Your pregnancy symptoms in week 9
The first trimester can be tough. Many people feel sick, vomit or feel exhausted. This can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to keep the news to yourself for now.
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person, but most people start to feel a little better as they move towards the second trimester.
Speak to your GP, midwife or contact your hospital straight away if you are being sick many times a day or are unable to keep food or drink down. You may need hospital treatment as there is a risk you may become dehydrated.
Your emotions in pregnancy
Progesterone and oestrogen flood your body in the first trimester and can bring on a rollercoaster of emotional changes in pregnancy. Hormones aside, worrying about your baby’s health, finances and the future can also leave you feeling anxious.
"The surge of pregnancy hormones can sometimes be overwhelming. I remember feeling teary at times and I wasn't even sure why. Do try and share how you're feeling with your partner or close friend.”
Sami
Making some ‘me’ time is an important part of looking after your emotional health in pregnancy. And avoid stress as much as you can – these five ways to relax might help.
Find more top tips for looking after your wellbeing.
Feeling faint in pregnancy
Feeling faint in pregnancy can be due to hormone changes. You could try:
- getting up slowly after sitting or lying down
- finding a seat and waiting for the faintness to pass.
if you feel faint while lying on your back, turn onto your side.
Are you also suffering from heartburn or cramping? Read our guide to 10 common pregnancy complaints and how to avoid them.
What to do in week 9
Make sure you check all medicines
If you’re experiencing headaches, it’s fine to take paracetamol. But not all over-the-counter medication is safe in pregnancy. Find out more about drugs and medicines in pregnancy.
Find out what you should do if you have a severe headache that will not go away.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing your weight in pregnancy is not about dieting or trying to lose weight. It's about looking after yourself and your baby by eating healthily and staying active. Dieting during pregnancy isn’t recommended as it may harm your baby’s health.
Maintaining a healthy weight in pregnancy can help reduce the risk of things like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
There is lots of support available if you have any concerns about your weight during pregnancy, whatever your circumstances.
Find out which supplements you should take in pregnancy.
“When I was at my peak of nausea and tiredness, I asked the midwife for some advice. It turned out I was anaemic so I took a liquid iron supplement and drank orange juice with meals to boost the iron absorption from food.”
Dana
Find out more about staying healthy during pregnancy if you have a high BMI.
Pack a snack
Having a supply of healthy snacks on hand can prevent you from reaching for sugary biscuits and sweets. These 10 super snacks will keep you going through the 3pm slump.
Dried fruit, such as apricots, are great for cranking up your iron stores and staving off pregnancy anaemia. They can also kick-start sluggish pregnancy digestion.
We’ve got lots of information about eating well in pregnancy.
Find out about nutrition in pregnancy.
Baby: Your baby is about the size of a peanut: 0.70 inch. The head is more erect, and the neck is more developed. Your baby's skeleton is forming, but the bones are still soft. Little eyelids form but stay closed, and a nose appears. During an ultrasound, you might see how your baby moves, even
though you can't feel it yet. Mom-to-be: Your uterus is continuing to grow, and you may notice your waistline thickening. Unless you tell people your special news, however, your pregnancy still won't be noticeable to others. Pregnancy hormones slow digestion so your body absorbs more nutrients. This may lead to constipation or bloating.
Hormones also relax the stomach and esophagus, which can cause heartburn. You probably won’t have gained much weight yet. Tip of the Week: Eat plenty of foods that contain
calcium, such as cheeses, sardines, and broccoli. Your baby needs it, and so do you. Baby: Your baby is still small -- an inch long, about the size of a green olive -- but looks and acts like a baby. Arms and legs are longer and can bend at the elbows and
knees. Fingers and toes become distinct. Mom-to-be: Once the size of your fist, your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit. You still probably don't show much, but you may feel more comfortable in looser clothes. You may continue to feel tired and moody, but take heart: These
symptoms shouldn't last too much longer. Tip of the Week: Start shopping for maternity bras. You'll need one soon. You can go ahead and get nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed. Baby: It's another big growth week. Your baby is the size of a strawberry: 2 inches. When your doctor uses a
Doppler stethoscope now, they can hear the rapid "swooshing" noises of the heartbeat. Little teeth buds appear in your baby's mouth. The intestines grow rapidly, pushing out into the umbilical cord. Your baby's genitals are developing, but the
sex can't be determined yet by ultrasound.9 Weeks Pregnant
10 Weeks Pregnant
11 Weeks Pregnant
Mom-to-be: Pregnancy hormones show their good and bad effects. You may notice that your hair, fingernails, and
toenails are growing faster. But you may also notice oily skin and acne. Any nausea or vomiting should get better soon. You may still feel exhausted, even if you're able to get enough sleep. Tip of the Week: Schedule a dentist appointment. See your dentist at least once in these 9 months. Brush and floss daily, and take your prenatal vitamin for
calcium to keep your teeth strong. Your gums may bleed more because of pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume. If they do, use a soft
toothbrush. Baby: Your baby is 2.5 inches long, about the size of a garlic bulb. All parts of your baby are developing, from tooth buds to
toenails. There’s now a recognizable profile, with a clear nose and chin. Your baby will keep developing and getting larger and stronger for the rest of your pregnancy. By the end of this week, the chance of miscarriage drops considerably. Mom-to-be: You'll feel more energetic for the next few weeks. The typical weight gain by now is from 1.5 to 5 pounds. Extra melanin may make the
skin on your eyelids, cheeks, and nose look brown. Increased blood flow may give your vulva a blue tint. Fathers-to-be might also have pregnancy
symptoms, called couvade, or "hatching," during the third month and at delivery, including nausea, abdominal pain, appetite changes, and weight gain. Tip of the Week: Try not to fret about stretch
marks. Most women get them on the breasts, abdomen, hips, or buttocks sometime during pregnancy. They won't go away, but they usually fade after pregnancy. Despite claims from manufacturers, creams and oils don't minimize them. How much they show depends on your skin's natural elasticity. By the end of the third month, your baby is fully formed, with arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes. Little hands can open and close. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop, and the external ears are formed. Teeth are starting to form. Your baby's reproductive organs also develop, but the baby's sex is difficult to distinguish on
ultrasound. The circulatory and urinary systems are working, and the liver produces bile.12 Weeks Pregnant
What's Happening Inside You?