Pregnancy Week 9

How big is your baby? Your baby now measures 2.3cm (0.90inch) and weighs around 2grams (0.7ounces). Itis now about the size of a medium green olive. By the end of the week your babysarms will only be about as long as this 1   Your baby’s development Week 9There have been many changes to yourgrowing baby over the last few days. Your baby’s arms and legs are now longer andstraighter. His/her hands will be flexed at the wrist and will almost meetover the heart. Your baby will have longer fingers now which are enlarged at the ends – as the touchpads are still developing. The legs are still developing, but may be long enough to meet in front of the torso.The toes are also developing nicely now. Your baby’s neck is now also more developed, which allows the head to be more erect.Eyelids will almost be covering your baby’s eyes as well. Even his/her ears arenow externally developed. At this stage of your pregnancy your baby is able to move it’s body and limbs andyou may be able to see this movement during an ultrasound exam. Overall your baby is starting to look more human, even though it is still extremelysmall. Your development As you are progressing through your pregnancy your uterus is growing and atthis stage it should be about the size of a grapefruit. Your weight gainshould be continuing steadily and your waist line should be getting bigger and biggeras each week passes by. Your weight gain is an important factor in monitoring your baby’s growth and development.It is important that you continue to gain weight at a steady pace. Your health careprovider should be checking your weight at each of your prenatal visits. Your blood system changes dramatically during your pregnancy and the volume of bloodin your system increases by 50%. Did you know that fetal blood and your blood never mix?

Vitamin C during pregnancy Vitamin C is very important during pregnancy. It is important for fetal tissuedevelopment and the absorption of iron, and may even help prevent pre-eclampsia. Vitamin C also helps to build the amniotic sac and will also reduce the chancesof premature births. Good Sources of Vitamin C

• Grapes
• Banana, oranges, apples
• Dried fruit
• Broccoli, carrots and other vegetables
• Potatoes
• Leafy green vegetables
• Vegetable juice

Caution: Too much Vitamin C can also lead to stomachcramps and diarrhea and it may also affect your baby’s metabolism, so it is importantto try not to exceed the 85mg daily limit.