Fetal development in pregnancy week 9:
Your uterus has now grown to about the size of a grapefruit to accommodate your baby, which is about one inch long and weighs 4 grams. Now it may be time to make some changes in your wardrobe, as your favorite jeans may be a bit tight at this point.
The tail disappears this week and all the baby’s organs, muscles and nerves are beginning to function. Eyelids are starting to cover the eyes. The baby is beginning to look more and more like a human at this point. They can make a tiny fist, and suck their thumb already! They can make all sorts of facial movements, including frowning, swallowing motions and moving the tongue around.
The placenta is nourishing the baby now. Chorionic villi are a tissue that is part of the placenta. Since these cells are made of the same material as the baby, it can give very important information about the baby. CVS testing is typically done between weeks ten and twelve and will screen for birth defects and other abnormalities. CVS (or chorionic villus sampling) is typically done for woman over 35, or if you have a family history or genetic illness. This test has some risks, so be sure and talk with your health practitioner if you are considering this procedure.
Maternal Changes
Many women start experiencing pregnancy related mood swings and anxiety during their pregnancy at 9 weeks. You may alternate feelings of elation with feelings of trepidation. Many pregnant women find themselves crying over small things like commercials. Remember that these emotions are perfectly normal, and largely the result of the increased number of hormones floating through your system. Higher than normal levels of progesterone in your pregnancy body can also lead to more fatigue, which can influence your moods.
If this isn’t your first pregnancy, by 9 weeks pregnant you may have noticed that your belly has ‘popped’ just a bit. This is an exciting time, though many women look forward to the months where they are actually showing and not simply looking a little rounder than usual.
Some unpleasant pregnancy symptoms that might pop up during this pregnancy at 9 weeks are bloating and gassiness. Many women find they are more prone to flatulence and burping, as well as highly abnormal guttural sounds during pregnancy. Relax, and know that these too are normal and simply the result of increasing hormone levels, particularly progesterone in your body.
Dad
Don’t worry if she cries at commercial or seemingly for no reason. These are simply hormones. The same ones that might cause her to be more irritable. And if you think it’s bad being on the receiving end, let us assure you that it’s not very pleasant to feel like your body has been taken over. Again, the good news is that as the placenta matures and begins to take over production of some of these hormones, mom-to-be feels better.
Maternity Clothes
You can’t endure an entire summer without maternity crops and capris… not if you are interested in comfort, style and fun during the warmer months of the year! Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look good. Let’s face it; crops and capris are some of the more popular clothing items for pregnant and non-pregnant women alike!
Most crops and capris at Destination Maternity are made of stretchy fabric, so they not only feel great but also move with you through your entire pregnancy. Go ahead, show off that belly! You earned every bit of it. If you are a hip and funky mom-to-be, why not check out the latest selections for moms-to-be?
Pregnancy Health Tips
When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Are your gums red and puffy? Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? If you answered yes to any of these questions you have an 18% increased chance of having a pre-term birth. Several studies have suggested that maternal periodontal disease may increase the risk for pre-term birth or low-birth-weight deliveries. Research has suggested that a visit with the dentist during pregnancy that includes a deep instrumental cleaning of your teeth may substantially lower your risk for pre-term delivery.
What’s bad for the mouth is bad for the body; infections in the mouth can spread throughout the body, causing infection at distant sites. The infections associated with gum disease can produce periodontal toxins that cross the placenta, which may eventually result in pre-term birth. Pregnancy gingivitis is associated with red, puffy gums that bleed easily. The good news is that with a visit to the dentist and intense oral care, gingivitis can be reversed and minimize your risk for pre-term deliveries. Be sure you brush, floss, and rinse frequently and see a dentist regularly throughout your pregnancy to address any problems you may have and to prevent new ones from interfering with your pregnancy. It’s hard to believe but simple attention to your oral hygiene may be all that is needed to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
The American Dental Association has recommended several patient brochures for education of periodontal disease recognition and prevention. These include: ” Women and Gum Disease,” “What is Scaling and Root Planning?” and “Gum Disease: The Warning Signs.”
Twin Tips
Dr. Barbara Luke wrote this excellent resource for moms of multiples. It’s heavy on prevention of common multiple problems and really gives you a lot of great advice for keeping healthy and sane in a multiple pregnancy.