You’re nearing the end of your first trimester, mom—and what a powerful stretch it’s been. At Week 9, your body and baby are both in rapid transformation. It’s a tender, intense phase, full of growth, adaptation, and emotional waves.
Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, Perelel’s medical co-founder, reminds us this is a good time to schedule your first prenatal appointment, which includes more than checking dates on a calendar. You'll review your medical history, undergo a physical exam, discuss any prior losses or conception concerns, and map out next steps.
Beyond that, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this exciting point of your pregnancy:
How You’re Feeling at 9 Weeks
Morning sickness may be surging—or peaking, as your body continues to move through change. For many, nausea and food aversions feel most intense now, though relief may start to creep in over the next week or two. Symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and general achiness are also common as your system adapts to early pregnancy’s demands. If you need extra support, here are a few of our go-to tips:
Start your day with something bland. Keep crackers or dry toast by your bed and nibble before you stand up.
Sip, don’t chug. Hydration matters, but small sips of water, broth, or electrolytes are easier on a sensitive stomach.
Lean on ginger + B6. Both have been shown to calm queasiness—which is why you’ll find them in our 1st Trimester Prenatal Pack and on days when swallowing pills seems impossible, try our 1st Trimester Prenatal Powder.
Eat small, frequent meals. Aim for protein + carbs every few hours to keep blood sugar stable.
Notice your triggers. Strong smells and greasy foods can make nausea worse. Keeping a journal can help you spot patterns.
Be gentle with yourself—you’re doing extraordinary work.
You may notice cramping or mild pulling in your lower abdomen. This is usually a sign of your ligaments stretching to support your growing uterus—annoying but typically normal.
Bloating and a sense of “showing”—even if subtle—aren’t uncommon, thanks to both hormone-driven gas and the uterus beginning to rise. (The Bump community, 2025)
Emotionally, the rollercoaster might feel relentless—tears, laughter, anxiety, relief. It’s all valid. Let your feelings flow, and surround yourself with moments of calm and connection.
What’s New With Your Baby
-
By week 9, your baby is roughly the size of a cherry—about 0.5 to 1.67 inches, weighing around 0.07 ounces.
-
At week 9. your baby’s head is rounding—and features like tiny earlobes, toes, and a button nose are becoming clearer.
-
Limbs now sport joints—knees, elbows, wrists, and shoulders are initiating motion. Your baby might even suck their thumb this week.
-
Your baby’s heart now has four chambers and valves forming, creating a strong rhythm you’ll likely see on ultrasound—or maybe even hear with a Doppler soon.
This week is beautifully pivotal—the embryo technically enters the fetus stage as all the foundational systems are in place, ready for the next marathon of growth.
Shop the Article:
Your Week 9 To-Do List
Now’s the time to nurture, plan, and care with intention. Here’s your weekly roadmap:
1. Schedule (or attend) your first prenatal appointment.
If you haven’t yet, now’s the moment to feel seen by your provider. If you have—and felt rushed—ask thoughtful questions: What’s on the testing horizon? Any supplements or lifestyle shifts recommended? Your presence matters here.
2. Stay nourished and hydrated.
Morning sickness may be ebbing—but don’t wait to eat. If nausea still lingers, our 1st Trimester Prenatal Powder is designed to ease queasiness while delivering essential nutrients in a gentle, easy-to-digest form. Pair it with small, balanced meals to help curb nausea and stabilize energy throughout the day.
And because your blood volume is rising and your baby’s neural tube, brain, and heart are all rapidly developing, consider adding our 1st Trimester Prenatal Pack to your daily routine. It includes:
Methylated Folate: Supports healthy neural tube formation in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.
Gentle Iron: Builds and supports your expanding blood supply—without the constipation side effects.
Omega-3 DHA + EPA: Critical for your baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system development.
B6 & Ginger: Target nausea and morning sickness head-on, helping you get through the day with more ease.
Choline: Plays a vital role in cognitive development and supports your baby’s spinal cord formation.
Sip water, herbal tea, or electrolytes regularly to keep hydration steady, and let the duo carry you through this tender trimester with science-backed support for both you and your growing baby.
3. Move in ways that feel safe and soothing.
Prenatal yoga, short walks, or light stretching can support digestion, improve mood, and ground your energy. Just listen to your body, and fine-tune motion for comfort.
4. Be kind to your digestion.
Bloating is a sign—or symptom—that your body is doing heavy-duty hormonal work. Gentle movement, hydration, and fiber-rich snacks (if tolerated) can help. Cramping? Mention it to your provider if it feels sharp or paired with bleeding.
5. Say yes to rest and naps.
Mood waves? It’s okay to slow down. Try journaling, meditation, or safe comfort like warm baths or breathwork. These moments soothe not just your mind, but your baby’s growing world, too.
6. Watch for warning signs.
Contact your provider if you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramping, fever, or sudden nausea and vomiting that prevents hydration. Early pregnancy is complex—when in doubt, trust your instincts.
7. Consider a meditation practice.
Even if the baby still feels distant, daily rituals—like soft music, belly awareness, or gentle affirmations—help you bond with your growing child and cultivate peace in this transformational time.
Looking Ahead
By the time you enter Week 10, you’ll have stepped into a phase where early symptoms often begin to ease, and energy starts to return. Next week, your baby may shoot up in length, and you may feel just a whisper of your “bump” becoming visible.
References:
American Pregnancy Association. 9 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide. American Pregnancy Association, 2025. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/9-weeks-pregnant
Babylist. 9 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development & Symptoms. Babylist, 2025. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/9-weeks-pregnant
The Bump. 9 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips. The Bump, 2025. https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/9-weeks-pregnant
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
