9 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Signs, and What to Expect At Your Ultrasound Appointment

Welcome to week nine of your pregnancy journey. As you go through this incredible adventure, your body is doing its best to nurture the tiny life growing inside. Nine weeks of pregnancy is an impressive benchmark as the development of your baby continues at an astonishing pace. If you have never felt that flutter or are riding the rollercoaster of nine-week pregnancy symptoms, just know you are not alone. In this article, we are going to discuss changes happening for both you and your baby. It will serve as a fantastic guide to help you encounter this glorious moment with all the confidence and joy you need.

Baby's Development at 9 weeks

1. No more tail

At 9 weeks pregnant, your little one is looking less and less like a pink blob now that the tail has disappeared. With the trunk straightened and elongated, your little one is about an inch long this week and looking more like a human without a tail.

2. Growth spurt

The 9th week of pregnancy is a critical period for arm and leg development. The legs have lengthened and the buds that will eventually become the toes have started to sprout. Meanwhile, the arms have gotten longer and have begun to bend at the elbow. A basic hand structure is forming too, with the fingers and thumb clearly differentiated. Though his tiny muscles are starting to form, you will be able to feel them after a few more weeks. Your little one's liver, gallbladder, spleen and adrenal gland are starting to develop.

3. On the go

Nine weeks of pregnancy marks the beginning of the dance period! Your little one has started moving vigorously, even in response to stimuli from outside your body, such as light and noise. Try to be patient: You'll have to wait until the second trimester of pregnancy to actually feel these movements.

Pregnancy symptoms during 9 weeks

The nine week pregnancy symptoms are similar to the symptoms that you have been experiencing in the early pregnancy phase so far. However, you might feel it intensify as you near your due date. Some new 9 weeks pregnancy symptoms include:

Pregnancy Symptoms At 9 Weeks Pregnant

The symptoms that you have experienced in your pregnancy so far will most probably be the same, however, you might feel it intensify as you near your due date. Some new 9 weeks pregnant symptoms include

1. Nasal congestion

Due to increased hormone changes in your body, your body might produce increased mucus. It can lead to cold and nasal congestion. Keep enough tissues around to avoid inconvenience.

2. Frequent urination

Because your uterus is expanding, it puts pressure on your bladder and therefore you would want to go to pee more often. Ensure to keep yourself hydrated and maintain the intake of enough fluids and water. When you think you are done peeing, pee once more to empty your bladder completely. It will help you stay away from the bathroom for a few minutes extra. Also, these tips could help reduce frequent urination during pregnancy

3. Fatigue

Due to an increase in the levels of hormone progesterone in your body, you might feel sleepier than usual. Take adequate sleep, even during the day through small naps.

4. Feeling moody

Mood swings are very normal at this stage. You might feel euphoric one moment and depressed the next. This is all because of changing hormones in your body. Try being around your loved ones and communicate with them more often. Do your favourite activity and hobby that keeps you happy and consult a health provider if your mood swings get severe.

Some of the other 9 weeks pregnant signs include irritability or bout of unexpected emotions, a feeling of nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, dizziness, heartburn or constipation.

5. Make way for milk

At 9 weeks pregnant, your breasts are probably fuller, heavier and tender to the touch by now. Although they'll continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, the sensitivity will usually subside by the end of your fourth month. You may start to see small white bumps on your areolas (the dark-coloured part of your nipple). These are glands called Montgomery's tubercles and they produce oils to keep your nipples moist during breastfeeding.

Pregnancy checklist at 9 weeks

1. Smooth Moves:

If you weren't active before you got pregnant, now is a great time to choose a safe activity you can stick with for the rest of your pregnancy. Swimming, walking and yoga are all excellent choices.

2. Drop by the pool:

Many experts consider swimming to be the best exercise for pregnant women, as it's gentle on your joints. The hormone that's now running through your body makes your joints lose so your pelvis can expand during birth. While this will help during your delivery, make sure to avoid exercises that could put too much strain on your joints in the meantime. Also, make sure you read the safety tips on exercising during pregnancy before starting it.

Ultrasound at 9 weeks

While you go for a 9-week pregnancy ultrasound, you will be able to hear your baby's heartbeat more clearly than the last time. Your baby's heart has grown large enough and its beat would be audible with a Doppler which is a handheld ultrasound device to listen to the soft lub-dub of the heart. During the 9-week pregnancy ultrasound, your baby has reached a milestone and is no longer an embryo. It has turned into a foetus.

9 week's pregnancy bellies

At nine weeks pregnant, though the baby is still small in size, your uterus will start to prepare for the baby’s growth spurt. You might feel tightness around your belly, as one of the nine-week pregnant signs. With your 9-week pregnant belly, you might struggle to button up your jeans. You can look for loose-fitting clothes or maternity pants. Alternatively, you can also look for a belly band or loop the elastic band in your jeans buttonhole to put off those maternity clothes for a few more days.

Precautions & Tips At 9th Week Of Pregnancy

You and your foetus at 9 weeks need lots of nutrients and nourishment to have healthy growth. Increase the intake of calcium and iron during pregnancy by eating cheeses, broccoli, etc.

To support your heavier and fuller breasts invest in a good maternity bra to relieve the soreness of your breasts.

Dehydration is not good for your 9 weeks pregnant baby development. Ensure that you drink lots of water and fluids. Eat fruits, vegetables and high fiber food to combat constipation and bloating

You might not want to eat anything due to your morning sickness. However, don’t skip meals. Instead, divide your meals into several small meals and eat protein and carbohydrates rich food.

Take care of your posture, and avoid jerks to your body. Also, take adequate rest, avoid standing for long and keep yourself active through light exercises.

Find out what your health insurance covers or how to get care if you don't have insurance

Choose a safe exercise you can stick with for the rest of your pregnancy, like walking or yoga

Be prepared for your breasts to feel fuller, heavier, and tender. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure the well-being of both you & your baby during the entire nine months journey!

Final Takeaway

As you wrap up week nine of your pregnancy, remember that each day brings you closer to meeting your little one. The journey is unique for every parent-to-be, filled with its own set of challenges and wonders. Cherish the moments of discovery and be gentle with yourself as your body performs the incredible task of creating new life. Stay connected to your healthcare providers, lean on your loved ones and above all, you have faith in yourself and your instincts. Here's to the wonderful weeks ahead as you continue on this beautiful journey to parenthood.