Your baby is a foetus now!

This week marks the end of the embryonic stage. So your baby is officially a foetus now!

Baby’s developments at week 9

Your baby is now the size of an olive, measuring 0.90 inches and weighing a less than 10 grams. The tiny heart is now pounding fast and the heartbeat can be picked up through a Doppler. With distinct facial features, the baby is beginning to look more and more human.

Significant developments during week 9

• All your baby’s vital organs have formed by now and are starting to work together.
• As external changes such as the separation of fingers and toes and the disappearance of the tail takes place, internal developments are taking place too
• Your baby’s eyes are bigger now and eyes have formed but fused. They won’t open until week 26
• Ears are starting to develop and tooth buds form inside the mouth.
• If you’re having a boy, his testes will begin producing the male hormone testosterone.

Sometimes, an ultrasound per

Read: Ectopic pregnancy - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pregnancy symptoms at week 9

Your uterus is expanding; however your bump is still not visible. But your waistline is filling up so don’t get alarmed if your trousers or skirts aren’t fitting you like they used to.

Read: Pregnancy and weight gain

• Extreme fatigue sets in during this stage and you may find it hard to stand for long. Your legs may begin to ache after a while of standing. This is normal, so don’t punish yourself. Rest your legs and whenever sitting down, put your legs up.
• Symptoms similar to pre-menstrual discomfort like abdominal cramps and pain are quite common.
• Morning sickness will continue for another few weeks
• You may have frequent hunger pangs and strong food aversions too

Read: Pregnancy Snacking

• The raging hormones are bound to make you moody
• You’ll find yourself running to the loo quite often
• Vaginal discharge has increased by now. This will continue throughout pregnancy and nothing to be concerned about unless it is yellow or begins to irritate you.
• Your nipples may have grown larger and the area around it – areola – will get darker. You may also see small pimples around the areola. Don’t get alarmed. These are the Montgomery’s Tubercles – which help in preparing your nipples for breastfeeding. So don’t interfere with them by squeezing or plucking them.
•  Other pregnancy symptoms like dizziness, constipation

Important things to do this week

• Cut down on your coffee
• Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating
• Keep away from unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses

Read: Top foods to avoid during pregnancy

• Undercooked meat, fish and eggs can be dangerous – so stay cautious while eating these
• Drink plenty of water and fill your plates with high fibre food to combat constipation