Pregnancy Week 9: First Doctor's Appointment and Baby's Digestive System Development

It is just about time for your first obstetrician visit. Many healthcare providers insist on waiting for your first appointment until you are at least nine weeks pregnant. For some expectant mothers the first doctor’s appointment makes the pregnancy feel more real. It is a confirmation that there really is a baby developing and growing in there.

Pregnancy Week 9: Baby’s Development

The ninth week of pregnancy is a refining period. Your baby is growing and further developing all the organs that started out as little buds over the past few weeks. Your baby’s face begins to look more human. The arms and legs become longer and more defined. Your baby also begins to uncurl slightly and straighten out.

Your baby’s intestines are contained within the umbilical cord because there is no room inside your baby’s abdomen for them right now. The large liver and the kidneys take up most of the space. The intestines will move into your baby’s abdomen once his little belly is big enough to hold them.

Pregnancy Week 9: Mom’s Doctor Appointment

You will probably have your first doctor’s appointment around this time. Write your questions down so that you don’t forget to ask what you need to know. Your pregnancy will be confirmed by a Doppler of the baby’s heartbeat, or, if you are lucky, you will be given a vaginal ultrasound. Your baby’s heart is beating at about 150 beats per minute by week nine of your pregnancy.

Also, be prepared to schedule some blood tests. These blood tests should be done in the first trimester. Your doctor will want to check your blood type and Rh factor. This blood test will also check you for anemia, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis. The final blood test will be to make sure you are immune to rubella. If you do not have the immunity then you will be given a vaccination against rubella after your baby is born.

If you have not had a recent Pap smear then your doctor will perform one at your first obstetric appointment. The Pap smear will check for abnormal cervical cells and sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea.

You will also be given a generalized schedule for future doctor’s appointments and tests. You will also be given information about what medications can be taken during pregnancy. Of course, your healthcare provider will go over the importance of eating regular, healthy meals and snacks.

Your will also be given instructions on the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can calm any fears that you have regarding pregnancy myths and facts. If she doesn’t bring up topics such as traveling, sexual intercourse, your mental health, or environmental cautions then you should not hesitate to ask.

You and your healthcare provider are going to have a long relationship so be sure that you are open and honest with her. I guarantee she will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions.

For more weekly pregnancy information:

Pregnancy Weeks 1, 2, & 3

Pregnancy Week 4

Pregnancy Week 5

Pregnancy Week 6

Pregnancy Week 7

Pregnancy Week 8

Pregnancy Week 10

Pregnancy Week 11

Pregnancy Week 12

Sources:

Personal Experience

Fit Pregnancy (2009). Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved: April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: fitpregnancy.com/calendar/40251887.html

Myers-Gorrie, Trula, Slone-McKinney, Emily, & Smith-Murray, Sharon (1998). Foundations of Maternal-Newborn Nursing (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company.

What to Expect (2009). Weekly Pregnancy Calendar. Retrieved: April 8, 9, 2009. Web Site: whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/landing.aspx