Your ninth week of pregnancy is a special one, because the tiny life inside you is no longer an embryo, but a fetus. In fact, he's looking more like a person with each passing day.
Tip of the week:
You may already be aware that a supportive bra can go a long way in providing support and comfort as your breasts expand, but have you considered going into a specialty shop for a personal fitting? Getting professional help while bra shopping is a great idea for all women, but pregnant women have particular challenges that an expert may be able to help with.
If you could view your baby in detail, you might see that the tail formed by his spine, called the embryonic tail, is now gone. You'd also observe that he has little earlobes and fully formed eyes, even though his lids will stay fused shut until around week 27.
Things you wouldn't quite be able to see include her heart, which may now have four distinct chambers and developing valves, and his forming nerves and muscles. Additionally, he likely has teensy teeth and external sex organs, though you still can't view them even with an ultrasound.
Your baby is also likely moving around a lot, though you probably can't feel it, unlike the discomfort that you may be experiencing in your breasts. While sore, swollen breasts are one of the very first signs of pregnancy, now may be the time when you notice this symptom the most because your milk-producing glands are expanding in preparation to feed your little one.
In addition, pregnancy hormones may be causing growth in your breast tissue, so don't be surprised if your bras no longer fit well. This enlargement will keep going for another month or so. (If you and your partner are loving this new change in your body, run with it. After all, the increased blood flow to your pelvis may mean that you're friskier than ever.)
Also, you may notice more visible blue veins as they expand to deliver blood to your breasts and itchiness as the skin stretches. To alleviate itchiness and minimize stretch marks, you can moisturize your breasts (and belly too!) with cocoa butter.
Read more:
Common Physical Changes During Pregnancy
What to Expect From Prenatal Genetic Testing
A Healthy Eating Plan for Pregnancy
