Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Week 9
At Week 9, your baby continues developing tiny details that will combine to make up their one-of-a-kind appearance. The placenta has developed (more on that below) and you’re nearing the second trimester.
What’s Going on with Baby
Week 9, your baby is the size of a postage stamp!
Remember those cute and tiny details your baby started growing last week? There’s more where that came from! This week, your baby is developing eyelids, upper lip, and toes. Their elbows are forming on their arms. Here are even more things that are happening with your little baby-to-be:
This might sound crazy, but ten tooth buds are developing in each of your baby’s band of gums.
Your baby’s heart chambers are formed now; all four of them!
Baby’s heart rate is quick! You may be surprised to hear how fast your baby’s heartbeat is compared to yours, but this is totally normal.
What’s Going on with Mom
Still dealing with nausea? Rest assured, there are only 3 weeks left until you hit the second trimester. Meanwhile, the placenta is attached to your uterus and hard at work. At Week 9, it has fully developed and is helping produce the majority of hormones that help your baby grow more and more. Here are some interesting facts about the placenta:
Life-sustaining connection. The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste between the mother’s and fetal blood.
Protects the fetus. The placenta is like a protective barrier that surrounds baby and protects them from infections, large molecules, and harmful substances that may be in Mom’s blood.
Consuming the placenta. This may sound weird but some Moms choose to ingest the placenta after childbirth (usually in pill form) due to limited evidence that it offers benefits such as hormonal balance and nutritional support.
You can read more about placenta encapsulation in this video from Evidence-Based Birth.
What’s going on with Partner
Mom is in the thick of the first trimester, so she may feel more exhausted and nauseous than ever. I know we already talked about potential mood swings and emotions, but this is a reminder to stay consistent in supporting Mom during this time. Here are some more ways to help comfort her and bring a smile to her face:
Keep snacks handy. Having some of Mom’s favorite snacks around will help give her a little treat.
Offer massages. Gentle massages can help Mom relax and relieve tension. Back and foot massages are some of the best.
Plan relaxing activities. Planning activities where Mom can relax but enjoy the outdoors, watch a movie, or take a nice walk are great ideas.
Surprise her. A little surprise here and there may be the boost that she needs. Think of handwritten notes, a treat she loves, or something meaningful.
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
In my opinion, the first trimester is the hardest of the three. You feel terrible, you're bloated, and you haven't told everyone you're pregnant yet (so you don't get a lot of sympathy). This blog will give you some tips to get through it.
