How Your Baby Changes in the Ninth Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is leaving the embryonic stage now and by the end of the ninth week will be officially considered a fetus. Her body is growing at a more rapid pace now, to catch up with the size of her head. Up until now the greatest development details have been noticable in the head, which was half the total size of the embryo.
Your baby is now showing distinguishable gender differences, although these would not be visible in an ultrasound yet. The adrenal glands are now working, and your baby will show a stress response by releasing cortisol into her bloodstream. The kidneys are now beginning to work and the spinal cord has fully extended down the entire length of her body.
How Your Body Changes in the Ninth Week of Pregnancy
The bulge of the uterus in your lower abdomen is probably noticeable by now, if not visually, then in other ways. You are likely having to urinate more frequently now, and, like many pregnant women, may be experiencing some round ligament pain.
This is around the time when your health care provider may first talk about prenatal test called Chorionic Villa Sampling or CVS. This particular prenatal screening test is done between eight and twelve weeks of your pregnancy. This test has fairly significant risks associated with it, so many parents choose to skip this test completely. Speak with your doctor about any potential concerns.
Did you enjoy this article? It is part of the Pregnancy - Week by Week Through the First Trimester ebook available today!
Resources:
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
