You are now officially in the last month of your first trimester. By now you've probably got your head around being pregnant and it doesn t all seem so new. At 9 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is probably making its presence well and truly felt.
Although the early weeks are not easy sailing for many women, others don t find it hard at all. If this sounds like you, don t feel as if you've been robbed of something special. You still have another 30 weeks or more to experience all symptoms that pregnancy has to offer.
Your levels of hCG (human chorionic Gonadotrophin) will be reaching their peak at 9 weeks pregnant. Nausea, fatigue, moodiness are all common results from high hCG levels. Don t expect your early pregnancy symptoms to be settling just yet, you ll need to wait until your second trimester.
It may not yet be obvious to anyone else that you are pregnant, but you could be getting a little thick around the middle. Close fitting trousers and skirts may not do up as easily you could find yourself limited with clothing. It's still too early to be wearing maternity clothes, so search the inner depths of your wardrobe for clothes with an adjustable waistband.
At 9 weeks pregnant you may be thinking about telling your family and close friends about your pregnancy or they could be getting a little suspicious. Declining alcohol, giving up smoking, changes in your appetite or needing to run off to the bathroom may raise suspicions for the more observant. There is no perfect time to share the news of pregnancy. Lots of couples wait until after the 1st trimester when the risk of miscarriage is reduced.
9 weeks pregnant symptoms
It's still too early to see or feel your expanding uterus through your abdominal wall. It is still behind your pubic bone when you are 9 weeks pregnant and won t start lifting up and out until after your 12th week.
You might find you can see your veins more clearly, especially across your breasts and legs. Your legs may ache if you've been standing for a while. Try elevating your legs when you can and rest them on a chair or footrest.
You will probably find your vaginal discharge has increased. This is normal throughout pregnancy. Unless it is offensive smelling or becomes yellow or irritating, don t be concerned. Many pregnant women use panty liners.
You may feel occasional cramps and lower abdominal pains. This is normal and can feel similar to pre-menstrual discomfort. However, if they are continuous, getting worse, or accompanied by vaginal bleeding, check with your maternity care provider.
Your nipples may have grown larger and become darker. You might also have small pimples forming around your areola. These are known as Montgomery's Tubercles and help to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Don t squeeze them or try to get rid of them.
You may be feeling a bit down this week with ever present morning sickness and tiredness still hanging around. Hang in there. Most women find they start feeling a lot better by the end of their 1st trimester when levels of hCG which are peaking, start to settle. The countdown has begun.
You might find your partner is not as "into" the pregnancy as you are. Their current experience of your pregnancy is through hearing your description of symptoms, rather than being able to see much. Try not to feel hurt. For them, the reality of your pregnancy may still be some weeks away.
Feeling tired and exhausted at 9 weeks pregnant can take its toll. Aim for a simple life and learn to say no to things you simply don t have the energy for.
9 week fetus
Your baby is now 2.5 cm long or 1 inch in the old scale. This week it's the size of a green olive, not one of the big ones, more of an average size.
If you have an ante-natal appointment this week, your maternity care provider will be able to hear the baby's heart beat with a Doppler. Have the tissues ready, this is a special time and could really bring the reality home of being 9 weeks pregnant.
By the start of week 9, your baby's eyes have grown bigger and even have some pigment (colour). Most babies are born with blue or brown eyes, though it can take up to three years of age eye colour to become permanent.
Your baby's ears are forming, both inside and out. Inside their mouth is the tiniest of tongues. Even their tooth buds are forming in their jaw.
Tips for 9 weeks pregnant
Do some research into childbirth education classes this week. You may need to book and there can be waiting lists.
Think about enrolling in an ante-natal exercise or yoga class in your local area. These can be a great way to meet other pregnant mothers and build up a supportive network of new friends.
Try to eat healthy, , check here for more information. Follow your body’s signals for hunger and fullness and learn what foods cause nausea.
Sleep and rest when you can. Remember, 24 hours a day you are growing a baby. Even when you’re sleeping, your body is working to support your baby’s development to maturity.
Written and reviewed by Jane Barry, midwife and child health nurse on 4/01/20.
Written and reviewed by Jane Barry, midwife and child health nurse on 4/01/20..
Yoga videos
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. To reduce the risk of injury, never force or strain yourself during exercise. If you feel pain, stop and seek medical attention if necessary.
If you are in week 9 of your pregnancy...
Your baby's due date: March 30 - April 11, 2022
Baby's star sign: Aries
Chinese year: Tiger
Famous people born around your baby's birth date:
- Hans Christian Anderson
- Eddie Murphy
- Elle Macpherson
FAQ at 9 weeks pregnant
Think about swapping jogging for another form of exercise. Repetitive jarring is not ideal during pregnancy and there are other lower impact ways to exercise. Yoga, swimming and Pilates are gentler options.
You may feel you're revisiting your adolescence this week with a fresh outbreak of pimples. Pregnancy hormones, for all the important work they do, are also responsible for the spots. Be careful what you put on them - some creams are not recommended for use in pregnancy.
Some women feel a sense of guilt if they aren t overcome with maternal love at 9 weeks pregnant. They worry that the baby may "pick up" on their negative feelings and sense it isn t the most welcome of guests. Fret not. The baby at 9 weeks pregnant does not have the cognitive ability to know how you are feeling.
Last Published* December, 2022
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
