9th week of pregnancy

With week 9, the third month of your pregnancy begins, and your baby reaches a milestone this week: with the completion of its organ development, it officially transitions from an embryo to a fetus. What else is happening in its development this week and how your body is changing now, you can find out here.

How big is your baby in the 9th week of pregnancy?

In week 9 of pregnancy, your baby is 1.5 to 3 centimeters long, about the size of a grape.

9th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

A real baby bump is not yet visible in the 9th week of pregnancy – but perhaps you already notice how your first pants are feeling tighter now. No wonder, because your uterus has already doubled in size. This not only provides space for your baby but also for the growing placenta and the amniotic fluid, which is steadily increasing in volume. Your breasts are also growing and may already show from the outside that your body will change even more soon. Hormonal changes can also become visually noticeable elsewhere: many women observe that their hair becomes fuller and shinier during pregnancy, and their skin seems to glow. However, hormones can also have the opposite effect, leading to skin blemishes and acne. Whether you belong to the lucky ones who radiate the pregnancy glow or are dealing with blemished skin, unfortunately, cannot be influenced. How you can do something good for your body in any case, you can read in the article “ “.

Pregnancy symptoms: altered sense of smell and taste

From the 9th week of pregnancy, your sense of smell and taste will sharpen. It may be that you suddenly become sensitive to odors and foods that previously caused you no problems. These can be cigarette smoke or raw fish, but also completely different, harmless foods or smells. It is suspected that expectant mothers become more sensitive to potential dangers in order to protect their child. In some cases, you may also develop cravings for entirely new flavor combinations or foods that you normally ignore – the notorious pregnancy cravings. Trust your instincts when it comes to what is good for you now and what isn't. If you are still unsure about which foods to avoid now, you will find a practical overview in the article “ “.

9th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

In the 9th week of pregnancy, the development of the organs is already complete and some of them have already started functioning. This development marks a significant milestone: while medical professionals previously referred to the embryo, from the end of the 9th week of pregnancy and the beginning of the 3rd month until birth, it is officially called a fetus.

Bone formation also begins this week, starting with the skull bones. They are still soft and flexible to accommodate your child's growing brain. This is necessary because the brain also develops in the 9th.
Pregnancy week is experiencing rapid development. Every minute, 100,000 new nerve cells are now being created, connecting and sending signals to the rest of the body. The fetus kicks and moves vigorously. It also now reacts to stimuli from outside. Its arms and legs are growing, and fingers and toes are beginning to develop on the hands and feet – at this stage, they are connected by a fine skin and resemble tiny fins. Its head has become upright and is becoming rounder. The nose has now reached its final shape, and the fully developed eyelids cover your baby's eyes until approximately three months before birth when they open for the first time.

Sports during pregnancy

For the little being in your belly and its development, you only want the best. You might also be wondering whether you can continue exercising during your pregnancy. The answer is: Yes! As long as the pregnancy progresses without complications and both of you are healthy, exercise is really good for you and your baby. Exercise has several positive effects:

• The changes during pregnancy can be easier for you if you are physically fit.

• Regular exercise improves
  oxygen supply and prevents pregnancy complaints such as thrombosis,
  calf cramps, water retention, and hemorrhoids.

• Exercise can help keep weight gain within a healthy range during the nine months and prevent the development of stretch marks.

• Women whose fitness and performance are strengthened through regular exercise are better physically prepared for childbirth and recover from it more quickly.

• Sport releases happiness hormones and reduces tension and stress.

Do you want to lace up your sports shoes immediately? Then find out more about the positive effects of exercise during pregnancy in the article „ “ and read which sports are especially beneficial for you right now and when you should adjust your training.

This is now important

• This week, your child's bones start to develop – they need up to 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Make sure to include more calcium-rich foods in your diet. The nutrient is found in dairy products, but also in nuts or green vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

• If you haven't yet had a check-up with your doctor ,
  now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.

• Whether you're still suffering from initial fatigue and could take a nap every day or bursting with energy and continuing your workout routine: do what is good for you and your body right now.
  
  
  
  

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which also in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts are being created. Nevertheless, the ones listed here can still
Never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife with advice. Always contact your healthcare professional for questions and professional care.