Your Pregnancy Week 9

Your Baby

This week marks the end of the embryonic period and the placenta is developing as well. Your baby looks like a tiny human now and is approximately 13 - 17 mm or about 0.51 - 0.66 inches in length (about the size of a raspberry). At this point, he weighs approximately 1 - 1.5 grams (the weight of a paperclip).

While the internal reproductive organs have now become either testes for boys or ovaries for girls, there's nothing yet to tell you whether it's a boy or girl even if you look closely. The skeleton has begun to form as cartilage and bones take shape. The baby's intestine has begun to move out of the umbilical cord into the baby's abdomen and your baby is now taking his first few drinks - he's drinking amniotic fluid. Remember, a little of what you eat and drink ends up in the amniotic fluid so, it can end up in him. Reflex muscle movements continue and now your baby will move away if touched through the uterine wall. Other changes in your baby are the heart valve formation, the retina formation, and the tip of the nose becoming visible.

Your Body

Providing a place for a baby to grow is hard work and you could find yourself even more tired now then before. Your breasts may feel fuller or heavier now and may even be a bit sensitive. Continue with the supportive bra (such as a jogging bra) to help alleviate the discomfort. While the headaches may subside a bit, you may find yourself dizzy at times. If you do, be sure to walk close to a railing, sit up slowly, and don't go from one position to another quickly (such as sitting to standing, lying down to sitting, etc.) to reduce the chance of dizziness. In addition, you may find yourself with a stuffy nose or spontaneous nosebleeds. Don't worry or be alarmed. Nasal congestion and nosebleeds are fairly common during pregnancy. One thing you may try is using a vaporizer or humidifier to help reduce these symptoms.

At this point you may be considering a pregnancy or childbirth class. These are available for both you and your partner and can help make the transition much easier and help with any questions, concerns or worries you or your partner may have. There are even classes for older children to help them adjust to the idea of a new baby. Contact your local hospital, birth centers, midwives, or childbirth educators for a list of current classes.

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