9 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
During the 9th week of pregnancy, you and your baby are going through many changes very rapidly. If you haven’t already, you might be preparing for your first prenatal visit with your health care provider. To make things easier, you may want to write down any and everything about yourself, including medications, exercise habits, eating habits, medical history, etc. since these will probably be questions he or she will be asking.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 9 Weeks
Your uterus is still growing, and should be closer to the size of a cantaloupe rather than a grapefruit at 9 weeks pregnant. You’re probably feeling extra bloated and maybe a bit lethargic, but remember that this is mainly due to the hormones that are floating around in your system. You might be noticing weight gain, however it’s more likely due to water retention rather than from the baby. Many women experience severe mood swings and other pregnancy symptoms during this week, but again, this is due to the amount of hormones (especially progesterone) in your system. Some of the pregnancy symptoms that will last during most of your pregnancy such as aches and pains, bloating, and fatigue are still present.
Baby’s Development
Your baby is now out of the embryonic period and into the fetal period. At just an inch long, you baby still weighs around 3 grams, not much from the 8th week of pregnancy. Most physical aspects of your baby are in place, such as the head, legs, arms and torso. The head is the largest of the extremities, as it lies onto the chest. During the 9th week your baby begins to put on weight. The tail that was once there should have disappeared by now, and the organs and muscles should be functioning on their own. His or her eyelids will fuse together, or shut, and will reopen again during the 27th week of pregnancy. Although the sex organs are developed, your doctor won’t be able to distinguish the difference yet. That will happen during the 2nd trimester. Your baby’s heart should also have divided into four separate chambers, and is pumping rapidly (this is normal).
Pregnancy Week 9 Tips
If you’re struggling with emotions or pregnancy stress and anxiety during this week, find a support group to join. This will help you get out of the house, plus help you cope with the feelings you are going through as you talk and relate with other Mom2be’s about your experiences. These support groups can be found within internet forums or in your local town or city. There are also professionals who deal specifically with women who are pregnant and can help ease emotions and help the spouse as well if there is one. You should also learn to keep communication lines open with your partner, this will help him understand what you are going through and why. The way you are feeling is completely normal right now, even though it’s probably anything but normal of your personality. Talking with others, especially your partner, will help everyone understand what is going on. Next is pregnancy at 10 weeks.
