If you’re in the ninth week of your pregnancy, you might be feeling exhausted. Don’t worry too much! Fatigue is common for many moms during week 9 since your body is working hard to form the placenta which will supply food and blood to your baby while in the womb.
The ninth week is technically the third month of your pregnancy. Therefore, you only have to wait for six months to finally meet your baby. To answer more of your questions about what happens during this week and various tips and tricks to ensure your baby’s health remains intact, continue reading our detailed brief.
What happens to your baby?
During this week, your baby’s size can be compared to an olive. Your baby is 1 inch long—a tiny but significant size since this is the end of the embryo period. After this week, your baby is officially a foetus!
Your baby’s body parts are more fully developed; its eyes, ears, head and look more like a human. Also, your baby’s toes, liver, heart, lungs, brain, kidney, are more developed as well. Lastly, you can spot body movements during this week as well. The baby’s heartbeat can be heard through an ultrasound since it has developed enough. Visit Jacaranda Maternity for an antenatal visit and dating scan to determine the EDD. Ultrasound scan is done every Mon-Sun from 8am to 5pm both at Umoja branch and Kahawa west branch.
During your visit, your history will be taken, vitals and physical examination, new ANC laboratory tests, dating ultrasound (it’s the best way to confirm your date of delivery), nutrition supplements like folic and iron supplements will be given to boost your blood levels and prevent some congenital abnormalities to the baby. The midwife will take you through the danger signs and birth plan. Urine test is done during every visit. HIV test is also done, and in case turns positive, counselling is offered and treatment began.
But—if your doctor can’t locate the baby’s heartbeat through the ultrasound, don’t fret, the baby is probably hiding in your uterus with his/her back out.
Symptoms
During the ninth week, you’ll experience various symptoms since your body is working overtime to cater to the needs of the little one in your belly. Here are some symptoms you may experience during this crucial time:
Fatigue
As we mentioned earlier, your body's working overtime. Therefore, it’s completely normal to feel extremely tired and exhausted. Also, during this time your body's metabolism has increased since you are processing food for two people. This decreases blood sugar and pressure, causing fatigue.
Frequent Urination
If you’re going to the toilet more often. It’s a common symptom. It can be very irritating especially when you are interrupted at night, especially when you think you are done peeing but you have to go back to the toilet shortly.
Other common symptoms are:
● Breast tenderness
● Heartburn and indigestion
● Constipation
● Bloating
Nutrition
Since you’ll be experiencing constipation, bloating, gas and indigestion. It’s important to consume foods rich in fibre during this week since they will allow you to easily get rid of waste.
You can opt to eat whole grains, peas, dried fruits, beans, and more. Going green is very crucial as well—consuming vegetables and fruits.
To avoid these irritating symptoms, do not consume foods that will cause constipation such as white bread, pasta, white rice and more. The Nutritionist at Jacaranda Maternity will be able to advise more. Nutrition clinics run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Kahawa West branch (Kamiti road, Kiamumbi, Chief’s stage). Pay us a visit or book an appointment through our website https://www.jacarandamaternity.co.ke/
Tips and tricks you can use during week 9
1. Avoid spicy food to avoid getting heartburn. You can also try taking antacids.
2. Get enough sleep and rest since your body will be fatigued during this week.
3. To ease breast tenderness, use cold compresses.