Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : December 14, 2014 4:36 PM IST
The ninth week of your pregnancy marks an important milestone. You have entered the third month of your first trimester. Soon you will be over your pregnancy woes and will start caressing your baby bump.
Changes that happen in your body
Your growing uterus will now be bulging out slightly, though it won't give away any cues about your pregnancy. Those maternity dresses you bought the week before will be a saving grace now, especially if you want to keep your pregnancy a secret till the end of your first trimester. Also know about other important things you should be doing during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
The raging hormones are at its peak and so are your symptoms of morning sickness, fatigue, nausea and increased sense of smell.
Another important symptom of pregnancy that would be noticeable is weight gain. This weight gain is more due to water retention in the body than the weight of your baby. This week onwards even your baby will be gaining weight at a slow and steady pace. Hence your body would be working overtime to help you face the challenges. The flip side is that you will feel more lethargic and fatigued throughout the day.
As the placental development is in full swing this week, your metabolism and hormone levels also increase. This will cause your blood sugar levels and blood pressure to drop slightly. Fatigue is usually the outcome of these physiological changes happening in the body.
Mood swings might also be at their peak, sometimes driving you nuts, making you teary eyed or maybe just indifferent. More than you, it's a challenge for your loved ones to handle those mood swings. Here are some tips for the expectant fathers on how to keep their pregnant wife happy.
Development of your baby
In scientific terms now your baby is called a 'fetus'. Although there isn't any significant physical development from that of the previous week, your baby will start putting on weight and build muscles too. Limb movement inside the womb is a possibility but it is too early for you to feel any of it. Your baby's heart is divided into four chambers and is pumping blood rapidly, which is normal. Your baby's heart beat could be around 162 bmp (beats per minute). An ultrasound at this point can help you hear it. Also, this week your baby's sexual organs have developed but your doctor won't be in the position to tell you about it. Remember in India, sex determination of the baby is illegal.
What you should be doing
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