What tests are done around 9 weeks of pregnancy?

Around 9 weeks pregnant, common tests include routine blood and urine tests to check blood type, blood count, and for infections, along with the Double Marker screening.

What is the risk of miscarriage at 9 weeks?

The risk of miscarriage is around 2 to 4 per cent at 9 weeks.

Your Baby’s Face Is Forming: Week 9 Development Updates

9 weeks pregnant is such an exciting stage because this is when you can really start to imagine the little person growing inside you. Your baby’s face is starting to take shape. You won’t be able to see it yet, of course, but the tiny beginnings of eyes, nose, and mouth are forming. The rest of the body is growing fast, too. Even though none of this is visible yet, it’s happening quietly but very actively inside you.

How Does Your Baby’s Face Develop at 9 Weeks Pregnant?

This is what’s happening with your baby's facial features at week 9:

Eyes and Eyelids

Your baby’s eyes are getting bigger and already have a bit of colour, though the eyelids are still fused shut.

Nose and Mouth

Their tiny nose and mouth are forming now, and there’s already a small tongue inside with taste buds on it. It’s amazing to think that these delicate details are already developing this early.

Ears Moving Up

Your baby’s ears, which started out lower on the neck, are slowly moving up to the sides of the head. This gives your baby a more balanced, human-like look.

These changes mark your baby’s shift from an embryo to a foetus by the end of this week.

How Is Your Baby’s Body Growing at 9 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is now about the size of a strawberry or grape, measuring around 2.2 to 2.5 cm from head to bottom. They’re still tiny, but there’s a lot happening inside your womb right now.

Limbs Taking Shape

Your baby’s arms and legs are growing longer, and their wrists, elbows, and knees are starting to form. Fingers and toes are starting to appear, though they’re still webbed for now. They’ll separate as your baby continues to grow.

Early Movements

Tiny muscles are forming, and your baby is beginning to make small twitches or movements, known as “quickening.” These early moves help strengthen their muscles and nervous system. But you won’t feel them just yet; that’ll come in another month or two.

Bones and Organs

Your baby’s cartilage is beginning to harden into bone. All the major organs like the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and gut, are developing fast. The heart is already fully formed and beating quickly at around 150 to 170 beats per minute.

Genitals Forming

Your baby’s genitals are also starting to take shape.

How Is Your Body Changing at 9 Weeks Pregnant?

Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and it’s normal to notice lots of changes right now. The pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is at its highest level, doubling every few days to help your body adjust. At the same time, oestrogen and progesterone are steadily increasing. These hormones boost blood flow to your womb and support your baby’s development. Here’s what else you might be experiencing:

Physical changes: Your breasts may feel sore, heavier, or more sensitive, and your nipples could darken. Your waistline might start to thicken slightly as your uterus grows to make room for your baby.
Common symptoms: You might feel very tired because your body is busy building the placenta. Morning sickness can happen any time of day, and bloating, gas, or constipation are common as digestion slows down. Frequent bathroom trips are normal, too, as your growing uterus presses on your bladder.
Other sensations: Some people notice a metallic taste in their mouth, a stronger sense of smell, or new food cravings and dislikes.

What Symptoms to Expect at 9 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s a quick look at week 9 pregnancy symptoms:

Fatigue: Your body’s metabolism and hormone levels are working overtime. This can lower your blood sugar or blood pressure and make you feel tired.
Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness can happen at any time of day. It can be triggered by certain smells, foods, or an empty stomach.
Mood swings: Hormonal changes can make your emotions fluctuate, leaving you happy one moment and teary the next.
Breast tenderness: Your breasts are preparing for breastfeeding. They may feel sore or fuller than usual at this point.
Heartburn and indigestion: Slower digestion due to hormonal shifts can cause burning or discomfort after eating.
Skin and hair changes: You may notice darker patches of skin on your face (called chloasma), or your hair might feel thicker and shinier than before.

As you go through week 9, take a moment to appreciate all the amazing changes happening in your body. The second trimester is just around the corner, bringing relief from some symptoms and new milestones to celebrate!

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Your Baby's Face Is Forming-Here's What Else Is Happening

What tests are done around 9 weeks of pregnancy?
Around 9 weeks pregnant, common tests include routine blood and urine tests to check blood type, blood count, and for infections, along with the Double Marker screening.
What is the risk of miscarriage at 9 weeks?
The risk of miscarriage is around 2 to 4 per cent at 9 weeks.