9 weeks pregnant: Baby’s development, symptoms and tips

Your baby is now more than 2 cm long – about the size of a strawberry! If you opted to have an early ultrasound scan via a private clinic, you’d see a foetus that looks a bit like a curled-up seahorse (minus the long curly tail!). Despite appearances, your baby is developing more and more human features.

Your baby’s eyes are getting some colour! Other facial features are also developing, including a mouth complete with tongue and tiny taste buds! Those limbs are still growing, and hands and feet are slowly forming, with ridges where fingers and toes will be. All the major internal organs are taking shape and bones are beginning to form.

Your baby’s heartbeat will be visible on an ultrasound, but if you’re hoping to hear the heartbeat at a regular antenatal appointment, you might be unlucky. At this point the foetus is still so small that hearing the heartbeat can be difficult – even with the right equipment. You might find your midwife prefers not to try, because not hearing the heartbeat can cause unnecessary anxiety.

Pregnancy symptoms at 9 weeks

You might be finding you need to leave the top button of your jeans undone, and your breasts might well be getting bigger. Some women find this an awkward stage – you don’t necessarily look pregnant yet, just a bit bigger, and this can be a challenge to deal with if you haven’t yet told everyone about the pregnancy. Try not to let it bother you too much – you’ll have a ‘proper bump’ very soon!

To relieve tenderness in your breasts, make sure you’re wearing a supportive bra with some stretch in it to cope with further growth. You might find you also need to wear a bra at night. Have a look for specialist sleep bras, which are softer and more comfortable than the usual kind.

Skin and hair changes

In week 9, mums-to-be frequently notice changes in their skin and hair. Some women’s hair gets thicker and more glossy, while other women’s hair gets thinner. These symptoms are also caused by changing levels of hormones as a result of pregnancy and, after you give birth, they’ll subside as your hormone levels return to normal.

Your skin will also react to the hormones now coursing through your body. On one hand, it will become softer and have a healthy glow thanks to the increased blood circulation, while on the other hand, you may see a few spots here and there. Gentle treatment is always the best answer – never use aggressive anti-spot cosmetics to try and improve your skin during pregnancy.

Nosebleeds

You might get nosebleeds every now and then. If it’s only a small amount of blood, then there’s no need for any treatment, but ask your doctor or midwife if you’re unsure because they can give you tips on how best to deal with it.

Staying healthy

If you’re not feeling too sick, you might notice you are feeling hungrier than normal. Some people find a ‘little and often’ approach works best during the first trimester. Just be sure to pick healthy snacks more often than sugary ones, so that you’re still achieving that healthy, balanced diet that’s going to support your changing body through pregnancy and beyond.

Mild uterine cramping at 9 weeks is still a possibility. Try not to worry if you’re getting these twinges and pulling sensations still. If it’s more than a niggle, though, talk to your midwife as they will be able to advise what is normal at this stage.

Frequent urination

Going to the toilet constantly? It’s probably those pregnancy hormones at work again. There’s not much you can do about frequent urination, as you need to stay well hydrated throughout your pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any pain, bleeding, fever, or other symptoms of infection, however, see your GP straight away. UTIs can be a problem during pregnancy and need to be treated.

Book your antenatal screening tests

Have you got your antenatal screening tests booked? Blood tests should be undertaken before 10 weeks to screen for conditions that might affect your health or your baby’s during the pregnancy. This ensures you’ll be properly cared for during your pregnancy.

Stay active

Keeping active throughout your pregnancy is thought to reduce pregnancy symptoms and will help build strength and stamina for an easier birth and recovery. Simple things like walking more, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or perhaps going for a swim will all contribute to maintaining your fitness during pregnancy.

Keep taking the vitamins

As well as eating a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and veg, calcium, healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates, it’s important to keep up with your folic acid supplements during this first trimester. Folic acids supports the healthy development of your baby’s brain and spine.

It’s also recommended to take a multivitamin supplement designed especially for pregnancy, which will supplement your diet and ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. See our guide to vitamins and supplements during pregnancy for more information.

If you’re struggling with constipation, it’s especially important to keep up your fibre intake and stay hydrated. If that doesn’t do the trick, talk to your midwife about what else you can do to get things moving again.

What should I expect at 9 weeks pregnant?

At 9 weeks pregnant, you might be starting to notice your waistline thickening and your breasts getting bigger. Changes to your appearance, on top of the pregnancy hormones and whatever else you’ve got going on at this stage, can bring up a lot of emotions.

Remember, this is just the start of an amazing journey and your body is doing incredible things. It’s always a good rule to talk to yourself like you would your best friend – be kind. And don’t forget to lean on your partner, or close friends and family when you need a little extra support.

Can I get a massage at 9 weeks pregnant?

Yes, you can. Sometimes spas suggest you wait until the second trimester to have a massage – there is a lot of caution around the first trimester because so much of your baby’s development is taking place during these special first months. Whenever you do have a massage, it’s important to tell the masseuse that you’re pregnant because there are certain essential oils that should be avoided while pregnant.

Can I lay on my stomach at 9 weeks pregnant?

Yes. It is safe to lie on your stomach while the foetus is still so small. Only when you start to get a bump should you opt to lie on your side for a massage, or on your side or back to sleep – up until the bump gets bigger towards the end of your second trimester when side sleeping is safest.

What should you not do at 9 weeks pregnant?

This is a critical stage of your baby’s development, so avoid smoking (and second-hand smoke), drugs and alcohol. It’s also suggested that you avoid activities where it’s possible for your body to overheat, like Jacuzzis, saunas, or hot tubs where the water temperature is over 35˚C.

How much sleep do I need at 9 weeks pregnant?

The amount of sleep you need in the first trimester will depend on several things – how much sleep you usually need, how much you’re losing to middle-of-the-night trips to the loo, and how tired you feel.There’s no set number of hours for any of us, though 8 hours is usually advised.

If you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep, try not to worry. Being tired is a normal state of pregnancy and won’t affect your baby’s health. If you’re concerned that fatigue is affecting your life to an extent where you can’tcarry on like normal, talk to your health professional. 

Got questions? At the HiPPBabyClub, we bring you real-world advice and support from HiPP parents, midwives, nutritionists and more.Join our Baby Club to find out more.