Week 9 of Your Pregnancy

Will it be a boy or girl? Well, it’s a little too early to tell³! But during week 9, your baby’s muscles and bones are continuing to grow, and you’ll require a healthy supply of Vitamin D. How do you obtain Vitamin D, and which foods are off the menu? 

Your Baby

At 9 weeks, your little baby measures between 2cm and 3cm! Your baby’s mouth, tongue and taste buds will start to form, along with his brain, heart, lungs and kidneys. His eyes are becoming more defined and his nose will be assuming a recognisable shape! The brain is growing with 100,000 neurons per minute. If you haven't visited the doctor since becoming pregnant, week 9 is a good time to schedule your first antenatal visit. To listen to your baby's heartbeat, try using a handheld ultrasound device.

Your body

Do not be surprised if your bra pinches because your body is preparing for milk production after birth. This means that the breast will increase significantly in size in the coming months. At the same time your facial features and whole body will also appear to be softer due to water retention. You should still be consuming plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Eating Safely for Good Health

Eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby! Did you know that your immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy⁵? This leaves you to become more vulnerable to infection, so do take extra care with food preparation and hygiene.

Here are some foods that can cause food poisoning. Avoid them if you can, or in doubt, throw them out!

• Raw or undercooked eggs, as well as foods that are made from them, such as condiments and desserts
• Rare and undercooked meat and fish
• Sushi and other foods that contain raw meat and fish
• Unpasteurised milk, cheese or yogurt

Vitamin D: Nutritional Insurance for Your Child's Bones

During pregnancy, your body needs not 10, not 20, but more than 30 different nutrients! (SingHealth) One of the most important nutrients is Vitamin D. Vitamin D contributes to the normal growth and development of your baby’s bones by regulating the levels of calcium and phosphate in his body⁶.

The Vitamin D you consume now helps to build up your baby’s bodily stores, which it will rely on in the first few months of life⁷. While it’s most efficient to get Vitamin D through exposure to direct sunlight, it is also present in certain foods. The best way though is to make sure you’re getting the recommended 15.0 mcg per day⁸ by taking a supplement.

Which Foods Are Rich in Vitamin D?

Increase your Vitamin D intake by eating the following:

• Oily fish, including mackerel, sardines, salmon, trout (remember to limit to 2 portions a week)
• Eggs — the yolk contains the vitamin D
• Fortified foods — some brands of milk and breakfast cereals have added vitamin D