We support the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding along with the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond.

Your growing baby’s development in week 9

9th Week of Pregnancy

Help your growing baby develop in the ninth week of your pregnancy

Your growing baby’s organs are shaping up in week 9 of your pregnancy. While his or her brain continues to develop, you can support this with DHA and other nutrients.

What’s happening in Week 9 of my pregnancy?

Your growing baby is around the size of a grape this week. His or her hands and feet are developing with tiny muscles that allow him or her to start moving and he or she looks more recognizable as a human now. Tiny little toes, ears, and even eyelids are beginning to form.

The internal organs are also shaping up, such as his or her digestive system and kidneys.

What can you expect in Week 9 of pregnancy?

Swollen or enlarged blue or dark purple veins, called varicose veins, may appear on your legs and feet during pregnancy. The following lifestyle changes may reduce the appearance of spider veins and even boost your pregnancy health:

  • Try and avoid standing for long periods of time.Don’t put too much weight on your legs, and try and sit with your legs up as often as you can, as this eases the discomfort.
  • Change your sitting posture.Crossing your legs restricts the flow of blood, which increases the likelihood of spider veins appearing. So try and not sit with your legs crossed.
  • Work it out.Do regular foot exercises to improve leg strength, circulation, and the stability of your veins. Please consult your doctor before following any exercise regimen.

What can I do to support my pregnancy in week 9?

Eat a diet rich in DHA like fatty fish and folate like dark green leafy vegetables, beans and peas, to nurture your growing baby’s brain development. Adding in fruits and vegetables also boosts pregnancy health.

Gentle exercise with your doctor’s advice helps create the ideal environment for your growing baby’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development – experts point out that reducing stress while pregnant has a host of benefits for developing baby’s overall health and growth.

Communicate with your developing baby even though he or she won’t be able to hear you for some time. Connecting with him or her by singing and talking to him or her throughout your pregnancy sets a strong foundation for development both in your womb and after delivery too.

 

Your growing baby’s development in week 10

Help your growing baby develop in the eighth week of your pregnancy

Week 8 of pregnancy sees your growing baby’s first movements. Support both physical and mental development with proper nutrition.

What’s happening in Week 8 of my pregnancy?

By the end of this week, your developing baby could be around 11 to 14mm longi. Now called a fetus, your growing baby is continuing to get nourishment from the yolk sac as the placenta continues to develop.

The body continues to develop as well. Eyes, ears, lips, and nose are becoming obvious while the lungs are forming too. Your growing baby’s fingers will also begin to formii. While your little one’s body is starting to uncurl, his or her head is still very large in comparison to the rest of the bodyiii.

What can you expect in Week 8 of pregnancy?

Back pain, especially in the lower region, is a common symptom of pregnancy at this stage, due to hormonal changes and the strain of your growing bump. Manage the pain and enjoy your pregnancy further with these tips:

  • Reduce the stress on your back. Place a small pillow behind your lower back when you’re seated. When sleeping, lie on your side with a pillow between your knees.
  • Exercise. Stretches for your lower back may help to strengthen those muscles, but talk to your doctor about appropriate prenatal exercises.
  • Watch your posture. Because your center of gravity has shifted forward, you might be overcompensating as you lean back, which could strain your back even more. Practice good posture, choose chairs that support your back, and remember to wear comfortable footwear.iv

Please keep in mind that if the pain is severe, you should consult your doctor without delay.

What can I do to support my pregnancy in week 8?

Around this time neuron (brain cell) production begins.v The cerebral cortex of your growing baby’s brain is beginning to form,vi the brain area that will be responsible for advanced brain activity such as processing information, and cognitive functions like memory and motor skills. DHAvii is still one of your hero nutrients when it comes to supporting your growing baby’s brain development, so do keep up with your intake of it, along with an iron and folic acid supplement.

In addition, mothers can get these nutrients in a glass of milk scientifically formulated for pregnant women that contains DHA, choline, folic acid, calcium and protein at levels recommended by experts.

Your growing baby’s brain is also the center of language, emotions and memories – all important when it comes to his or her overall wellbeing. So when you boost your growing baby’s brain development with essential nutrients, remember that you are also supporting his or her emotional growth.

Be part of the Enfamama A+ Club today to access exclusive content about pregnancy, plus get FREE samples, vouchers and other amazing club benefits!

References:

i    Fetal development: The 1st trimester. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2017, from    

 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-d…

ii   Fetal development: The 1st trimester. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2017, from

 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-d…

Share information about your brand with your customers.

Reference Label
Join Enfamama A+ Club