Your baby this week

About as long as a Strawberry (small).

Essential organs have started forming. The small tail from earlier has usually gone.

Your baby's face is becoming clearer. Eyelids are forming too.

You this week

Morning sickness often continues. Tiredness and mood swings are common too.

Some people notice skin changes. This varies a lot from person to person.

Week 9 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 2.19 cm (crown-rump length; Source: INTERGROWTH-21st (Papageorghiou et al., 2014)) — about as long as a Strawberry (small) (Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy 167762 'Strawberries, raw' — portion 'small (1" dia)' = 2.54 cm). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

  • Essential organs have begun to form; the tail-like structure present earlier has typically disappeared.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)
  • Facial features are becoming more distinct, and the eyelids are forming.UNSW Embryology (CC-BY)

How you may feel

  • Morning sickness often continues; fatigue and heightened emotions are common.NHS
  • Some notice skin changes, though these vary widely between people.NHS

Nutrition this week

  • Folate (B9) — supports neural-tube closure — most critical in weeks 1–12 (Leafy greens)
  • Iodine — fetal brain + thyroid development (Iodized salt)
  • Vitamin B12 — with folate, for blood + nerves (Meat)

Tests & scans

  • Blood group + Rh, Hb, infections screen
  • Booking / dating scan

When to reach out

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
  • Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
  • Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
  • Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
  • Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
  • Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.

Part of the First trimester (weeks 1–13).

Educational reference only — not medical advice. Typical/average figures; every pregnancy differs. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Seek urgent care for any warning sign.

Tips for this stage

  • Include curd/dahi for probioticsSource: NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy
  • Seasonal fruits — guava, apple, orangeSource: NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy
  • Dal-chawal for complete proteinSource: NHS – Have a healthy diet in pregnancy
  • Saunf (fennel) after meals is a traditional digestive practice in India, without strong clinical evidenceSource: Wikipedia — Fennel (used only to establish this is a traditional practice; not a clinical claim)

Checklist

  • Buy comfortable, well-fitted brasSource: NHS — Breast pain