Pregnancy Week 9

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Pregnancy Week 9: We're Talking Grapes Baby!

What's a tired mom-to-be to do? Buy a Snoozer Pillow

Your baby isn't the only one that is growing. You too will notice as you take your vitamins and as your baby nestles warmly inside, your hair may change as may your face. Some women find their hair becomes thicker and grows faster during pregnancy, as do their nails.

Did You Know?
At 9 weeks pregnant your baby's eyelids have formed, but they will not open until your baby is well into the latter part of your second trimester. Your baby is also developing reproductive organs around this time. Note that by the time you are roughly 20 weeks pregnant your healthcare provider can usually distinguish the sex of your baby with a 99% accuracy rate if your baby positions him or herself well during testing.

As your baby grows, your body does too. Your uterus, while not incredibly large yet, is about the size of a large papaya. Normally your uterus is about the size of a plum, so this is good news! Your uterus will continue to stretch and grow with your baby as your pregnancy continues week by week. By the time you reach pregnancy week 40 your uterus will be roughly the size of a basketball or a bit larger.

How is Mom Doing?
Pregnancy mood swings are quite common when a woman becomes pregnant. This results from the surges of hormones in your body during pregnancy. You may find yourself crying uncontrollably while 9 weeks pregnant, or laughing hysterically. Don't worry, your behavior is normal.

Just make sure you keep a box of tissue nearby and you won't have anything to hide. It may help your partner if he or she attends your maternity checkups so they have an opportunity to talk with your doctor and ask questions about your behavior. Your doctor will help put both of you at ease so you can enjoy your pregnancy, despite the many fluctuations in mood you experience during your pregnancy. Remember, these are just pregnancy symptoms, and your body and emotions will return to normal in most cases just a few weeks after delivery (although if you continue nursing you may find you remain emotional as your body will produce certain hormones to lactate and provide milk for your baby).

Try selecting funny or comedic films rather than sad and sappy ones, and you should be alright. We can't guarantee however, you won't shed a tear at the next Hallmark commercial you see.

How is Dad Doing?
It is often just as emotional for first time dads to go through pregnancy as it is for moms. Most fathers feel helpless when their pregnant wife starts crying at the television. If your partner is at a loss for how to help, you can suggest he accompany you to your doctor appointments so you both understand what is happening with your body. This will also provide your partner an opportunity to ask your doctor any questions he may have about pregnancy and caring for a baby.

Sometimes taking a baby care, first aid or parenting class together is also helpful for couples that want to bond with each other and their baby during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend one near you. Some couples for example, take Lamaze classes together, while others take baby care classes that teach you how to bathe, dress, swaddle and care for a newborn baby.

While there is no class that is better than experience, these classes can help you and your partner feel more secure when the time comes to deliver your baby. When you experience pregnancy as a couple, you are more likely to experience a happy pregnancy and cope with fewer emotional ups and downs.

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