If you have reached the ninth week of your pregnancy, you are now carrying a little baby inside you. By this week, all the organs have formed and your baby is no longer an embryo, but a fetus. It already has small hands and feet and is now moving around a lot.
As an expectant mother, you will probably still have to deal with some pregnancy symptoms in the 9th week of pregnancy. We summarize for you how your baby is developing in week 9 and what is happening in your body. In our pregnancy calendar, we also show you which symptoms are typical and which points are particularly important for you now.
Your baby's development in week 9
Your baby grows particularly quickly in the first trimester of your pregnancy. It is developing rapidly and now looks like a small, human baby. Many organs and systems have already formed in the past few weeks. These continue to develop in the ninth week of pregnancy.
We summarize the most important development steps of the 9th week of pregnancy for you:
The nerve tracts continue to develop
In week 9, the focus is on the further development of your baby's neural pathways. It learns to perceive stimuli with its senses. This ability will continue to develop over the coming months.
Arms and legs develop rapidly
Your baby's arms and legs will continue to grow. Fingers and toes are also getting bigger. The wrists and elbows also form in week 9.
Tail and webbed feet recede
Until now, your baby has had a tail on its rump. This will recede in this week of your pregnancy. This also applies to the webbed feet between his toes, which have now almost completely receded.
Your baby is moving vigorously
Your baby is already starting to move during this phase of pregnancy. However, as there is still enough space in the amniotic cavity, you will not feel these movements yet.
Your baby's organs are growing
All of your baby's organs have already formed in the last few weeks. They will continue to grow from now until birth.
The bony skull is forming
In the 9th week of pregnancy, your baby's bony skull forms to protect the delicate brain. Previously, only cartilage provided protection. Your baby also develops more bones during this phase.
By now you are probably feeling pregnant and have been following your baby's development and size with excitement for several weeks. If you are waiting for your first ultrasound in the 9th week, you will be able to see your baby for the first time and hear the strong heartbeat.
This is how big your baby is in the 9th week of pregnancy
Your baby is around 1.7 to 2.4 cm in size in the ninth week of pregnancy. It has therefore developed very rapidly over the past few weeks. Nevertheless, it only weighs around 2 g. Its current size is reminiscent of a cherry. Over the next few weeks, your baby will grow very quickly and need more and more space in your belly.
After the development phases of the last few weeks, your baby now has a human shape. The head is now erect and your baby is stretching out more and more. It is already clearly moving and even reacting to external stimuli.
What happens in your body in the 9th week of pregnancy
As the pregnancy progresses, your breasts in particular change in week 9. They grow and are firmer. Many women also report that their breasts are more sensitive and can hurt even when lightly touched. This prepares you for breastfeeding.
Most pregnant women gain between one and three kilos during the first trimester. You may therefore slowly develop a baby bump as your uterus grows. In the ninth week of pregnancy, however, you do not yet have an increased calorie requirement.
Exercise during pregnancy: a good idea?
Many expectant mothers wonder whether exercise is a good idea during pregnancy and especially during the first trimester. The most important thing is to listen to your body and only exercise when it feels good for you.
In fact, many pregnant women report that light exercise helps them. This can include walks in the fresh air and pregnancy yoga. This can also help to stimulate your weakened circulation. Doctors often recommend swimming, as this sport does not put strain on the joints and tendons.
Pregnancy loosens your tendons and ligaments. This prepares your body for the birth. Pregnant women should therefore avoid sports that put a lot of strain on the joints and ligaments.
Other suitable sports for pregnant women are yoga, Pilates and, above all, pelvic floor training. During your pregnancy, your pelvic floor will have to support the weight of your child. The growing uterus is an additional burden. That's why you should start strengthening your pelvic floor in the first trimester. The stronger your muscles are, the better they can support the weight of your baby.
Typical symptoms in the 9th week of pregnancy
In week 9 of pregnancy, some symptoms, such as nausea, should improve significantly. Your body has now got used to the new pregnancy hormones and you are slowly feeling better.
However, other symptoms will become noticeable, although these vary in severity from woman to woman:
Increased appetite
Many pregnant women experience an increased appetite towards the end of the first trimester. Cravings do not necessarily have to accompany this. Your sense of smell and taste may also change during pregnancy.
Tiredness
Many expectant mothers also experience increased tiredness in week 9 of pregnancy. A lot is happening in your body right now and it is making important preparations so that new life can grow inside you. Give yourself plenty of rest.
Changes to your skin and hair
You may also be noticing your changed hormone balance on the outside. Your hair may become thinner, while other women's hair may take on an extra shine. Your skin will become softer due to the increased blood circulation. However, every body reacts differently.
Nosebleeds
Pregnant women may experience nosebleeds from time to time. This is due to the increased blood flow to your body and nasal mucosa. Slight bleeding is usually nothing to worry about.
Mood swings
At the beginning of pregnancy, many women suffer from mood swings and are built close to the water. Your body needs a certain amount of time to get used to the hormonal changes.
Pregnancy is associated with great efforts for your body, which are sometimes more and sometimes less noticeable. Take extra care of yourself during this special time and relax in between. Regular breaks are essential so that your body can regenerate.
