Your Pregnancy: Week 9

At 9 weeks, baby’s size is that of a signet ring. You’re feeling excessively tired right about now and as your hormone levels increase, your blood sugar and blood pressure can drop. This can exacerbate fatigue as well, so you may feel as though you need to rest and nap more often. There is good news on the horizon though — soon after the morning sickness phase is over, you may experience a renewed sense of energy. Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is all too common and to be expected.

Pregnancy week 9 symptoms are pretty much the same as previous weeks. You may also start to feel like you have a perpetual cold. You’ll feel tired and moody and feel as though you may need to rest more often.

Sinus congestion
While pregnant, your body produces more mucus than normal and often this presents as nasal congestion. You may notice you’re stuffed up and sniffling more often. Short of allergies or a cold, this is one of those normal week 9 pregnancy symptoms.

Frequent urination
As your uterus grows the extra blood flow will increase the frequency of urination. It’s one of the telltale early signs of pregnancy, and again, to be expected.

Morning sickness and fatigue
Morning sickness and fatigue continue through week 9 of your pregnancy. The level of sickness varies from person to person, so you may not have symptoms, or they may be quite mild. On the other hand, extensive morning sickness symptoms can also occur and may make it difficult to want to do anything. If this is the case, consult your doctor for coping techniques. Additional week 9 pregnancy symptoms include moodiness and extreme fatigue; coupled with morning sickness. It may seem never-ending but should start to get better soon.

You know the pregnancy math is weird, so you may be asking, “How many months is 9 weeks pregnant?” Well, at this point, you’re still two months pregnant, but soon you’ll be heading into your second trimester.

Your week 9 ultrasound may give you a glimpse into your baby’s heartbeat, so if you’ve got an appointment on the books, that’s something to look forward to. If it’s a twin pregnancy, week 9 is when you’d find out that news as well. Your doctor will be looking to ensure that fetus is within the uterus.

Now is the time to buy those leggings and comfy clothes if you haven’t already. You still may not need maternity clothing, but for comfort, stretchy fabrics and loose-fitting clothing will be your best friends going forward. If you’re lucky enough to be pregnant during warmer months, cute dresses are always a stylish go-to option.

• If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, you may be able to relieve symptoms by running a humidifier at night to help open nasal passages and loosen mucus. Check with your doctor to see if she recommends a menthol cough drop to help you clear your nasal passages if it is truly uncomfortable and difficult to breathe. Staying hydrated can also help; consider drinking lemon or lime water as well. The citrus will help loosen mucus and is a healthful addition to your diet, overall.
• If you’re experiencing heartburn, chalk that up to hormones as well. The hormones are helping your body relax uterine muscles, but also relax the area between our stomach and esophagus and this can cause heartburn. Combat this uncomfortable pregnancy symptom by eating several small meals throughout the day and avoiding heartburn-causing foods.
• Headaches tend to kick in around week 9 of your pregnancy, so of course staying hydrated, getting rest and eating regularly can help. At your first prenatal appointment, your doctor or nurse should go over with you what pain-relieving medications are safe for you to take. Ideally, Tylenol is the most recommended option, but your doctor will be able to speak to your specific situation.
• Ginger has been known to be an effective remedy for morning sickness for some pregnant moms, so that may work for you. There are ginger lollipops on the market that can help. For some moms, sipping on ginger ale tends to work, but often there’s little ginger in soda, so it’s likely added sugar in your diet you don’t really need. Trial and error will be your best bet, at this point.

• Increase your water intake.
• Talk to your doctor about prenatal tests you may need to have done. At this point, blood work will help determine hormone levels, blood type, and red and white blood cell counts. Most moms-to-be are also tested for STDs early on as well as undergo a Pap smear and urine test to ensure there’s no protein in your urine and that you don’t have a urinary tract infection. If you haven’t yet scheduled your prenatal appointment, do so now to get these important tests underway.

Chances are if you eat eggs, dairy, and meat, you need not worry too much about certain vitamins and minerals like B-12. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Fruits like bananas, especially beginning at week 9 of pregnancy, can help reduce leg cramps and assist with circulation.

• Lean meats and fish
• Eggs
• Cheese and yogurt
• Green leafy vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Bananas

Abdominal pain that is severe and doesn’t go away should always be reported to your doctor, whether you’re bleeding or not. Similarly, if you’re experiencing week 9 pregnancy cramps, your doctor needs to know.

• Bleeding
• Excessive vaginal discharge
• Rapid weight loss
• Excessive cramping

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of illness as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis and those diagnosed with COVID-19 have an increased chance of delivering pre-term (before 37 weeks), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Note: If you are visiting your doctor during COVID, be sure to confirm that the doctor’s office is following COVID protocols as indicated by the CDC.

Your week 9 ultrasound may have revealed that you’re having twins. This may take some time to absorb and could bring with it a host of new concerns or questions. Take the time you need to process this information and talk to your doctor about what you should look out for and what is to be expected.

Do a little research to find out what having twins will mean for you, your pregnancy and your birth. Sites like HealthyChildren.org have lots of valuable information and resources for parents expecting multiples.