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🌱First TrimesterWeeks 1-13

Week 9 of Pregnancy

Your baby is the size of grape
📏
Length
0.9 inches
⚖️
Weight
0.07 ounces
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Size Comparison
Grape

👶 Baby Development

  • All essential organs including heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and liver have begun forming
  • Fingers and toes are no longer webbed and are becoming more distinct
  • Earlobes are forming on the sides of the head and ears are developing internally
  • Muscles are developing throughout the body allowing for early movements
  • Baby can begin moving spontaneously, though you can't feel it yet
  • The heart is now fully formed with four chambers pumping blood efficiently
  • Reproductive organs begin developing though external genitals aren't visible yet

💭 Common Symptoms

  • Nausea and morning sickness often peak during week 9, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women
  • Severe fatigue continues as your body produces more blood and supports fetal development
  • Breast tenderness and fullness increase as breast tissue prepares for milk production
  • Frequent urination persists due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume
  • Mood swings can be intense due to fluctuating hormones and physical discomfort
  • Possible headaches from hormonal changes and increased blood circulation
  • Visible weight changes - either slight weight loss from nausea or small weight gain

🥗 Nutrition Tips

  • Eat 5-6 small meals every 2-3 hours to maintain stable blood sugar and reduce nausea
  • Try fresh ginger tea, ginger candies, or crystallized ginger for natural nausea relief
  • Include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu at every meal
  • Avoid empty calories from sugary snacks and focus on nutrient-dense foods
  • Try bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet)
  • Eat protein before bed to prevent low blood sugar in the morning
  • Consider prescription anti-nausea medication if symptoms are severe

To-Do This Week

  • Continue regular prenatal appointments and track your symptoms to share with your provider
  • Rest and nap whenever you feel fatigued without feeling guilty
  • Stay active with gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga for 30 minutes most days
  • Join a pregnancy support group online or in-person to connect with other expectant mothers
  • Research and consider genetic screening tests like NIPT (cell-free DNA) or NT scan
  • Start a list of questions for your next prenatal appointment
  • Consider telling your employer about your pregnancy if job accommodations are needed
💡

Did You Know?

Your baby's heart is now fully formed with all four chambers! It beats about 120-180 times per minute - much faster than your resting heart rate of 60-100 bpm.