Pregnancy week 9 - baby's development and your body

Published
Updated
Hanna Pauser
Written by , Certified Doula & Napper Content manager
 Rebecka Kaplan Sturk
Medically reviewed by Rebecka Kaplan Sturk, MD, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology
A small galaxy starts to develop

The information in this article is intended for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always contact your midwife or maternity care provider if you are concerned about your or your baby’s health.

Are you in week 9 of your pregnancy? Learn all about how the fetus develops this week, changes in your body, and pregnancy symptoms.

Week 9 is the seventh week after fertilization. The embryo now has a more prominent face with eyes and ears. The webbing between the fingers is receding, and toes are beginning to develop.

Size:

The embryo is about 2.3 cm or 0.91 inches in size, from head to rump.

Weight:

Approximately 2 grams or 0.071 ounces.

Embryo development:

This week, the embryo is starting to resemble a baby a little more, even though it's still only the size of a bean.

The tail that previously existed at the lower back is disappearing, and human facial features are starting to emerge. The embryo now has eyes, ears, and the beginnings of a small nose.

It can make small movements, and internally, the sex organs are beginning to form, either ovaries or testicles. Externally, all embryos still look the same at this stage.

Your body:

At this stage, it’s common to experience clear pregnancy symptoms, such as heightened sensitivity to smells and tastes and more noticeable nausea compared to earlier weeks. You may also feel bloated and have mood swings.

Increased kidney blood flow during pregnancy can lead to more frequent urination, and it’s also common to feel extra tired and want to sleep more.

Though pregnancy usually isn’t visible this early, the growing uterus may cause a bloated feeling. Some may also experience mild, period-like cramps as the uterus expands and takes up more space.

1. 1177 Vårrdguiden (Sweden's national online healthcare portal). “Pregnancy week by week”, https://www.1177.se/barn--gravid/graviditet/om-graviditeten/graviditeten-vecka-for-vecka/

2. Cleveland Clinic. Fetal development: Stages of growth, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth

3. Mayo Clinic. Prenatal care: Healthy pregnancy week by week, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302