How Your Baby Grows Inside You: Week 9

At pregnancy Week 9, your baby starts resembling a tiny little human being with all the body parts now formed! The baby also is an inch long and weighs around 2 grams.

Your placenta, almost fully developed now, will take charge of your baby’s nutrition for the rest of her/his stay in the womb. Also your baby is now developing a spine! The back is starting to straighten but the head, which is still larger in proportion to the body and thus bent towards the chest.  

At this point, your baby’s eyes are covered with a membrane and will remain closed for a few more weeks. The muscles however are beginning to strengthen and the little one will now start practicing movements! Your baby might also start sucking her/his thumb! Yes, it starts that early in life and is completely natural.

By this week your baby also starts swallowing amniotic fluid and attempts to grab things around her/him, starting with the umbilical cord! Just how cute is this!

If you are carrying a baby girl, then her uterus and reproductive organs are already  in place.

Signs and Symptoms

From this week on, you might see changes in your skin. Gear up for a lovely pregnancy  glow as your wrinkles and dark spots fade out due to hormonal changes. This pregnancy symptomis definitely any mum-to-be’s favourite!

Fatigue, mild aches and bloating however will continue to bother you. Some women might notice that their gums soften from this week on.

Physical Development

Your might still not show but your pants might be little snug now. Consider slowly stocking your wardrobe with more relaxed, free-flowing cloths. You will be spoilt for choice as maternity fashion is fast becoming a thing. Time for retail therapy ladies!

Emotional Changes

If you are a working mom-to-be, you need to manage your leaves during and after pregnancy. According to the Maternity Benefit Act in India, women are entitled to six months of maternity leave. You can avail this leave from a month before your estimated due date and continue the leaves post delivery!

Every organization has a different maternity leave policy so it’s important that you understand your company’s policies from your organisation’s Human Resources department.

If you are not ready to share the good news just yet, wait for the 12th weeks. However, do read the company policy as early as you can since you need to acquaint yourself with the laws that decide your – leave during illness in pregnancy, nature of work during pregnancy and wrongful dismissal during pregnancy!

Old Wives’ Tales

Some say that if a mum-to-be is glowing, she is carrying a baby boy and if her skin appears dull, she is carrying a baby girl. Suggesting that the baby girl takes away from her mum’s beauty! This is just another myth. Its best to laugh it off without much attention.

Red Flags

It is important that you maintain good dental hygiene from now on as your softened gums may lead to sensitive gums and bleeding. Once you complete 12 weeks of pregnancy, visit a dentist to ensure that there is no development of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque and tartar lead to gum diseases which could cause preterm contractions.

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