On our journey through the weeks of pregnancy, We are ALREADY at 9, which as you know corresponds to a gestation of 7 weeks. It seems a short time, and yet there are many changes that take place inside you: a wonderful development of the new life, and a series of modifications in the mother that can sometimes cause some other discomfort, but that - in any case - have their reason for being in helping the baby to develop, and in preparing the body for a still distant birth and breastfeeding.
Your daughter or son is still an embryo, but this phase is about to end, and in a few days we will refer to him as a fetus (although of course, you will continue to call him 'my baby'). It is still very small and it is estimated that I could measure approximately 2,5 centimeters, we want to take the opportunity to tell you that intrauterine growth is not the same for both embryos (as occurs after birth), therefore variations between pregnancies will be normal even if they are all in the same week of gestation. However, with this information and advice we intend to support and guide you on the most fascinating journey that you are going to make in your entire life.
In week 8 of pregnancy, Valeria told us that what we know as cell specialization occurs, which translates among other things in a maturation of the heart and lungs, and a clear development of the intestines. The basic structure of the body is already formed, and that is not larger than a large grape. The chambers of the heart are divided and the valves form unstoppably.
Week 9 of pregnancy, more changes in the embryo.
- Although the embryo does not stop moving, its muscles still have no connection with the brain, therefore more than movements can be considered spasms.
- Distinction of upper lip, ears and upper lip.
- The ears have also just been formed internally.
- The sexual organs are not yet developed although sex is decided at the moment of conception; At week 9, the embryo has a genital tubercle that will later differentiate. It will take a while to know if it is a girl or a boy; We imagine that you don't care about this because what all moms want is to give birth to healthy babies.
- Valeria also told us that its large head stood out in the creature, although little by little this difference is no longer perceived.
- If the bones of the face are formed, so do the ribs, and specialization in the extremities is a given: elbows, knees, toes.
- Although the body structure is formed, and ossification is taking place, the skeleton is very fragile because the bones do not have calcium and have the consistency of cartilage.
- The eyelids are formed, but it will take several weeks (approximately 17) to separate.
Here is a video that explains very well the changes in an embryo of 7 weeks / 9 weeks of gestation; The explanation about the development of the extremities has caught my attention above all. It is in English, but you can activate the subtitles function, and then (in settings) open the translation and select 'Spanish; in any case it is quite well understood.
One aspect that stands out is the disappearance of the embryonic tail.
Prenatal diagnosis.
I am aware that pregnancy is not a disease, although it should be remembered that a pregnant woman must take good care of her diet and worry even more (if possible) about her general health. Like is logic, you will continue to take folic acid y following the advice given by your midwife or gynecologist, since any interference with toxins (medications, alcohol, tobacco, X-ray tests) would negatively affect your baby and his development. The first quarter is a period of great vulnerability.
What tests will you do?
You have probably already gone to the midwife and listened to the heartbeat; And you may have even gone through the first ultrasound. In any case, between weeks 9 and 12 of pregnancy, the first control visit is usually carried out (if you have not already done it). You can expect to have your pregnancy chart taken, your blood pressure taken, and a complete blood and urine test prescribed..
It is also normal for the health professional who will be supervising the pregnancy to explore your breasts and perform a vaginal examination. During pregnancy, only 3 ultrasounds are necessary (except for special cases), and although there are many women who want a greater number of these types of tests, there could be risks derived from a very high exposure. It is very important during the first quarter monitor thyroid hormones, perform combined screening, and check the anti-toxoplasma IgG result.
How does the mother live this week of pregnancy?
We are talking about 7 days apart, but in this first trimester the changes can be very noticeable. Some we had anticipated, and others you do not know:
- Tiredness, nausea, dizziness ...
- Sensitive chest.
- Possible fluid retention.
- Digestive discomfort
- Your gums may bleed - that's why and because your tooth enamel requires more care, it's time to call your dentist.
- Last week we already talked to you about food, and the convenience of incorporating foods rich in vitamin D.
The uterus not yet ascended and is located within the pelvisExcept for possible fluid retention, your belly probably hasn't undergone any changes.
Although, as I have said, a pregnancy is not a disease, it does need care, and also an emotional one: let them take care of you and take care of yourself; rest if you need it and do not submit to social pressure: you are a mother and that already makes you a super heroine. I mean by this that even if there is dust on the furniture and you cannot take care of the weekly shopping, absolutely nothing is going to happen.
It is the world that must stop before you, not you who carry an excessive load. Seek support from your partner, demand domestic co-responsibility, and if the father works 'more hours than a clock' or you are going to be a single mother: make small purchases in the neighborhood stores, organize the house in a more practical way that does not require you to dedicate many hours, etc.
And now, yes, we leave this week of pregnancy, to return in a few days with a new installment of our Pregnancy Week by Week. We wait for you!
Images - Pietro zucco, Wiki how