Pregnancy Week 9

What does my baby look like?

Your baby is now about the size of a grape, and with each passing day looks more and more like a tiny person.

The face is starting to look more recognizable. The eyes are protected by eyelids, there's a little mouth, and tiny taste buds are beginning to form on the tongue.

The hands and feet are developing, though there aren't any distinct fingers or toes yet. For now you can just see ridges where the fingers will form.

All the major internal organs, such as the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and intestines, are continuing to develop. Bones are starting to form, too.

Your baby's genitals are beginning to take shape as well. To find out whether you're having a boy or a girl, though, you'll usually need to wait for the detailed ultrasound done between weeks 18 and 21.

The eyes are developing

Your baby's eyes are growing, and color is starting to develop within them. The idea that all babies are born with blue eyes isn't true. Eye color depends on the genes passed down from both parents, and it can still change after birth.

The embryonic stage is almost over

Your baby's embryonic stage is nearly over, and the fetal stage is just around the corner. The head looks flatter and more developed. The ears keep growing. The toes are now becoming visible.

The arms and legs can now make small movements on their own. It'll be a few more weeks, though, before you can feel them.

You may need to wait a little longer to hear the heartbeat

Don't expect to hear the heartbeat yourself at home. Rather than using an at-home Doppler device, it's both more accurate and safer to have a healthcare professional check the heartbeat at your prenatal visits.

What's happening in my body?

Over the past few weeks, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, has been rising rapidly in your body. This week that hormone is approaching its peak levels.

Other hormones like estrogen and progesterone are high, too. These hormones increase blood flow to the uterus and help support your pregnancy.

Many women find this a very emotional time. That's why it's important to rest and let others support you.

You may be dealing with constipation. This is often because pregnancy hormones slow down your bowel movements.

Changes in your sense of taste and smell may leave you craving some foods and repulsed by others. If you find yourself wanting to eat non-food items like laundry starch, dirt, or clay, though, let your healthcare professional know; this is called pica. Foods you used to enjoy, like meat, eggs, dairy, spicy dishes, and coffee, may now seem off-putting. Your sense of smell may be heightened as well; if cooking smells bother you, it can help to stay away from them as much as possible.

This can be one of the times when morning sickness feels most intense. Nausea isn't limited to the morning and can hit at any time of day.

Because of hormonal and physical changes, you may also experience heartburn. Carbonated drinks, caffeine, chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, mint-flavored products, and processed meats can make it worse for some people. Fatty, spicy, and fried foods can upset your stomach, too.

If your underwear is starting to feel uncomfortable around your waist, it can help to switch to more comfortable options with a stretchy waistband.

To bond with your baby, you might set aside a little quiet time each day. Keeping a journal or writing letters to your baby can also feel meaningful for some moms-to-be.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Managing your weight during pregnancy doesn't mean trying to lose weight. The goal is to support both yourself and your baby by eating well and staying reasonably active.

Dieting during pregnancy isn't recommended. Healthy weight gain can help lower the risk of certain pregnancy complications. If you have concerns about your weight, talk them over with your doctor.

Early pregnancy symptoms

Symptoms can be tough to handle right now. Here are some you might notice this week:

• extreme tiredness
• nausea
• mood swings
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• tender breasts
• changes in food and drink preferences
• a heightened sense of smell
• milky white vaginal discharge
• light spotting
• cramps similar to period pain
• darkened skin or brown patches on your face
• fuller, shinier hair
• bloating

If you have any bleeding or a symptom that worries you, contact your doctor.

Why can symptoms feel so intense?

Because hCG levels are high right now, symptoms like nausea, mood swings, and fatigue can feel more intense. As exhausting as these symptoms are, they can be one of the signs that your pregnancy is progressing.

Eating this week

You may be feeling hungrier these days. But at this stage of pregnancy, there's no need to "eat for two." The need for extra calories becomes more noticeable later on.

Many women find that eating small, frequent meals works better for them. Eating little and often throughout the day can help keep your blood sugar steadier, which may ease nausea. Instead of very fatty, sugary snacks, it can help to prepare more balanced options.

For example, you might choose:

• low-fat fruit yogurt
• plain yogurt
• fresh cheese with fruit
• yogurt topped with dried apricots, figs, or prunes

Healthy snack ideas

When you're feeling tired and low, it can be easy to reach for something like cookies. But whenever you can, it's better to choose more nourishing snacks. Some ideas:

• a boiled egg with whole wheat bread sticks
• hummus with carrot sticks
• flatbread with grated cheese

Don't forget complex carbs

Salted crackers aren't your only option. To meet your energy needs, foods with complex carbohydrates are helpful, too. Some examples:

• fresh fruit
• dried or freeze-dried fruit
• fresh vegetables
• whole grain breads
• crackers
• breakfast cereals
• baked potatoes with the skin on
• beans and peas

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

If you think you or your partner may have a sexually transmitted infection, it's important to talk with your healthcare professional. Getting checked early matters for both you and your pregnancy.

Try to prevent constipation

Constipation is common at this stage. Some supplements you take, especially those with iron and calcium, can make it worse.

Don't take any medication without talking to your doctor first. If needed, your doctor can look into slow-release formulas or different supplement options.

Light exercise can help, too. Options like brisk walking, yoga, or swimming can bring some relief for certain moms-to-be.

It's also important not to put off going to the bathroom. Holding it in for a long time can make your bowel movements even harder.

Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness is very common in pregnancy. It can feel like a dull ache, a sense of fullness, or a sharp, stabbing pain.

Your body is storing fat and increasing blood flow in this area. This is all part of getting ready to breastfeed after birth.

If the discomfort is significant, an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a warm shower can help.

Your first prenatal appointment

At your first prenatal appointment, details about your pregnancy care are recorded. Your and your baby's measurements, test results, and follow-up notes are all part of these records. It can be helpful to have access to this information when you go to your appointments.

Your breasts may have grown and your waist may have thickened a bit. Because pregnancy hormones are so strong right now, you may still not be feeling your best. Many people, though, find some relief from their symptoms as they move into the second trimester.

Your emotions during pregnancy

In the first trimester, progesterone and estrogen levels are high. This can lead to emotional changes. You might also find yourself worrying about your baby's health, your finances, or the future. It's important to make time for yourself and try to reduce stress.

If you feel dizzy

Move slowly when you stand up after sitting or lying down. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down. If you get dizzy while lying on your back, turning onto your side may feel more comfortable.

Check before taking any medication

If you have a headache, some pain relievers can be used during pregnancy, but not every over-the-counter medication is safe. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything. If you have a severe headache that won't go away, it needs to be evaluated.

Carry a snack with you

Carrying healthy snacks can help keep your blood sugar from dropping too low during the day. Options like dried apricots can add to your iron intake and support your bowel movements.

Pregnancy fatigue

Fatigue can be very noticeable in these weeks. One of the main reasons is that your body is working hard to develop the placenta.

You may feel drained all day long. This is common in the first trimester. Shifting hormones, a faster metabolism, and fluctuations in your blood sugar and blood pressure can all add to the tiredness.

In the meantime, eating small, frequent meals, staying well hydrated, and moving gently without overdoing it can help.