9 Weeks Pregnant

It's still too early to see or feel your expanding uterus through your abdominal wall. It is still behind your pubic bone when you are 9 weeks pregnant and won’t start lifting up and out until after week 12.

You might find you can see your veins more clearly, especially across your breasts and legs. Your legs may ache if you've been standing for a while. Try elevating your legs when you can by resting them on a chair or footstool.

You will probably find your vaginal discharge has increased. This is normal throughout pregnancy. Unless it has a bad odor or becomes yellow or irritating, don’t be concerned. Many pregnant women use panty liners.

You may feel occasional cramps and lower abdominal pains. This is normal and can feel like premenstrual discomfort. However, if pains are constant, getting worse, or accompanied by vaginal bleeding, check with your pregnancy care provider.

Your nipples may have grown larger and become darker. You might also have small pimples forming around your areola. These are known as Montgomery's Tubercles and help to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Don't squeeze them or try to get rid of them.

You may be feeling a bit down this week with continuing morning sickness and feeling tired. Hang in there. Most women find they start feeling a lot better by the end of their 1st trimester when levels of hCG start to decrease. The countdown has begun.

You might find your partner is not as "into" the pregnancy as you are. Their current experience of your pregnancy is through hearing your description of symptoms, rather than being able to see much. Try not to feel hurt. For them, the reality of your pregnancy may still be some weeks away.

Feeling tired and exhausted at 9 weeks pregnant can take its toll. Aim for a simple life and learn to say no to things you don’t have the energy to do.

Your baby is now 1 inch long. This week he’s the size of an average green olive.

If you have a prenatal appointment this week, your pregnancy care provider will likely be able to hear the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler. Have the tissues ready, this is a special time and could bring home the reality of being 9 weeks pregnant.

By the start of week 9, your baby's eyes have grown bigger and even have some pigment (color). Most babies are born with blue or brown eyes, though it can take up to three years of age for eye color to become permanent.

Your baby's ears are forming, both inside and out. Inside their mouth is the tiniest of tongues. Even their tooth buds are forming in their jaw.

Do some research into childbirth education classes this week. You may need to reserve a spot and there can be waiting lists.

Think about enrolling in a prenatal exercise or yoga class in your local area. These can be a great way to meet other pregnant mothers and build up a supportive network of new friends.

Try to eat healthy; check here for more information. Follow your body’s signals for hunger and fullness and learn what foods cause nausea.

Sleep and rest when you can. Remember, you’re growing a baby 24 hours a day. Even when you’re sleeping, your body is working to support your baby’s development to maturity.

Is it ok to jog at 9 weeks of pregnancy?

If jogging feels jarring consider switching to a lower impact exercise. Yoga, swimming, and Pilates are gentler options.

Why is my face breaking out?

Pregnancy hormones, for all the important work they do, are also responsible for blemishes. Be careful what you put on them — some creams are not recommended for use in pregnancy.

Does my baby at 9 weeks of pregnancy know how I’m feeling?

Some women feel a sense of guilt if they aren’t overcome with maternal love at 9 weeks pregnant. They worry that the baby may pick up on their negative feelings and sense it isn’t the most welcome of guests. Don’t worry. The baby at 9 weeks pregnant doesn’t have the cognitive ability to know how you’re feeling.