Week 9

First Trimester

Tiny but Complete

Baby now has all the basic structures of a human body. Growth is rapid and the embryo is almost ready to be called a fetus.

This week's tip

💡 If your emotions feel like a rollercoaster, that's completely normal — hormonal shifts are intense right now, and being gentle with yourself is the best care you can give.

Baby this week

🍇

About the size of

a grape

Length

2.3 cm

Weight

2 g

Development

  • All essential body structures are in place.
  • The heart has four chambers and is beating around 170 bpm.
  • Fingers and toes are now distinct and the webbing between them is disappearing.
  • Baby can make small movements that will become more coordinated.
  • Eyelids are formed but fused shut for now.

How you might feel

  • Nausea may begin to ease slightly for some — for others it peaks now.
  • Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is normal.
  • Ligament pain around the pelvis as uterus grows is common.
  • You may feel emotional and sensitive — this is normal.

Things to do this week

  • Ask your care provider about NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) if interested
  • Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water per day
  • Eat small, protein-rich meals throughout the day
  • Begin thinking about who you want at your birth

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

  • Contact your care team if discharge has a strong smell or is accompanied by itching or burning.

Partner tip

Emotional support is as important as practical help right now. Listen without immediately trying to fix things.