Overview

The ninth week of pregnancy advances the baby from being an embryo to a fetus which measures between 13 to 17 mm and weighs about 1 gm. If there are multiple babies you are expecting they will be roughly of the same size and weight as the single babies. In the ninth month there is rapid development in the baby as he/she starts looking like a small human being. Most women in this stage of pregnancy experience heartburn and indigestion as their bodies are still adjusting to the changing hormone levels. You should be gaining weight regularly after this stage and if you are still experiencing low weight due to morning sickness it is advisable to consult the doctor. You can experience heartburns, mood swings and bloated feelings during this stage. Hormonal changes in the body make you feel more tired and cause difficulty in sleeping patterns. You can try and create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere in the house as well as improve your sleeping position. Try to avoid sleeping on your back or stomach as this can cause problems with breathing, circulation and digestion. Sleeping on the side is the best option especially on the left side as this will increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta to the baby. A pillow can be placed under or between the legs to give support.

Baby’s Development

With the rapid development in the baby till now the baby has developed all the features of a human being but is still small in size. The embryonic tail has disappeared at this stage and the baby is now ready for rapid weight gain. The eyelids which are fully formed are tightly shut and open in the 28th week. The gender of the baby can be found out at this stage. The baby’s joints such as the ankles, wrists, knees and elbows are now well developed and flexible allowing the baby to move freely in the amniotic sac. The heart of the baby develops further into four chambers and the valves begin developing. A strong fetal heartbeat should be detected at this stage by ultrasound technology and if this does not occur the doctor might take other tests to confirm the safety of the fetus. The baby can make a fist and begin sucking his/her thumb at this stage. In the ninth week the baby will open its mouth for the first time. The eyes will be totally ready and well formed but the membranes that cover the eyes will be still closed. The salivary glands and vocal chord begins to develop at this stage. The hands and feet develop the fastest in this stage and the heart beats at a rate of 150 beats per minute. The head is quite large at this stage compared to the rest of the body and it curves into the chest. The baby moves freely about as the muscles continue developing. The elbows and the sex organs are fully developed by now. The baby is the size of a grape by now measuring around 11/2 inches from the head to the rump and weighing a fraction of an ounce.

Changes with your body

In the ninth week of pregnancy a woman starts gaining weight as her appetite starts improving slightly. Some might experience slight spotting at this stage which is not a cause to worry unless the bleeding is bright red accompanied by cramps and pain. High levels of estrogen and progesterone cause the mucus membranes to swell leading to nose bleeds and nasal congestions however this is beneficial for the cervix. You can use a vaporizer or humidifier in such cases. The morning sickness symptoms can peak during this month and you might experience discomfort which gradually declines after the eleventh month. Unless there are no negative effects of the morning symptoms on your weight and health one need not consult a doctor. There is a decline in sexual desire during this stage as you feel constantly tired and nauseated. Some women might experience the opposite effect due to the rising hormone levels however there is no need to panic. It is better to be aware that pregnancy can have a negative effect on your dental health and many women can experience cavities and gum infections during pregnancies known as pregnancy gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help in reducing dental problems accompanied by an increase in calcium intake. Gum infections can lead to an increased possibility of underweight and premature babies hence any tooth infection or decay needs to be treated safely by professional dentist during pregnancy.

What to expect

If you are over 35 years of age or have a family history of genetic illness then you can talk with your health care provider to guide you with prenatal tests which can be performed between the ninth and the twelfth week to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders if any. The disadvantage is that these tests do not give details about the severity of the abnormality if it is detected. Minor health problems faced by you at this stage might be varicose veins and piles which can occur due to constipation and pressure on the legs or due to hereditary factors. One can prevent these by including a diet rich in fiber and exercising regularly or at least periodically to improve circulation and digestion. Pelvic floor exercises can be learnt, walking or swimming is other beneficial exercises. Aromatherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy or other ayurvedic treatments can be used which are safe and have no side effects on the baby. Avoid incorrect postures while standing or sitting for long periods as this can aggravate symptoms. It is better to make a list of questions before visiting the doctor as you might have various queries to make. The uterus has increased to the size of a grapefruit and the stomach is getting bigger in size so you will need to alter your dresses to make them lose and comfortable to wear. You might still be experiencing the symptoms of early pregnancy such as nausea, dizziness and fatigue.