9th Week of Pregnancy

Wellness and Nutrition at 9 Weeks Pregnant

The ongoing, rapid changes at 9 weeks pregnant make exercise and nutrition an important part of you and your baby's health. You also can look forward to your second doctor's visit and possibly hearing your baby's heartbeat in the coming weeks. And get those scrapbooks ready — you'll get the first glimpse of your baby during your first ultrasound soon.

Your 2nd Doctor Visit

• You'll probably have your second prenatal visit sometime between the 9th and 12th weeks of pregnancy.
• It might be shorter than your first prenatal visit but will include a check on many of the same vitals:
  • Weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Urine for sugar and protein
  • Uterus size
  • Height of fundus (the top of the uterus)
  • Your questions or concerns
• Your doctor will use a special listening device, called a Doppler, to project the sounds of your baby's beating heart.

Nutrition Benefits for You and Your Baby
Being pregnant puts a new perspective on how your health habits can affect your body and your baby. Consider just a few of the many benefits of good nutrition during pregnancy:

• A healthy diet supplemented with folic acid can help prevent birth defects.
• Good habits now will help you maintain them throughout your pregnancy.
• According to research, good nutrition can protect your baby after birth from diseases.

Exercise Benefits You and Your Baby
Regular exercise also offers both you and your baby lots of benefits, including:

• Helping alleviate common problems of pregnancy. These include:
  • Backaches
  • Bloating and swelling
  • Increased fatigue
• Toning the muscles in your stomach, uterus, and vagina
• Supporting good metabolism
• Helping you get back into pre-pregnancy shape sooner
• Helping improve delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your baby
• Improving your energy levels
• Helping you feel better physically and emotionally
• Adjusting to a new center of gravity
• Possibly coping better during labor