Pregnancy week 9

Your baby’s development

In week 9 the baby is about the size of a grape, roughly 2.3 cm long and weighing about 2 grams. The face looks more familiar now: eyelids cover the eyes, the tip of the nose appears, and the ears take shape. Fingers lengthen and the webbing recedes; the baby can bend the arms. The heart has almost reached its four-chambered form and works in a steady rhythm. Muscles develop, so the baby makes small twitches and curls, but these are not strong enough for you to feel. Tooth buds start to form within the jaw for the baby teeth to come. Development of the outer genitals begins, but the sex cannot yet be told on ultrasound. Bones begin to harden slowly. The inner organs keep growing; the kidneys prepare to make urine. At this stage, with everything in place, the baby floats safely in a sac of fluid. There is plenty of room for the baby to move this week; everything is in place and developing on.

Changes in the mother

Week 9 is a time when symptoms are strong for many, but daily life also slowly settles into a new routine. Your belly may look slightly puffy, usually because the bowel is slowing down rather than the baby. As the womb grows you may feel pulling in the groin; brief, mild pulling that eases with movement is generally usual. If you feel emotional, that is the result of hormones. You may notice a bad taste in the mouth, or tender or bleeding gums; regular dental care with a soft brush helps, and remember to tell your dentist you are pregnant. Avoid overheating such as hot baths and saunas. If your doctor or midwife makes you feel safe, ask them anything; do not hold back. If you get very tired during the day, a nap or a half-hour break makes a difference, however small.

To do this week

• Visit the dentist, telling them you are pregnant.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Complete the tests requested at your first visit.
• If you work, review your rights at work during pregnancy.
• Add a short walk to your day.

Tip for the partner

Feelings can change quickly in the first trimester; listening rather than fixing is often enough.

Nutrition tip

Include dairy or fortified alternatives for calcium; avoid unpasteurised cheeses.