9 Weeks Pregnant – What’s it like?

Your baby now has all the major organs, muscles and nerves. He or she has a heart with four chambers and a rapidly beating heart. Although moving often, you can’t feel these movements yet.

While you probably won’t look much different, you may be overly familiar with at least some of the symptoms of the first trimester by now, the fatigue, morning sickness, mood swings, headaches, bloating and constipation. If its any consolation, many of these will ease up in a few weeks as you head into the second trimester.

9 Weeks Pregnant - Your baby's growth

Body size

Your baby’s size can reach up to 1 ins (25 millimeters) this week, or about the size of an olive, and they will weigh 0.07 ounces or about 2 grams.

Head characteristics

Your baby's head becomes much larger than the body and it curves towards the chest. The facial features become more defined, and even the hair follicles (as an anatomical sac) and dental buds take shape. While the brain grows, it begins to add the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates the movements.

Body appearance

As the arms and feet grow, his or her tiny hands and elbow joints are beginning to show. The primary sexual characteristics already exist, but the child's sex cannot be determined yet.

Internal organs

Your baby now has all the major organs, muscles and nerves. Their reproductive organs are developing, but even if you sneaked a peek you wouldn't be able to tell that she's a she (and neither could your doctor at this point). The heart finishes dividing into four chambers, consisting of two atria and two ventricles. Your baby is able to pump the blood through the blood vessels formed so far. The liver begins producing the red blood cells that your baby’s heart will pump throughout the body.

9 Weeks Pregnant - What happens inside your body?

Fatigue

You may be overly familiar with at least some of the symptoms of the first trimester by now, the fatigue, morning sickness, mood swings, bloating and constipation. Make time for extra rest – it’s the best way for your body to rejuvenate itself.

Headaches

Some women experience no headaches during pregnancy but others have them or migraines regularly. If the headaches are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and vision problems you must consult a doctor immediately. Avoid migraine triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, chocolate, coffee and strong odors. Some medications are unsafe or less safe for pregnancy – studies show that Tylenol is considered the safest headache medication. 

Nosebleeds

Pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your nose to expand, and your increased blood supply puts more pressure on those delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more easily. If you have nosebleeds, you can use a room humidifier to keep your nasal mucosa moisturized and healthy.

9 Weeks Pregnant - How different will you look?

While others may not notice any difference, your clothes probably feel tight.  During the first trimester, a woman usually gains from 5.5 to 6.5 pounds (2.5 to 3 kilograms). About half of this is the weight of the baby and uterus. Your breast may feel full, tight and swollen, although some women, especially if they are small chested, enjoy the change. Don’t be afraid to up your bra size or wear a sports bra – your support and wellbeing are important.

9 Weeks Pregnant for fathers - How can you care for both of your loved ones?

Your partner has little patience, and cries or gets mad at the drop of a hat. And while her body hasn’t changed that much, you haven’t had sex for an age. Don’t worry, it’s all perfectly normal. Her sex drive will likely reignite during the second trimester, about the time that the moodiness subsides with the stabilization of pregnancy hormones. Hang in there, and try and be calm and supportive; she needs your love and support during this challenging time.

9 Weeks Pregnant for mothers - Tips to help you go through trimester

General well-being tips

1. Small, frequent meals. Try to eat as often as six times a day. Opt for small, healthy meals packed with fiber. Try eating pretzels or crackers that contain sodium bicarbonate as soon as when you wake up. This will settle your stomach and cut down on morning sickness. Eat just as you wake up, and don’t skip breakfast.
2. Extra calcium: Add a few tablespoons of nonfat milk powder to many of your recipes are a great way to sneak in some extra calcium. For soups and hot cereals, use nonfat milk instead of water.
3. Ginger and more ginger. Studies show that ginger is particularly good for nausea and morning sickness. Candied ginger, ginger snaps, ginger tea, ginger beer – the choice is yours. You can also try real lemonade, watermelon or eating a lemon (if you can stomach the sourness) – find a nausea cure that’s right for you.
4. Take a Nap. Your body is still adjusting to the rapid changes. Sleep is the best remedy and will reenergize your body. If possible, schedule a nap every afternoon or simply try going to bed an hour earlier.
5. Be careful of weird cravings We’ve all heard of the midnight jars of pickles and ice cream, perfectly normal, but if the cravings become too weird then it might be time to talk to a doctor. If you find yourself craving artificial substances such as clay or laundry detergent, it could be a sign that you are iron or another mineral deficient.

You have a lot going on right now, both inside your body with all the challenging physical aspects of pregnancy. Make sure you schedule relaxation time – time for meditation, prenatal yoga or warm baths (avoid hot ones because the heat can damage the baby). To maximize your relation time, find a strategy for dealing with your pregnancy concerns. Some women like to write things down, or talk to their partners or friends or turn to family for extra support.

What's Happened So Far:
8 Weeks Pregnant

What's Happening Next:
10 Weeks Pregnant

Related Content:
3 Months Pregnant
Monthly Guide To Pregnancy