9th week of pregnancy

Every pregnancy is unique. There are certain unique changes and abnormalities which are common to all normal pregnancies. There are various emotional, physical changes in a pregnant woman, which makes her feel the pregnancy, thus having a positive experience.

How big is your baby

9th Week means that the embryonic phase has ended and the fetus starts looking like more of a human. It is about 2 inches (grape sized) in length and its weight is around 1.5-2g

Baby’s growth and development

The joints of knees, wrists, ankles and shoulders are developed. Its heart is divided into 4 chambers. The valves also begin to take their shape.

Eyes are formed completely, the earlobes, nose startbecoming more proper and distinct. In this week the development of baby’s genitals are initiated. The “amniotic sac” in the womb provides a warm environment for the baby to make its movement easily and freely.9th week of pregnancy

MOTHER’S DEVELOPMENT

(a) How you may feel

Although, you may not look like you are pregnant, but you can definitely feel a hump of your baby growing, on your lower belly. There might be some extra pounds visible near your waist.
You might feel exhausted, and even experience impulsive emotional swings. Anxiety is at its highest, you might even be puzzled about the changes occurring to yourself and the growing fetus.
The changes in the hormones play a chaotic role during the pregnancy. This results in extreme mood changes. In such a situation one must try to be positive and try to relax.

(b) Common Problems

Miscarriage is a threat till 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Sudden twinges
Bloating
Heart burn
Excessive vomiting
Dehydration.
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can be harmful for your gums, leading to swelling. This is known as “pregnancy gingivitis.

(c)Supplements for the week 9 of the pregnancy

Iron and calcium are supposed to be the most important supplements. Other nutrients that are vital for the baby’s health are:
DHA
Folic Iron
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid which is present in the mother’s milk naturally and also in the egg yolk, salmon fish and sardines. This fatty acid is important for the brain tissues.

Tips

Going out for a small walk, meditating shall also be beneficial for you to stay calm and relax. Some exercise as per the instructions of the obstetrician and a good fitness regime can help you to remain active. This can help you to keep off the mental tension and lighten the most common problems during pregnancy e.g. morning sickness and fatigue.
You might have to take a new set of lingerie, because the old one might tightly fit you, and now what you need to wear is the freely fitting one, due to the increased size of your breasts and other body parts.
Buying a bra, which is of your size and comfortable as well is a good idea.
Common tests in the ninth week of pregnancy
There are certain tests conducted in order to ensure the safety of the fetus growing within the mother’s womb.
Screening for any abnormality is essential in the initial “trimester”. There are various “specific tests” which help in detecting whether the mother is carrying the fetus suffering from “down syndrome”.
A Blood test is conducted in order to know the hemoglobin level, which is important to know if you are suffering from anemia or not.
There are various other tests which are useful in detecting the abnormalities in RBC’s. This proves important to diagnose the “sickle cell disease” and other diseases like thalasaemia which can be easily transferred to the baby. This test can also help in identifying the blood group and check for other diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B.