The 9th week of pregnancy marks the beginning of the third month of pregnancy. The baby continues to develop actively. The size of your baby is now 27-35 mm and its weight is about 5-6 g. The brain is already divided into two hemispheres and the first convolutions are being formed. We distinguish the cerebellum, which will be responsible for the smooth and coordinated movements of the child.
What happens to the baby at 9th week of pregnancy?
At the 9th week of pregnancy, the fetus reaches a height of just over 2 cm and the weight fluctuates within a few grams. The process of formation and development is in full swing:
- The cardiovascular and nervous systems have already been formed, limbs are being defined and muscles and bones are growing.
- The cartilaginous skeleton is compacted, the spine grows and the coccyx is formed instead of the tail.
- The future face is modified: labial folds are formed, the mouth lengthens, the eyes approach and increase, become covered with a film and cartilaginous ears and lobes are formed.
- Against the background of the development of facial structures, the lips move and even swallow.
- The size of the chest and abdominal cavities grows for increasing internal organs.
- Inside the body, the intestines continue to grow and develop. The liver and gallbladder and spleen is formed, the anus is formed.
- In the chest, the heart increases and no longer sticks out, the bronchial tree branches, the atrial septum is laid in the already working heart and the mammary glands are laid.
- In the central nervous system, the cerebellum grows, which is responsible for the future coordination of movements, the pituitary gland is formed, which affects growth and development. nerve nodes and spinal fibers are formed.
- The thyroid gland begins to work in the endocrine system, layers of the adrenal glands grow, producing their own hormones.
- The hematopoietic system of the fetus begins to produce the first lymphocytes that protect the baby. Lymph nodes are formed.
- The genitals are differentiated and there are distinguishable signs of the sex of the baby.
- Against the background of the growth of muscle tissue, the movements of the limbs are already possible.
- The umbilical cord develops and thickens, through which the child is inextricably linked with the mother and both receives nutrients and is released from waste products.
A fetus surrounded by the amniotic fluid is clearly visible on ultrasound in the uterine cavity. You can calculate the heart rate which should be around 120-140 beats per minute. Ultrasound data allows you to assess the development and size of the fetus and clarify the pregnancy age and the state of the placenta.
The coccygeal-parietal size (KTR) of the fetus is measured from the coccyx to the crown of the head to determine its size. Usually, at the 9th obstetric week, the fetus’ CTE is around 27 to 35 millimeters.
Body changes at 9th week of pregnancy?
The expectant mother at 9th weeks of pregnancy may be in a fascinating position that can go unnoticed by those around her, but she may observe an enlargement of her breasts and the first signs of stretch marks.
At this stage, a pregnant woman may see a slight gain in her weight, but if she has toxicosis, her weight may remain unchanged or even decrease at 9th weeks of pregnancy.
The standard clothing items that fit snugly may no longer be appropriate for the body, although the midsection does not appear to grow in size. Some women may sense that their stomach is swollen in the late afternoon and after consuming food.
Good to know
At 9 weeks, skin and hair can surprise. Sometimes the skin becomes smooth and radiant and the hair becomes lush and shiny. But pimples and age spots often appear on the face and the hair grows dull and dry.
A pregnant woman at this time will often give odds to a professional perfumer – this increases sensitivity to smells. However, often even pleasant smells can irritate and cause nausea.
At the 9th week of pregnancy, mood swings, irritability and tearfulness may still be present. Such emotional reactions to the most ordinary events are a feature of a pregnant woman. This is a temporary condition due to hormonal changes. We hope that your spouse and those around you will be sympathetic to these changes in your character.
Good to know
No special sensations in the abdomen are associated with developing a new life. This should not worry the expectant mother. Your baby is too small to make himself known with kicks and movements. Moderate aching pains in the lower abdomen or in the lumbar region may be present. Be attentive to your sensations in the abdomen: prolonged or severe pain, as well as pain that has a growing character, is a reason to contact a specialist.
Discharge from the genital tract is normally not abundant, light, odorless and not accompanied by pain or itching.
At 9 weeks pregnant, frequent urination and constipation may occur. All this is the “tricks” of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone that helps to bear the baby.
Do’s and Don’ts of 9th week of pregnancy
If a woman feels well, the restrictions during this period are minimal, it is important to observe the daily routine, have proper rest and dietary nutrition. Active development and maturation of the fetus suggest the absence of toxic effects.
Do’s of 9th week of pregnancy
- A feasible workload at the workplace with satisfactory health, the absence of night shifts and stress. It is desirable to limit the work on the computer.
- Continuing sports activities, if they were before pregnancy with a decrease in load or changing the sport to a less traumatic one, such as yoga or swimming.
- Walking at an average speed in the forest or park in warm weather, meeting in nature with friends in good company.
- Morning exercises of moderate difficulty in the absence of complaints exercises recommended by the doctor to prepare for childbirth.
- Taking medications only on a doctor’s recommendation for the prevention of congenital pathology or for medical reasons.
- Getting positive emotions from doing your favorite thing or hobby, communicating with family and friends.
- Examination and regular monitoring in the antenatal clinic, following the advice of specialists for the birth of a healthy baby.
Don’ts of 9th week of pregnancy
- Alcohol of any strength and in any quantity. Remember that the process of formation and development of the child is in full swing, do not harm.
- Smoking is both active and passive. Tobacco smoke is toxic, constricts blood vessels and, thus, disrupts the nutrition of the fetus and increases the pressure in the mother.
- It is better to postpone traumatic sports, keep in shape, leave morning exercises and walk.
- Lifting weights of more than three kilograms can provoke the loss of a child.
- Take any medication without a doctor’s prescription. Remember that not all medicines can be used during pregnancy, even if they have been used before.
- Do not abuse spicy and canned foods, fatty and fried foods. This can lead to disruption of the intestines, constipation and effects on the fetus.
- Conduct some medical research due to the possible effect on the child. Only by doctor’s prescription.
- Indulge in large quantities of strong tea and coffee. This is a burden on the nervous system and a possible cause of increased pressure.
Proper nutrition for 9th week of pregnancy
The baby is growing and needs a full supply of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements for proper formation and development. Mom also needs certain foods for a successful pregnancy and safe delivery.
At the 9th week of pregnancy, it is recommended:
- A complete and varied diet without special restrictions, except the above. It is better to eat boiled, stewed or baked food and do not abuse seasonings and spices.
- The frequency of meals should be at least 5 times a day in small portions to prevent heartburn and constipation and before going to bed, a light dinner 1.5-2 hours before bedtime.
- The drinking regimen should be sufficient and comfortable, with restrictions only on a doctor’s recommendation. At the same time, the drinking regimen implies the intake of ordinary water between meals, not tea or juice.
- Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, of which cabbage and green vegetables are preferred. The fiber of these products prevents constipation and regulates intestinal motility. If you are prone to allergies, exclude tropical and bright fruits.
- Food should be freshly prepared from quality products, it is better to avoid semi-finished products or ready-made store-bought meals.
- The diet should contain a normal amount of protein, as it is a building material. There is enough protein in dairy products, legumes, nuts and eggs.
- Fats are necessary for normal nervous system development and endocrine glands. redfish, vegetable oils and cheese can become their supplier.
- Carbohydrates as the fastest energy source, are preferred complex, which do not dramatically increase blood sugar, they are found in whole grain cereals, vegetables and unsweetened fruits.
- Cottage cheese and other fermented milk products high in calcium and protein are useful for bone formation.
Checklist for the 9th week of pregnancy
- Register with a medical center.
- Pass a complete examination as prescribed by a doctor:
- General blood analysis.
- General urine analysis.
- Blood for sugar.
- ECG.
- Biochemical examination of blood.
- Blood for syphilis.
- Blood for HIV infection.
- Blood for hepatitis.
- Blood group and Rh factor.
- Blood for sexually transmitted infections.
- Smear for cytology and infections.
- Visit recommended professionals:
- Therapist.
- Dentist.
- otorhinolaryngologist.
- Visit the doctors with whom the woman was registered. It can be an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a rheumatologist. For a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby, it is important to correctly assess the mother’s health and correct possible complications in time.
- Ultrasound of the uterus and fetus as prescribed by the doctor. If the study was not conducted earlier, the timing of the first screening is 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.
- Follow medical recommendations, follow a balanced diet, perform feasible physical activity and tune in to a successful pregnancy outcome and the birth of a healthy baby.
Helpful advice for expectant mothers
At the 9th week of pregnancy, well-being can be disturbed and toxicosis, pigmentation and stretch marks can be strained. But in this period, a deep internal connection between the mother and the unborn baby is established. For his health, listen to yourself, let yourself be lazy and follow the recommendations and medical advice. At the same time, remain a loving woman and do not forget about your attractiveness. Problems will go away and your baby and loved ones will remain with you and will please you for a long time.
