9 weeks of pregnancy is the beginning of the fetal period of the child’s development. Now the embryo is called a fetus! This is an important date in your pregnancy calendar, when the uteroplacental circulation enters a new stage (allantoic), giving the child a fundamentally different quality of life. From now on, the delivery of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus improves dramatically. What happens to the baby at 9 weeks of pregnancy?
How your figure changes by the 9th week of pregnancy
The 3rd month of pregnancy has begun.
At this stage, the figure of expectant mothers changes: at the 9th week of pregnancy, the belly increases slightly, the breasts continue to grow, the pregnant woman notices special sensitivity and soreness of the nipples, some women may already gradually secrete colostrum at this stage. Bloating, discomfort in the intestinal area , bowel irregularities, morning sickness in a pregnant woman, frequent urination are standard phenomena at 9 weeks. Discharge at the 9th week of pregnancy during this period is usually unremarkable, but the expectant mother needs to monitor its changes.
Bloody or brown vaginal discharge may indicate the need for urgent hospitalization to exclude the possibility of termination of pregnancy. If you notice suspicious discharge of a yellowish, greenish tint, with an unpleasant odor, cheesy, flaky or other atypical consistency, it makes sense to immediately consult a doctor. Any sexually transmitted infection in your situation is a great danger to the life and health of the fetus. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, entrust your health to specialists!
Eleventh week for the expectant mother
At this time, in most cases, vomiting and nausea, as well as intolerance to certain odors, disappear. Thus, a woman gets the opportunity to form a complete diet and begin to eat varied, giving preference to various healthy foods. It is advisable to eat freshly prepared food. If you follow a certain diet, you can avoid any problems during this period, the main one of which is digestive problems. The relaxing hormone progesterone causes the intestinal muscles to become lazy, leading to bloating and constipation. If even strict adherence to the diet does not help to cope with the problems, you need to contact a specialist who can prescribe safe medications.
As the fetus grows, blood volume also increases. A woman may experience increased sweating as a result of such changes. Increased kidney function leads to more frequent urination. If there is no discomfort or pain with increased urination, there is no reason to worry. Otherwise, you will also need to visit a specialist. Discomfort and pain can be symptoms of bladder inflammation, i.e. cystitis syndromes.
At eleven weeks, the first prenatal screening is carried out, which is aimed at identifying developmental defects. An ultrasound and biochemical examination is performed. The first screening is aimed not only at identifying developmental defects. This examination allows you to find out the condition of the chorion, the growth and degree of development of the fetus, the exact duration of pregnancy and other details.
How the embryo develops at 9 weeks
The fetus at the 9th week of pregnancy is actively growing, it has already gotten rid of its gills, and very soon its tail will also disappear. The baby’s arched body is slowly taking on a human appearance, internal organs are developing, and life support systems are being established. To more accurately assess the condition of the fetus and its development, your doctor may prescribe an ultrasound at 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Ultrasound of the fetus at 9 weeks of pregnancy Weight gain at 9 weeks of pregnancy ranges from 0.7 kg (with a BMI of more than 26) to 1.7 kg (with a BMI of less than 19.8). To calculate your individual weight gain at 9 weeks, use the pregnancy weight gain calculator.
Recommendations
It is very important for a pregnant woman to follow a rational diet and proper work and rest schedule. A woman should eat only natural foods rich in vitamins and minerals. You should give preference to light, nutritious foods, maintaining a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is necessary to ensure sufficient consumption of animal proteins - they contain essential amino acids necessary for the full growth and development of the fetus. If necessary, the doctor will select a vitamin complex.
During a normal pregnancy, a woman does not need to abstain from sexual intercourse - the uterus reliably protects the baby and intimacy will not harm him. If before conception the expectant mother was involved in any kind of sport, she can continue her activities, slightly reducing their intensity. The only contraindication for sex and sports activities is increased uterine tone and the threat of miscarriage. In this case, the pregnant woman should follow the doctor’s recommendations until the condition is completely normalized.
What does a baby look like at 9 weeks pregnant?
At 9 weeks the baby is about the size of an olive.
At week 9, the growth rate increases more and more, and the Baby reaches 7-8 mm in length:
- external and internal organs, eyes, nose, lips, tongue continue to form;
- the nasal fossa, nasal fold, and auditory eminence appear;
- tubercles appear in the place of future fingers, the upper limbs lengthen, a dividing groove appears between the fingers (although the tiny fingers are still connected by a membrane) and the separation of the thumb begins, interdigital spaces are visible, finger plates appear on the lower limbs;
- the liver and kidneys are taking shape, but are not yet functioning;
- New foci of hematopoiesis appear - already in the child’s body itself, in the liver, which means...
- …the Baby’s blood begins to be produced there;
- in the boy, cells appear in the gonads from which spermatozoa will begin to grow in the future;
- the girl’s ovaries are “populated” with hundreds of the first eggs;
- The umbilical cord begins to form between the future placenta and the Baby’s body. It looks like three vessels: one large vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the Baby, and two smaller ones that remove oxygen-deprived blood and metabolic products from his body;
- ultra-sensitive equipment can pick up brain impulses;
- the first reflexes appear;
- The Baby’s very first sense arises—touch. The first tactile receptors, which allow the child to feel touch on the skin, appear at the level of the mouth. As the body size increases, the number of contacts also increases: The baby increasingly touches the walls of his “house” - the uterus.
Embryo 11 weeks
The baby has a hairstyle. The fine hair on the head and body is called lanugo. They usually fall out by the time of birth. The skin is almost transparent, blood vessels are visible. The first foci of ossification form in the bones. White blood cells - leukocytes - appear in the blood. The arms are pulled up to the face, the baby can put a finger in the mouth. We begin to do exercises - the baby can actively move in the womb, but its size (10-15 cm) and low weight (30 g) do not yet allow the mother to properly feel these movements.
Fear of pregnancy
The doubts that arise when learning about pregnancy are similar. Often they are associated with a number of obstacles that prevent you from freely and joyfully accepting a child into your life. How can you help overcome these difficulties?
- Try to leave thoughts like: “But if there was no child, then this would be the case, and I (or we) could do this and that...” This is all conditional mood. But in reality, YOU ALREADY HAVE A CHILD. And there are still 9 months to calm down, accept this fact, prepare for the birth of the Baby and provide him with a favorable start in life.
- Analyze and honestly answer yourself, without hiding behind general words, what exactly scares you about the fact of having a child. The most common reasons for a child’s “unwantedness” are financial difficulties, difficult relationships with the child’s father and his reluctance to accept the fact of paternity, early pregnancy and an unsettled life, career plans that the child does not fit into, unwillingness to bear responsibility, and fear of losing independence. As a rule, future parents are well aware of what they are losing with the birth of a child, and have no idea what they are gaining.
- Try to imagine how your child feels, because despite the fact that he is still very tiny, he is able to react to impulses coming from you and even imprint them. And it’s better if his first impression of this world is “they’re waiting for me, I’m welcome,” and not “the dearest people don’t need me.”
- Forgive yourself all your doubts and... wait until the 18-20th week of pregnancy - this is the period when many expectant mothers change their attitude towards what is happening.
- There is an opinion that Baby will always understand his future mother and help her - he is always at one with his mother. Thus, the famous Canadian psychologist and philosopher Liz Burbo advises talking to your Baby, explaining to him what is happening to you, imagining how he listens, what he might think and what he would answer to his mother. Don’t worry about the fact that your baby still feels, understands, and worries differently than adults. Remember that only you can convey joy, sadness, anxiety to him now, you can calm him down and even (!) cheer him up.
Physical activity
There is an opinion that pregnant girls are advised to completely rest and abstain from any physical activity. This myth is cultivated in every possible way by older relatives (mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and so on). An expectant mother should not be guided by incompetent recommendations. Now we will debunk this myth.
Gynecologists in all countries recommend maintaining moderate physical activity throughout pregnancy. Morning exercises, regular exercise in special sports, daily walking - all this will only benefit both the expectant mother and the intrauterine child.
What sports do we call special:
- walking;
- swimming;
- yoga;
- Pilates.
Of course, during the period of bearing a child, you should not jump with a parachute, go mountain climbing, go down into caves or dive. You should know moderation in everything, listen to yourself - there is no need for exhausting loads. You will notice that regular light physical activity lifts your mood and improves your health.
Tests and studies during pregnancy
Ultrasound (ultrasound examination) - 5 weeks after the first day of the last menstruation, according to indications.
Diagnosis of pregnancy, exclusion of ectopic pregnancy. Blood test for AIDS (HIV), syphilis (RW), hepatitis B - when registering for pregnancy (antenatal clinic, specialized medical center, advisory clinic at a maternity hospital, etc.). These diseases can complicate the course of pregnancy and require a special approach to patient management.
Analysis for blood group and Rh factor - when registering for pregnancy. If there is a risk of Rh conflict (if the woman has a negative Rh factor and the husband has a positive one), pregnancy requires special monitoring.
General and biochemical blood test, blood sugar test - when registering for pregnancy. They give an idea of the general health of the pregnant woman and possible chronic diseases.
General urine test - when registering for pregnancy, then before each visit to the doctor. Indicates the quality of kidney function.
Vaginal smear - when registering for pregnancy. Assessment of microbial flora, exclusion of urogenital infections.
Tests for urogenital infections - according to indications .
Hormone analysis - according to indications .
Embryo 20 weeks -30 weeks
Did you feel the kick? Now the baby communicates with his mother this way. If mom is sad, upset about something, or there is loud music around, it’s smoky, stuffy, the baby violently expresses his opinion. At first it’s timid, but by the end of pregnancy this method of communication will no longer cause tenderness. Constantly getting kicked from the inside can be quite painful. A sudden noise or fright of the mother leads to a similar response from the child. Protective reflexes arise.
In the lungs, the formation of respiratory alveoli is completed. Fingerprints form on hands. Brain development occurs at the fastest rate. Neural connections are formed. The baby can blink. The immune system is formed. The respiratory organs are developed enough to provide breathing in the event of premature birth, but sometimes only with medical assistance and special equipment. Adipose tissue appears. By 30 weeks, growth reaches 40-43 cm, weight up to 1.5 kg.
Good to know
Are vegetarianism and pregnancy compatible?
Herbs contraindicated during pregnancy
Miraculous transformations during pregnancy
“Pregnant” and maternal fears: how to stop being afraid
How to stop worrying during pregnancy?
What are pregnant women afraid of?
All texts for pages about mother and baby were kindly provided by RAMA Publishing - these are chapters from the book by Svetlana Klaas “Your Favorite Little Man from Conception to Birth”, reviewer Irina Nikolaevna Kononova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ural State Medical Academy (Ekaterinburg).
Nutrition
Nutrition in the 9th week of pregnancy
Nutrition for a pregnant woman is the basis for a favorable pregnancy. In the 9th obstetric week, it is necessary to pay special attention to products containing vitamins C, P, K, Zn, Mg, Fe.
It is advisable to include in the diet:
- red meat, liver;
- fish;
- citrus;
- rose hips, raspberries, grapes;
- tomatoes, lettuce;
- bananas;
- eggs;
- olive oil;
- almonds, walnuts, dates, sunflower seeds;
- spinach;
- beans;
- dairy products.
The changes taking place in the body require a woman to follow certain rules of eating:
- in the morning, before getting out of bed, it is advisable to eat a small amount of the food that helps overcome nausea and prevent vomiting;
- Do not mix many different products with each other. It is advisable to increase the number of meals by 6-7 per day, every 2-3 hours. It is recommended to take 1 type of food at one meal, and then allow it to digest for some time;
- drink enough clean water. It is advisable to drink about 1.5 liters of ordinary water per day;
- do not overeat, stop eating until you feel full;
- pay more attention to the quality of products than their quantity.
Vitamins
Vitamins in the 9th week of pregnancy
Vitamins and minerals during pregnancy are very important for a favorable pregnancy. The ideal option is if a woman receives most of the nutrients through food.
In the absence of certain elements (B9) or their insufficient presence in food (Iodine), the gynecologist may prescribe additional chemical compounds. Self-administration of pills or vitamins is not recommended.
If a woman doubts that her body has sufficient intake of all the necessary vitamins and microelements, or signs of a lack of certain substances appear (changes in well-being, skin and hair condition), then the doctor may prescribe vitamin complexes.
You should beware of self-prescribing vitamins without first consulting a gynecologist.
An excess of minerals and vitamins is just as dangerous as their deficiency.
I am a warm wave of love
My baby!
You are making your first independent movements!
Your arms and legs have grown a little, and your feet and fingers have lengthened. Your head takes on its usual shape, your neck develops. I don’t know yet whether you are a boy or a girl, but I love you simply because you exist. The most important thing is that you develop into a healthy baby. And I surround you all with a feeling of happiness. It is important for me that you feel this feeling from the first moments of your life, even before birth. This makes my desire to give health and strength to every cell of yours even stronger.
I don’t feel your movements with my eyes, but a feeling of tenderness overwhelms me when I think and imagine that you, like a little fish, are waving your tiny arms and legs, like fins, in me, and I give you peace and happiness.
I think about you a little every day. I lower my hands to my stomach and breathe in and out slowly. Like an ocean, I slowly roll them back and forth, turning them into warm waves of love.
“The Miracle of a New Life” is a coloring book for expectant mothers from psychologist, best-selling author of books for mothers Tatyana Aptulaeva and illustrator Alena Ustinova.
Lifestyle
Put off not-so-pleasant conversations and things for later, don’t move or carry heavy objects, don’t take antibiotics, don’t listen to very loud music, don’t have contact with sick people, don’t sit at the computer for a long time, don’t sunbathe on the beach under the scorching sun - try to avoid that , which, in your opinion, could harm the unborn child. It’s better to lead a measured lifestyle, take your time, read books, listen to classical calm music and don’t worry about trifles!
It is possible and it is not possible
The rules of conduct for a pregnant woman in the 9th obstetric week of pregnancy remain the same:
- Avoid smoking (active and passive);
- Do not consume alcohol and unhealthy foods (fast food, smoked meats, pickles, etc.);
- Maintain hygiene and keep the room clean (daily wet cleaning, frequent ventilation);
- Walk a lot in the fresh air;
- Get good rest: sleep at least 10 hours at night, an hour during the day if possible;
- Avoid stress and crowded places;
- Do not resort to self-medication;
- Avoid contact with complex chemical compounds;
- Do not wear high heels.
At the 9th obstetric week of pregnancy, it is good to start engaging in the types of physical activity allowed for pregnant women:
- yoga;
- Pilates;
- swimming;
- walking.
These types of physical activity improve the supply of oxygen to the body and help train the body for future childbirth and caring for the baby.
In addition, moderate exercise improves mood and promotes the production of endorphins (the hormone of joy).
Sex
Sex in the 9th week of pregnancy (according to obstetric calculations) is not prohibited. Restrictions are imposed on women who experience undesirable symptoms (bleeding, temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius, severe toxicosis expressed by vomiting).
To know for sure whether you can have sex during your current pregnancy period, you need to ask your doctor about it at your appointment.
