Big things are happening for your baby during the ninth week of your pregnancy. All of his or her major organs will have begun forming by the end of this week.
Your Baby's Development
Many first-time mothers don't realize that pregnancy can have a negative effect on their oral health. According to WebMD, pregnancy gingivitis is an unpleasant condition that affects between 50 and 75 percent of all expectant mothers. Symptoms include inflammation and swelling of the gum tissue, as well as bleeding gums.
Pregnancy gingivitis is thought to be caused by an increased concentration of estrogen and progesterone. However, poor oral hygiene can aggravate the condition. Regular flossing and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the risk of dental problems during your pregnancy.
Treating gum infections during pregnancy is extremely important. Research has suggested gum infections can contribute to an increased possibility of premature and/or underweight births. Most dental treatments can be performed safely during your pregnancy, although you should always let your dentist know you are an expectant mother.
If you need help downloading the pregnancy calendar, check out these helpful tips.
Looking Forward
You're still in the first trimester, but already, your baby has begun forming all of his or her major organ systems. By the end of next week, your little embryo will graduate to the status of fetus!
