The Week of the Olive

I'm 9 weeks pregnant today and the baby is now the size of an olive (Spanish olive of course!). Although she (although I don't know the sex of the baby yet I'll just assume it's a girl for now) may be small she is looking more like a human now that the tail is completely gone. In fact my little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. This week her heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. Her organs, muscles, and nerves are also starting to kick into gear.

With all these changes happening my body sure is taking a toll. My all day morning sickness is still constant but I'm still happy to be able to hold down what I can eat. It's hard to eat healthy when bagels and cereal are the only appetizing dinner options. Most women seem to start feeling better around week 14 so I am hopeful. In the meantime I try to think of all the mothers out there who have gone through this - including my own and I try to suck it up. I know it will all be worth it in the end.

My friend Michelle (who is also pregnant - exactly one week ahead of me) recommended that I look into acupuncture so I have an consultation appointment on Friday. (Thanks Michelle!) The doctor said she may be able to help with the nausea, the back aches and the headaches - what more could I ask for. I'm certainly open to the whole east meets west tactics so I'm looking forward to what I learn. As for my OB GYN appointment I'm on the count down - 6 more days - and I'll be able to see the baby on an ultrasound and hear her heartbeat!