My Pregnancy Week 9
Baby
Your baby has grown in the last week! Now about an inch long, she is about the size of grape and weighs less than an ounce. In the coming weeks, she will continue to gain weight rapidly, as her basic physiology is finally in place.
Her heart has divided into four unique chambers and her muscles and organs are able to move independently. Her eyes are fully formed, but at week 9 her eyelids are fused shut. Look for her to open her eyes for the first time around week 27! The tiny tail your baby once had is now entirely gone and her sex organs have developed. However, it is probably still too soon for your doctor to discern your baby's sex. If you are hoping to find out what you are having, hang on just a bit longer. Most parents find out the sex of their baby around weeks 16 - 20, and that is right around the corner!
Mom
Week 9 = Mood Swings. Even if you don't feel like you are showing, by week 9 you may have already experienced morning sickness, fatigue, and mood swings. Mood swings are common at this stage, so don't beat yourself up if you feel elated one moment and terrified the next. You are not alone! Fluctuating emotions are normal at this stage in the game, but there is hope! Many moms report that their mood swings usually lighten up during the second trimester.
Are you gaining weight? Some women begin to retain water around week 9, which contributes to weight gain. But just like your mood, your weight may be fluctuating, going up and down all day. In fact, it may seem like you get a different number every time you step on the scale!
Did you know? Water retention can cause your weight to go up or down by 5 lbs in a single day! If you find this changing number stressful, it's best to stay away from the scale! Weigh yourself only once a day, or even better, only a couple of times a week!