Pregnant in week 9
In week 9 your baby is the size of a grape. The embryonic tail is gone, all vital organs are in place, and it now really looks like a tiny baby. Nausea typically peaks around now – luckily it isn't long before it starts to ease for most.
Your baby in week 9
Your baby measures around 2.3 centimetres and weighs a couple of grams. From this week it is no longer called an embryo but a foetus – the basic organs are in place, and now it is about growing and maturing.
The tail has disappeared, and the body has become better proportioned. The little hands and feet have developing fingers and toes, and your baby makes spontaneous movements, although they are far too small for you to feel.
The face now has eyelids covering the eyes, a small nose and a mouth. The inner ear is forming, and the heart, which has finished its four chambers, beats fast and strong.
Your body and symptoms in week 9
For many, week 9 is the peak of the early symptoms. Nausea, fatigue and tender breasts can be most pronounced right now, because the hCG level is highest around weeks 9-11.
The uterus is now roughly the size of a grapefruit, but the bump still isn't visible from outside. You may feel bloated, and your clothes may feel a touch tighter. Some experience constipation, because progesterone slows down the bowel.
Blood flow in the skin increases, and some experience an early pregnancy glow, while others get more blemishes. It all reflects your body adapting to the growing pregnancy.
Good advice for week 9
Hang in there – the peak is near
hCG peaks around weeks 9-11, and after that the nausea eases for most. So there is good reason to believe it will soon get easier.
Protect your digestion
Fibre from vegetables, whole grains and fruit plus plenty of water counteract the constipation many experience now. Move a little every day.
Consider timing for NIPT
If you want the NIPT blood test, it can be taken from week 10. Week 9 is therefore a good time to decide and book.
Eat what you can keep down
If nausea is bad, prioritise getting energy in over eating perfectly. Ice cubes, an ice lolly, a little fresh fruit or a slice of toast – whatever will go down – is perfectly fine for a while.
Relevant with us in week 9
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 9
When does the nausea ease?
For most it improves between weeks 12 and 16. A smaller group have it longer, and in a very few it lasts the whole pregnancy. Keep eating and drinking a little at a time.
What is the difference between embryo and foetus?
For the first eight to nine weeks your baby is called an embryo, while the organs form. From weeks 9-10 it is called a foetus, because the basic structures are now in place and need to grow.
Can you tell the sex now?
No. The genitals have begun to develop but still look alike. We only perform gender scans from week 15, when the sex can be seen reliably – with a gender guarantee.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
Every time you enter a new week we send you what is happening with your baby and your body, good advice for the week – and when the different scans make sense. Unsubscribe with one click.
Read on in week 9
Early pregnancy scan in Copenhagen – everything you need to know (2026)
Guide to your first pregnancy
