You baby is the size of Olive!

During the pregnancy week 9, it’s probable that you have already listened to your fetus’ heartbeat, which can make the entire experience seem more tangible. Although you may not be displaying any visible signs of pregnancy, you’re likely becoming more aware of alterations in your body, while still coping with morning sickness and a general unease throughout the day.

Pregnancy Week 9 Quick Facts

• At 9th weeks, you’ve entered your third month of pregnancy
• You have 31 weeks until your due date “Calculate your due date”
• You’re in the first trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 9 Weeks

During the ninth week of pregnancy, the size of your developing baby is approximately 0.9 inches in length and has an average weight of 0.07 ounces. This is equivalent in size to a cherry or a medium-sized olive!

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 9

Some women may also notice slight abdominal cramping or spotting, but this is typically normal unless it becomes severe or accompanied by heavy bleeding. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms during pregnancy.

In a twin pregnancy, the symptoms experienced at week 9 are generally similar to those of a singleton pregnancy, but they may be more pronounced due to the higher hormone levels and increased demands on the body.

Common symptoms include:

1. Extreme fatigue

2. Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)

3. Breast tenderness

4. Increased need to urinate

5. Mood swings

6. A sensation of fullness or abdominal bloating.

7. Strong food aversions or cravings

8. Light spotting or cramping (less common)

If you are pregnant with twins, it’s important to receive regular prenatal care and monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of both babies.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

At 9 weeks of pregnancy, both for a single pregnancy and a twin pregnancy, a few prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments are typically recommended. 

1. Blood tests: At this stage of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your blood type, Rh factor, and iron levels. They may also screen for infectious diseases like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.

2. Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be performed to confirm the number of fetuses, check for fetal heartbeat(s), and assess fetal growth and development. For a twin pregnancy, an ultrasound is particularly important to check for any signs of complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

3. Physical examination: During a prenatal visit, your doctor will perform a physical examination to check your blood pressure, weight, and urine for any signs of infection. They may also measure the size of your uterus to check for any abnormalities or potential issues.

4. Genetic testing: Depending on your age, medical history, or family history, your doctor may recommend genetic testing to check for any chromosomal abnormalities or inherited disorders.

5. Nutritional counseling: Eating a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is essential for the growth and development of the fetus(es). Your doctor may provide you with nutritional counseling and recommend prenatal vitamins.

6. Lifestyle Counseling: Your doctor may also discuss lifestyle factors that can affect the health of you and your baby, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity.

7. Follow-up appointments: Depending on your pregnancy status, your doctor may recommend more frequent prenatal visits for closer monitoring. For example, women carrying twins may require more frequent appointments to monitor for signs of complications.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for prenatal care, attend all scheduled appointments, and ask any questions or concerns you may have.

Risk in the 9th week of pregnancy 

The 9th week of pregnancy is a critical time for fetal development, as major organs and systems are continuing to form. The risk of complications can vary depending on individual factors such as maternal age, medical history, and lifestyle.

In a single pregnancy at 9 weeks, the risk of miscarriage is generally lower than in earlier weeks, but it still exists, with an estimated risk of 2-5%. Other potential risks in the 9th week of a single pregnancy include ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

In a twin pregnancy at 9 weeks, there may be additional risks to consider, such as a higher likelihood of miscarriage, preterm labor, and fetal growth problems. Twin pregnancies also have an increased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia compared to singleton pregnancies.

It’s important for pregnant individuals to maintain regular prenatal care and follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations to minimize any potential risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their babies

Developmental Milestones

During the ninth week of pregnancy, the internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys of the fetus are still undergoing development, while the external features are starting to become more prominent. At this stage, the eyes of the fetus will already have some pigment, and taste buds may have formed on the tongue. The ridges indicating the future locations of the hands and feet are also gradually starting to take shape.