9 Weeks Pregnant

You are now 9 weeks pregnant, and have come to terms with some of its discomforts. You have perhaps even figured out what works best to alleviate the most uncomfortable symptoms; or at best have resigned yourself to living with them for a while at least!

You may want to think of starting a pregnancy journal, to document these miraculous nine months. You may not remember later exactly what you were thinking and doing when you were nine weeks pregnant, but with a pregnancy journal you will be able to look back and appreciate what you went through.

Changes in the baby

By the ninth week of pregnancy your baby takes on some discernible human form and it is possible to tell where the head ends and the body begins, though the head is disproportionately larger at this time.

• The heartbeat of the fetus is strong now and can be easily heard over the Doppler. However in some cases the heartbeat may still not be audible, in which case, don’t panic.
• The baby is now about the size of an olive and at least some of the facial features may be discernible.
• Digestive organs such as the gallbladder, spleen, and liver are developing now.
• The baby is making some movements with the limbs now though you will feel none of them.

Changes in the mom to be

You may still not be showing even to yourself, but the 9th week of pregnancy is still the time for some major growth and development inside you. It is only now that you may start to put on some weight. For many women who actually lose weight during the first trimester, weight gain may start yet later.

• Blood volume in the body has increased now, to keep pace with the increasing requirements of the baby, the placenta and the expanding uterus.
• You probably still have to contend with morning sickness. You may still react by heaving when you smell foods that you used to love earlier. You may also still feel very tired and enervated all the time.

Tips for the 9th week

Your doctor will have prescribed any supplements that you need – iron, multivitamin or calcium – and you should take these religiously for your baby as well as your own health. You can also increase your calcium intake naturally:

• Drink a couple of glasses or non fat milk a day.
• Have pasteurized cheese or yoghurt.
• Add milk powder to some recipes; for others use milk instead of water when possible.