There are tons of rapid changes going on during the ninth week of pregnancy. It is around this time that most pregnant women are getting ready to attend their first appointment with their doctor if they have not already done so. To make the first visit to your obstetrician go smoothly, it is highly recommended that you make a detailed list of all of the medications you are taking. Do not forget to include over-the-counter medications. You should also keep a detailed description of your eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. This article will not only help you acquire more knowledge about a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, but also present a whole picture of the pregnancy symptoms and fetal development.
What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 9 Weeks?
Many women may experience implantation bleeding, morning sickness, or fatigue when they are 9 weeks pregnant. Most women do not begin to look pregnant until their second trimester, but this can vary from case to case. Headaches and backaches are also very common in pregnant women who are 9 weeks pregnant. Bleeding gums and nose bleeds are also common during the first trimester of pregnancy.
How Does Your Baby Grow When You're 9 Weeks Pregnant?
Around nine weeks of pregnancy, your baby usually weighs around nine grams, but be prepared for a period of extremely fast growth. It is around nine weeks of pregnancy that all of the major limbs such as the arms and legs are present. The genitals and eyes are present, but they are not fully formed.
Your baby is roughly one inch long. The skeleton of an unborn baby at nine weeks is starting to harden. Cartilage throughout the baby’s body is being formed around this time as well. Nipples, elbows, hair follicles, toes, and knees begin to take form around nine weeks. Major internal organs are all present, but they are not fully formed. The intestines and muscles within the baby’s body are also starting to develop.
You can watch this video and get more information about how your baby grows when you are 9 weeks pregnant:
How Does Your Life Change When You're 9 Weeks Pregnant?
Your life changes dramatically throughout pregnancy. At this point in your pregnancy, you may not appear to have changed much physically. Your body may be a bit thicker by nine weeks, but there are not usually serious changes that make the pregnancy noticeable. However, you may be feeling extremely pregnant by this point. Nausea, mood swings, and fatigue may go into full swing by the time you are nine weeks pregnant. This timeframe can vary from woman to woman. Do not be too hard on yourself during this time of your pregnancy.
What About Diet at 9 Weeks Pregnancy?
1. Eating Properly to Avoid Morning Sickness
It is also important that you maintain a healthy diet while pregnant. Many women experience morning sickness that can hinder their ability to eat healthy foods. It is highly recommended to keep biscuits or crackers near your bed if you are experiencing morning sickness. Eat a cracker or biscuit before you even attempt to get out of bed to keep morning sickness at bay. Ginger based drinks like ginger ale or ginger tea can also help dramatically reduce the effects of morning sickness. It is also recommended to eat small healthy snacks between meals.
Other natural remedies for morning sickness include avoid smells that trigger your nausea and adding lemon slices to your water or tea. Mints are also said to reduce the effects of morning sickness and nausea. If you experience excessive nausea and are not able to keep any food down, you should not hesitate in getting in touch with your doctor.
2. The Importance of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is also very important during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 helps your body produce healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B6 supplements are a fantastic idea to add to your diet during pregnancy.
3. The Importance of Magnesium
Magnesium is very important to the health of a pregnant woman and her child. Magnesium is often found in foods like bananas, rice, and beans. Other potential sources of magnesium can include nuts, soy beans, pumpkin seeds, and even sunflower seeds. Whole grains can also be a fantastic source of magnesium. Small traces of magnesium can be found in leafy greens, non- refined cereals, and in some dairy products. Be sure to add these items to your everyday diet during pregnancy. One of the jobs of the placenta during pregnancy is to make sure that your child does not consume too much magnesium.
4. Healthy Snacks
There are tons of healthy snacks that you can eat during pregnancy to help ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. These snacks are also good for the overall health and wellbeing of the mother-to-be. Tomato soup, whole grain crackers, and whole grain breads are all great healthy snacks that can help ease morning sickness. Ginger tea, lemonade, and rusks are also great healthy options. Other healthy snacks that are highly recommended for pregnant women include nuts, cucumbers, and bananas. All of these items are easy on the stomach and great for the overall health of you and your baby.
What Can You Do When You're 9 Weeks Pregnant?
1. Connect with Your Baby
Nine weeks is a great time to start connecting with your child. In fact, clinical psychologist Diane Sanford highly recommends setting aside at least ten minutes every day to connect with your unborn child. This can be accomplished by sitting in a quiet area while taking deep relaxing breaths. During this time, think about the hopes and dreams you have for your child. Imagine what your baby will look like. You can also consider what type of parent you would like to be in the future. Consider techniques that can help you reach the goals you have set for yourself as a parent. This is a healthy way to new mothers to rid themselves of anxiety and allows them to connect with their unborn baby.
2. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common problems that expectant mother face. Untreated serious levels of stress and anxiety issues can lead to serious complications during pregnancy. The importance of stress management techniques cannot be stressed enough during pregnancy. Whenever you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, try to engage in deep breathing exercises or taking a walk. Exercise can greatly reduce stress levels and anxiety levels. Exercise is known for producing endorphins in the brain that can reduce stress and increase your overall happiness.
3. Talk with Your Partner about How You Are Feeling
It is also important that you keep an open line of communication with your partner. Talk about your fears about becoming parents. Do not be afraid to let your partner know exactly how you are feeling. You and your partner may want to consider joining a support group for expectant parents.
