You are now in your third month, mum! It’s probably too early to feel any of his/her movements, but believe us, your baby’s very active inside mummy’s womb. Meantime, you’re probably still battling morning sickness and mood swings. Read on to find out more about the changes and developments you and your baby are experiencing for week 9 of your pregnancy.
How Big is Your Baby?
The size of a longan fruit, your baby is now 2.3-3 centimetres in length and weighing 1.9-3.5 grams.
Your Baby’s Development
In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you’ll learn that:
- Your little one is no longer an embryo but a foetus—yes, a living, breathing, growing baby in your womb.
- Facial features are forming quickly. He/she looks less like a tadpole and more like a person. The head and neck are more erect and show up during the scans. Even his toes are visible now!
- Your baby’s heartbeat is detectable through ultrasound. His/her heart has finished dividing into four chambers and the valves are beginning to form. Does it sound like galloping horses? It’s because your baby’s heartbeat is twice as fast as yours.
- Other organs such as the liver and spleen are developing.
- Nipples and hair follicles are forming.
- The embryonic tail at the bottom of the spinal cord is completely gone at week 9 of pregnancy.
- It will be long before you get to see his pearly whites, but tiny tooth buds are already developing in your baby’s gums.
- This little one might get caught in action during ultrasounds, too, moving his/her arms and legs. But it’s still too early to feel movements yet.
- The placenta is now ready to take over and become your baby’s life-giving organ for the next 6 months.
Pregnancy Symptoms
- Morning sickness is still at its peak, and it can take all day! Whoever termed it as “morning sickness” just didn’t get it right. Some of us sail through the first trimester with nary a sign (Lucky you!). But take heart, there are ways to beat the nausea.
- Food cravings and food aversions are still ongoing, as these hormonal changes have a big impact on your sense of taste and smell. Go ahead and indulge in your cravings, as long as they don’t harm your baby. If you’re starting to crave nonfood substances, such as laundry starch, dirt, or clay (a condition called pica), consult your doctor right away.
- Fatigue, backaches, inability to focus, loss of appetite, or maybe even weight loss (Yes, it’s possible!) may have taken over, as your body adjusts to the new baby developing within.
- You may also be struggling with gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn and constipation. Make sure you have a healthy, fibre-rich diet and drink lots of water to prevent these unwanted pregnancy side effects.
- Your mood swings are likely to be in full swing at week 9 of your pregnancy.
ALSO READ:
4 Ways to enjoy a mindful pregnancy from the first trimester
Nutrients and Vitamins Needed By Mums During Pregnancy
Food Aversion During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist For Week 9 of Pregnancy
- Your gynaecologist might have prescribed some prenatal vitamins such as folate and multivitamins for you to help your body cope with the additional nutrient requirements for your growing baby. So one of the best takeaways in this week-by-week pregnancy guide is to have smaller frequent healthy meals instead of three large meals, so it is easier on your stomach.
- As bland as it might be, water is key to staying hydrated, especially if you have been throwing up. Down juices if tasteless water makes you nauseated, or go for healthy soups or isotonic drinks to replenish lost electrolytes. Severe nausea should be highlighted to your gynaecologist. In cases of dehydration, patients may be put on an IV drip, so let’s stay water-balanced.
- You may experience some bloating around the abdomen, and that’s completely normal. Consider wearing loose-fitting clothes or dresses if your usual pants are sinking into your waistline. Go ahead and shop if you must—it may be the best therapy to keep things off certain discomforts you may be feeling.
- You may start thinking about your maternity leave. Look at your company handbook to check out the policy.
Your next week: 10 weeks pregnant
Your previous week: 8 weeks pregnant
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
