Your Pregnancy at Week 9

Maybe you still don't feel like you're showing, but you've likely experienced morning sickness, mood swings, and fatigue by week nine. Fluctuating mood swings are expected at this stage; just do your best to accept your emotions. Don't beat yourself up if you feel terrified one minute and elated the next. You are not alone, and there is hope: many seasoned parents say their moods evened out a bit during the second trimester.

Do you have a stuffy nose or nosebleeds? Don't worry! This is a common complaint during pregnancy. Many parents say using a humidifier or a vaporizer will help. You might want one for when your baby gets here anyway, so it's a smart purchase if you don't already own one.

Feel like the number on your scale is increasing? Around week nine, some individuals will begin retaining water, causing this weight gain. And just like your mood, your weight may fluctuate all day, seeming to go up each time you step on that scale. Water retention might cause your weight to rise and fall by about five pounds in a single day!

So, it's best to step off and stay away from the scale if this wavering number is causing you to stress or worry. Try weighing yourself only once a day or every few days; better yet, not at all. As a general guideline, pregnancy experts suggest a weight gain of zero to five pounds during the first trimester.

Genetic Testing

At this point in your pregnancy, you have an offer for several optional screening tests for genetic abnormalities. Whether or not you take them rests on your approach to the information they give you. Before determining whether or not to go forward with the testing, consider how the potential results will benefit you.

One test is called the first trimester screen, performed between 11 and 13 weeks.

This non-invasive test consists of a blood test coupled with an ultrasound, known as the nuchal translucency screening. It doesn't pose a risk to you or your baby. It is a screening, not a diagnostic test, to evaluate the level of risk - ranging from normal to abnormal - for certain conditions, such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. If your test result shows a higher level of risk, you can always opt for further testing. This test cannot tell if your baby has one of these conditions with certainty, but it can evaluate your risk level, using several factors to determine the ratio. An abnormal test result doesn't mean your baby has one of these conditions, and a typical result doesn't mean your baby won't be affected. 

If you choose to undergo further testing, you may be offered a chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This invasive procedure removes cells from the placenta and tests them for genetic abnormalities. A CVS is done between 10 and 13 weeks. Unless they have abnormal results from an earlier test, many families choose not to complete this test due to the risk of infection or miscarriage. Your midwife or healthcare practitioner should discuss the risks with you and help you consider all options before deciding which tests are suitable for you.

Keeping Up With Appointments

Routine visits to your dentist, dermatologist, optometrist, psychiatrist, and any others you see are still crucial to your overall well-being. Don't become so focused on your pregnancy that you allow your usual appointments to slide. Gum tenderness, sensitivity, and infection are common issues during pregnancy, so it's important to maintain your regularly scheduled, annual or bi-annual visits. Be sure to inform the office you are expecting so they can take the appropriate measures to keep you and your baby safe.

If you take any medications for depression, ADHD, anxiety, acne, and other health conditions, make sure you've discussed them with your doctor. You may have to discontinue certain medications, but your doctor should suggest additional ways to treat your condition safely. Diet, exercise, and natural treatments, such as massage and acupuncture, may help too.

During week nine, the hCG hormone is flowing through your body at its highest level. Are you still not feeling any symptoms? Cross your fingers! Some women get through this first trimester without experiencing morning sickness; in fact, they love how they feel when they're pregnant. However, about 80 percent of all expectant moms experience morning sickness. So, if you're in the majority, just know relief from nausea and exhaustion should be right around the corner. In the meantime, here are some of the common symptoms you’re likely feeling this week.

Morning sickness, nausea, or vomiting: this notorious pregnancy symptom can vary drastically from pregnancy to pregnancy and despite the name may not be limited to the morning hours. Nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and can be triggered by hunger, strong smells… or at times seemingly nothing at all. 

Mood swings: hormone fluctuations may leave you feeling extreme emotions from joy to irritation; sometimes switching without warning. If your reactions seem to be irrational, know that your growing baby may be the explanation.

Weight fluctuations of one to five pounds: while you may be (rightfully) concerned with whether your weight gain amount is in the healthy range, know that weight fluctuations up to five pounds are to be expected. Factors include changes in appetite, stress, and the overall growth of a new baby! Your healthcare provider can tell you if there’s anything to be concerned about.

Nasal congestion and/or bloody nose: pregnancy rhinitis is a common symptom where the mucous membranes lining the nose become inflamed. Additionally, increased blood volume can lead to enlargement of veins (including those in the nose.) This can result in congestion, a runny nose, and even nosebleeds. Check with your healthcare provider before medicating any congestion, and be sure to familiarize yourself with best practices for nosebleeds.

Frequent urination: later in your pregnancy your growing baby will put pressure on your internal organs resulting in a need to empty your bladder more frequently. At this stage, however, your need to pee is a result of changing hormones. 

Fatigue: need a nap? Making a baby is hard work! Even in the early weeks, you may find yourself exhausted. Be sure to listen to your body and get some rest whenever you can.

Headaches: common in early pregnancy, headaches are a painful, although generally harmless, symptom. Hormones are usually to blame for first-trimester headaches, but factors could also include being hungry, dehydrated, tired, or having low blood sugar. Take care to rest, drink plenty of water, and eat small frequent meals when you can.

Heartburn and/or indigestion: increased levels of progesterone cause your digestive system to slow down so nutrients can be more easily absorbed, but this can result in digestive discomfort including heartburn and indigestion. Talk to your medical care provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Constipation, bloating, and/or gas: like heartburn, hormonal changes that slow digestion can also trigger constipation, bloating, and/or gas. Take care to stay hydrated, up your fiber intake, and talk to your doctor if you are still experiencing constipation.