In the week 9, your baby is
the size of a Grape
Week 9 of pregnancy marks rapid growth in your baby and significant changes in your body. Learn about common symptoms, baby development, and what to expect!
You’re now in Week 9 of your pregnancy! Can you believe how much has changed in just a few weeks? By now, your baby is growing quickly, and you might be feeling all sorts of new sensations. Let’s take a look at what exactly is happening, shall we?
Pregnancy symptoms can feel intense during Week 9. Here’s a brief rundown of what you may notice:
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting are common and can happen at any time of day. Eating small, bland meals and staying hydrated might help ease the discomfort.
Fatigue
Your body is working overtime to support your baby’s growth, so feeling tired is normal. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Mood swings
Hormonal changes can make you feel emotional or irritable. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching to feel calmer.
Frequent urination
Your growing uterus is pressing on your bladder, making you need to wee more often. Stay hydrated but avoid drinking too much before bedtime.
Bloating and digestive changes
Hormones can cause your digestion to slow down. This leads to bloating and constipation too. Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods may help.
Weight Gain and Body Changes
At 9 weeks, some women may notice their clothes feeling tighter around the waist. Gradual weight gain is healthy and recommended, though some moms-to-be with morning sickness might experience weight loss instead. If you’re unsure about your weight changes, it’s always wise to consult your doctor.
Grab Some Tissues
Pregnancy hormones can increase mucus production, causing congestion or a stuffy nose.
At Week 9, your baby is growing rapidly and undergoing significant development. This week marks the start of more recognisable features as your little one starts to look more human.
Organ Development: Your baby’s major organs, like the heart, brain, and liver, are developing further. The heart is now divided into four chambers and beats strongly. The digestive system and reproductive organs are also forming, though it’s too early to know the baby’s sex.
Facial Features: Your baby’s face is becoming more detailed. The eyes are fully formed but remain closed. The nose, ears, and mouth are taking shape, making the baby’s features more recognisable.
Weight of the Foetus: By Week 9, your baby is about 2.3 cm long, roughly the size of a grape. Your baby will weigh up to 27 grams. Although small, your baby is growing quickly and starting to develop tiny muscles.
Movement of the Baby: Your baby is beginning to move their arms and legs, but you won’t feel it yet. These tiny movements are preparing your baby for life outside the womb.
At 9 weeks, your baby is growing fast and developing new features. Keep nurturing yourself and enjoy the journey—you’re doing an amazing job, mama!
In Week 9 of pregnancy, your body adjusts to the changes as your baby grows. You may notice more physical and emotional shifts as you enter a new phase of your pregnancy.
Breasts: Hormones are causing your breasts to grow and feel tender. The nipples and areolas may darken, and small bumps on the areolas may appear. These changes are your body’s way of preparing for breastfeeding.
Hair, Skin, and Nails: Pregnancy hormones can bring noticeable changes to your hair, skin, and nails. While some women enjoy thicker, shinier hair, others may experience hair shedding. Skin changes, like a radiant glow or acne, are common due to hormonal fluctuations.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems: Your heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume needed to support your growing baby. This may leave you feeling warmer or flushed at times. Some women might experience occasional dizziness, so it’s a good idea to stand up slowly if you have been sitting for long periods and even when getting up from bed.
Uterus and Cervical Position: At week 9 your uterus is about the size of an orange this week. Its growth may cause mild cramping, which is usually nothing to worry about unless it’s severe or comes with heavy bleeding.
Vaginal Discharge: You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea. It’s typically thin, milky, and odourless, helping to protect the vagina from infections. If the discharge has an unusual smell, colour, or is accompanied by itching, consult your healthcare provider.
Parenting prep
Learn more about parenting by taking classes on breastfeeding, infant CPR, and first aid.
Prenatal care
Attend local prenatal classes to learn about your pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
Dental hygiene
Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.
Preterm signs
If you suspect early labour, read up on premature delivery and baby care essentials
Doctor check-in
If your contractions are 10 minutes apart, intensify, or cause pain, call your doctor
Week 9 is a good time for an early pregnancy check-up. Here’s what you might expect:
Ultrasound
If you have a scan this week, it will likely be transvaginal, providing clear images of your baby. You may hear your baby’s heartbeat, which is a memorable moment. You will be able to see the baby’s head, body and limbs.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may check your hCG levels and screen for conditions like anaemia or infections. Routine tests help ensure both you and your baby are healthy.
Weight and Blood Pressure
Regular checks of your weight and blood pressure are important to monitor your health throughout pregnancy.
Your baby is about the size of a grape, measuring around 2.3 cm long. They are small but growing rapidly.
Nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and bloating are common. You may also notice tender breasts and more frequent urination.
Yes, light exercises like walking or prenatal yoga are safe. Avoid intense workouts and check with your doctor before starting a new routine.
Mild cramping can happen as your uterus grows. If the cramps are severe or come with bleeding, contact your doctor.
You may see your baby’s heartbeat and get an estimate of their size. The scan also checks that the pregnancy is progressing normally. If it is your first scan since you did not note your LMP then this scan will verify your pregnancy.
Mild itching can occur due to hormonal changes or increased discharge. However, if itching is persistent or accompanied by a strong odour or unusual discharge, consult your doctor to rule out infections like thrush.
Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Include folic acid-rich foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals to support your baby’s development.
Stay hydrated, eat small and frequent meals to manage nausea, and get light exercises like walking or prenatal yoga. Prioritise sleep and take your prenatal vitamins as prescribed. Regular check-ups with your doctor ensure you and your baby are on track.
