you may be asking your partner to go out and buy exactly that. Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes food cravings in pregnancy, but 50-90% of women will experience them at some point in their pregnancy. You may crave sweets, salty foods, spicy foods, or even foods that you dislike. Many women have experienced loving food during their pregnancy that they hated while not pregnant. Whatever your craving, give it a shot but remember to keep a balanced diet.
Acne
The higher levels of hormones in your body during pregnancy often cause increased cases of acne. If you are one of the many women experiencing acne during your pregnancy, continue to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes and be careful about what things touch your face. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying any over-the-counter or prescription products for acne.
Pregnancy week 9 tips
Buy maternity clothing
You may have noticed your pants are feeling a bit snug lately. It may be a good time to go shopping for some maternity clothing that will fit you for the next 7 months. There are plenty of specialty stores dedicated to just maternity items, or you can also find maternity sections in many department stores. Thrift stores often have some really good finds as well. It may also be beneficial to buy some maternity tops that will easily be able to convert to nursing shirts when the baby arrives, if you decide to breastfeed.
Avoid certain foods
Pregnancy comes with a list of foods to avoid and limit. On the top of the list are obvious substances such as alcohol and drugs, but there are also a bunch of foods you may not have thought would be harmful.
Here is a list of some common foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- fish with high levels of mercury, such as tuna
- raw or undercooked fish & meats
- caffeine
- unpasteurized milks and cheeses
- soft cheese
- deli meats
Take pictures
You may not have a baby bump yet, but I recommend you start taking progress pictures now. These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.
