Continue eating healthily, your baby will be reaping all of the benefits.

Your baby at 9 weeks

At this stage, your baby will be about one inch in length, and weigh a gram or two. By now, it’s possible to hear your baby’s heartbeat during an ultrasound test (don’t worry if you can’t, it’s still early days).

Facial features and the overall physical structure mean that the foetus is looking more like a baby every day! Cartilage starts to form, and your baby’s bones are going from strength to strength. Your baby’s eyelids are developing, though they’ll remain closed for a while yet. Your baby’s sex organs are also developing further, though you’ll have to wait about eight weeks before finding out the sex by ultrasound if you didn’t find out by blood tests in week seven.

Your baby is the size of an olive at this stage.

Your body at 9 weeks

A lot of the pregnancy symptoms you’ve been having will continue, especially dizziness, and your breasts may be bigger than ever. Its normal to feel tired in the first trimester, so if you are feeling the fatigue don’t be too hard on your self – delegate! You’ll start to get your energy back in the second trimester. Don’t try be superwoman. Get help at home, especially if you have a little one (or two) to look after. Exercise might seem counter-intuitive, but even a quick walk round the block at lunch time will give you a boost and help you sleep better.

You may experience heartburn and indigestion, caused by all the hormones bubbling away. If you are finding it painful make a note of foods that cause most discomfort. Avoid spicy food and make sure you avoid foods that are not safe for pregnancy, such as soft cheese, uncooked eggs and pate. Read this list of foods to avoid during pregnancy. You might notice some vaginal discharge, but this usually isn’t anything to worry about.

It’s possible that you’ll be beginning to show at this stage, though there’s only a small chance. You’ll start to put on weight more rapidly, around 1lb a week. Don’t fret though; you’ll be back in shape after your baby is born!

Pregnancy fact

Sleeping on your side – especially on your left – is more beneficial than sleeping on your front or back. Sleeping in this position allows nutrients flow to your baby more efficiently. Trying different sleeping positions will help you find one that suits you.

How you’re feeling at 9 weeks

It’s very likely that mood swings and exhaustion are taking their toll; we promise that this won’t last forever! If you’re feeling too stressed or neglected, talk to your partner – a simple cuddle can work wonders. Share this list of helpful tips for your partner to ensure you get all the TLC you deserve!

Pregnancy advice

• If you are vegetarian, vegan or don’t eat much meat its important to seek out natural sources of iron in your food to help your developing embryo. Natural vegetarian sources of iron foods include green leafy vegetables, breakfast cereals, oranges and bananas.
• Your skin might be feeling especially sensitive due to the changes in hormones. You might want to review what’s inside your moisturiser and opt for a more natural alternative.
• If you are experiencing heartburn and indigestion, try some natural remedies, like papaya fruit. Apples, ginger and warm milk with a tablespoon of honey are all known to help. You can find more information to help ease heartburn during pregnancy here.
• Rest whenever you get the chance, but don’t neglect exercising, as this can have major benefits for you and your baby. Here are some guidelines about how to exercise during pregnancy.

8 weeks pregnant ← 9 weeks pregnant → 10 weeks pregnant

Back to Pregnancy Week by Week Calender