9 weeks pregnant

Congratulations! You have successfully completed 2 months of your pregnancy and your baby is now the size of a cherry. At this time, you and your baby will undergo many changes.

9 Weeks Pregnant Belly & Baby Development

No more tail: At 9 weeks pregnant, your little one, is looking less and less like a pink blob that the tail has disappeared. With the trunk straightened and elongated, your little one is about an inch long this week and looking more like a human without a tail.

Growth spurt: 9th week of pregnancy is a critical period for arm and leg development. The legs have lengthened and the buds that will eventually become the toes have started to sprout. Meanwhile, the arms have gotten longer and have begun to bend at the elbow. A basic hand structure is forming too, with the fingers and thumb clearly differentiated. Though his tiny muscles are starting to form, you will be able to feel them after a few more weeks. Your little one's liver, gallbladder, spleen, and adrenal gland are starting to develop.

On the go: Nine weeks of pregnancy marks the beginning of the dance period! Your little one has started moving vigorously, even in response to stimuli from outside your body, such as light and noise. Try to be patient: You'll have to wait until the second trimester of pregnancy to actually feel these movements.

9 Weeks Of Pregnancy: What To Expect

Ultrasound At 9th Week Of Pregnancy

While you go for a 9 weeks pregnant ultrasound, you would be able to hear your baby's heartbeat more clearly than the last time. Your baby's heart has grown large enough and its beat would be audible with a Doppler which is a handheld ultrasound device to listen to the soft lub-dub of the heart. During the 9 weeks pregnant ultrasound, your baby has reached a milestone and is no longer an embryo. It has turned into a fetus.

Pregnancy Symptoms At 9 Weeks Pregnant

The symptoms that you have experienced in your pregnancy so far will most probably be the same, however, you might feel it intensify as you near your due date. Some new 9 weeks pregnant symptoms include

1. Nasal congestion:

Due to increased hormone changes in your body, your body might produce increased mucus. It can lead to cold and nasal congestion. Keep enough tissues around to avoid inconvenience.

2. Frequent urination:

Because your uterus is expanding, it puts a pressure on your bladder, and therefore you would want to go to pee more often. Ensure to keep yourself hydrated and maintain the intake of enough fluids and water. When you think you are done peeing, pee once more to empty your bladder completely. It will help you stay away from bathroom for few minutes extra. Also, these tips could help reduce frequent urination during pregnancy

3. Fatigue:

Due to an increase in your levels of hormone progesterone in your body, you might feel sleepier than usual. Take adequate sleep, even in the day through small naps.

4. Feeling moody:

Mood swings are very normal at this stage. You might feel euphoric one moment and depressed in the next. This is all because of changing hormones in your body. Try being around your loved ones and communicate with them more often. Do your favourite activity and hobby that keeps you happy and consult a health provider if your mood swings gets severe.

Some of the other 9 weeks pregnant symptoms include irritability or bout of unexpected emotions, a feeling of nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, dizziness, heartburn or constipation.

Make way for milk. At 9 weeks pregnant, your breasts are probably fuller, heavier, and tender to the touch by now. Although they'll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, the sensitivity will usually subside by the end of your fourth month. You may start to see small white bumps on your areolas (the dark-coloured part of your nipple). These are glands called Montgomery's tubercles, and they'll produce oils to keep your nipples moist during breastfeeding.

9 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

1. Smooth Moves:

If you weren't active before you got pregnant, now is a great time to choose a safe activity you can stick with for the rest of your pregnancy. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all excellent choices.

2. Drop by the pool:

Many experts consider swimming to be the best exercise for pregnant women, as it's gentle on your joints. The hormone relaxing that's now running through your body makes your joints lose so your pelvis can expand during birth. While this will help during your delivery, make sure to avoid exercises that could put too much strain on your joints in the meantime. Also, make sure you read these safety tips on exercising during pregnancy before starting it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 9 Weeks Pregnant Is How Many Months?

When you are 9 weeks pregnant, you are 2 months pregnant and you enter the 3rd month of the pregnancy. The gestational age of your fetus at 9 weeks is 7 weeks and its now 6 months more to go.

2. Do you show at 9 weeks pregnant?

At this stage, your uterus is expanding rapidly to make room for the growing fetus and you might feel your lower abdomen to be a little firmer. You might have gained some weight now. However, whether you show at 9 weeks pregnant or not depends on your body built. Most women start showing between 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. But it varies with every pregnancy.

Precautions & Tips At 9th Week Of Pregnancy

  • With your 9 weeks pregnant belly you might struggle to button up your jeans. You can look for loose fitting clothes or maternity pants. Alternatively, you can also look for a belly band or loop the elastic band in your jeans buttonhole to put off those maternity clothes for a few more days.

  • You and your fetus at 9 weeks need lots of nutrients and nourishment to have healthy growth. Increase the intake of calcium and iron during pregnancy by eating cheeses, broccoli, etc.

  • To support your heavier and fuller breasts invest in a good maternity bra to relieve the soreness of your breasts.

  • Dehydration is not good for your 9 weeks pregnant baby development. Ensure that you drink lots of water and fluids. Eat fruits, vegetables and high fiber food to combat constipation and bloating

  • You might not want to eat anything due to your morning sickness. However, don’t skip meals. Instead, divide your meals into several small meals and eat protein and carbohydrates rich food.

  • Take care of your posture, and avoid jerks to your body. Also, take adequate rest, avoid standing for long and keep yourself active through light exercises.

  • Find out what your health insurance covers, or how to get care if you don't have insurance

  • Choose a safe exercise you can stick with for the rest of your pregnancy, like walking or yoga

  • Be prepared for your breasts to feel fuller, heavier, and tender. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure the well-being of both you & your baby during the entire nine months journey!

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