With week 9, the third month of your pregnancy begins, and your baby reaches a milestone this week: with the completion of 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 isn’t visible yet in the 9th week of pregnancy—but you may already notice that your first pair of pants feels tighter. No wonder: your uterus has already doubled in size. This not only creates 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 noticeable elsewhere: many women find 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’re one of the lucky ones who radiates that pregnancy glow or you’re dealing with blemished skin, unfortunately, isn’t something you can influence. 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 may sharpen. You might suddenly become sensitive to odors and foods that previously caused you no problems. This can include cigarette smoke or raw fish, but also completely different, harmless foods or smells. It’s 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 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’re still unsure which foods to avoid right now, you’ll find a practical overview in the article “ “.
9th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby
In the 9th week of pregnancy, organ development is already complete, and some organs have already started functioning. This 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 is also developing rapidly in the 9th
week of pregnancy. 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 layer of skin and resemble tiny fins. Its head has become more 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 want only 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 helps prevent 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 right away? 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 early fatigue and could take a nap every day, or you’re bursting with energy and continuing your workout routine: do what is good for you and your body right now.
Tip from LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi Rasche
Contrary to the saying "Eating for Two," your calorie needs in the first third of pregnancy increase only minimally—by about 100 calories per day. Instead, focus on eating as healthily and as balanced as possible, drinking enough fluids, and continuing to take folic acid and, if necessary, other supplements. Of course, you don’t have to give up a piece of cake from time to time.
With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which is also created in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts. Nevertheless, the information listed here can
never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife. Always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.
