Pregnancy Week 9

What’s your baby up to?

Your precious little one had a growth spurt last week and has now doubled in size. He or she now measures about 22mm long from crown to rump, about the size of a grape. The embryonic tail is now gone and nipples and hair follicles are beginning to grow. Your baby definitely looks more human.

The elbows and arms are developing, and the fingers and toes though still webbed, are now more discernible.

Your baby’s heartbeat can be heard on an ultrasound, if you had one around now. Your baby’s skin is very thin and transparent.

What’s more? All the major internal organs and sexual organs of your baby are developing as well.

How are you doing?

In addition to morning sickness, your growing uterus is making you fill out at the waistline, though you still don’t look pregnant. Buttoning or zipping up your clothes these days might be a challenge. You don’t fit into your clothes at the waistline, and you don’t need maternity clothes yet. What’s a girl to do? Well, you can wear clothes with elastic waist bands or leave your trousers unbuttoned under a big blouse, or you can just make do with leggings. How about that?

You may also find that you are on an emotional roller coaster; one minute happy, next minute sad. You can cry or flare up at people for minor reasons. Since you most probably haven’t told friends and colleagues that you are pregnant; they won’t understand what’s up with you, and will be looking at you with one kind eye.

Dizzy spells are also pretty common, especially if you are anaemic or have a low blood sugar. Whenever you feel light-headed, just seat down or lie down on your side until you feel better.

What should you do this week?

To tell or not to tell? Most women wait till the end of the first trimester (when the risk of a miscarriage is greatly reduced) to start sharing their pregnancy news. However, if you are working and morning sickness is seriously interfering with your work, or if your job description poses a threat to your pregnancy, you might want to open up to your supervisor. Hopefully, some provisions may be made to make you cope better at work.

Be sure you are eating healthy and taking your prenatal vitamins. Enrich your diet with iron-rich foods such as ugu leaves, beans, fortified cereals, red meat, etc. Note that it’s necessary to eat foods high in vitamin C, so that your body can better absorb iron.

Can you/should you have sex while pregnant? Well, it ultimately depends on how you feel. Sex in pregnancy is fine if you feel up to it. Some women have a very low libido in pregnancy, and their partners should be able to understand this and cooperate with the woman. It’s not a license to cheat; but a time to come together as a couple and work out ways to cope with it. Note that sex may not be advisable for women who are at risk of a miscarriage. Discuss with your doctor at your antenatal visit. He is in the best position to tell, since he knows your medical history. He will advise you on whether to get freaky, or wait till the end of the first trimester.

Keep being a healthy mom-to-be by keeping up with your healthy routine.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for emotional support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.