The development of the baby in the 9. week of pregnancy

Muscles are getting stronger: A few weeks ago muscle development began. Even if the mother cannot feel it yet, the embryo now moves more in the uterus and practically carries out its own fitness program.

The baby stretches: The head is no longer so close to the embryo's chest. The spine is gradually straightening as the "tail" at the end of the back fully regresses. The baby's body shape increasingly resembles a small human.

Brain and skull are developing: Your baby's brain and nervous system are developing rapidly in the 9. week of pregnancy. In parallel, a cartilaginous layer around the previously exposed brain, which hardens into skull bones over the course of the pregnancy. This gives the head a rounder shape. In addition, the development of neural pathways is a focus in the 9. week of pregnancy. With these, your baby will increasingly perceive first stimuli with its senses in the coming weeks.

Lips and mouth are becoming visible: The jawbone is already more solid and the baby's mouth area is distinguished from the head. The tongue has also detached from the palate inside the mouth.

Hands and feet are developed: Bone formation begins and so the fingers and toes are already more clearly visible than before. The little fingers are still connected by a thin layer of skin, similar to webbing. The webbing on the toes has almost completely disappeared.

Internal organs continue to develop: Your baby's liver and heart are becoming increasingly differentiated. The liver is already taking on its role in blood formation. In addition, in the 9. week of pregnancy the bladder and urethra: Even though it still takes some time until all organs take up their function, they are fully developed by the end of the 9. week of pregnancy. With the completion of organ development the end of the embryonic phase is reached. From then on until birth it is referred to as a fetus.

The first ultrasound examination: prenatal diagnostics & further insights

The first of three ultrasound examinations usually takes place between the 9. and 12. week of pregnancy , i.e. in the first trimester. In general, the gynecologist uses a vaginal probe, which is inserted through the vagina to check whether the baby is correctly positioned in the uterus, whether the heart beats regularly and whether it is large enough for the calculated week of pregnancy. Depending on the result, the doctor may correct the due date again.

For women who are considered high-risk pregnancies, the first ultrasound usually also involves the consideration of the necessity of prenatal diagnostics. The risk group includes, for example, women over 35 years old, who have already experienced a complicated pregnancy, suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, or are expecting multiples.

Prenatal diagnostics

Prenatal diagnostics includes a range of different tests to detect a disability or genetic defect in the child early on. These include, for example, the nuchal translucency measurement, the triple test, or amniocentesis. Usually these services are paid privately. What is much more significant, however, is the fact that expectant parents also always confront the possibility of terminating the pregnancy must, if a serious impairment of the fetus is actually detected.

In addition, the tests do not always provide clear results. The decision for or against prenatal diagnostics is not an easy – and definitely not one you should make alone. Talk with your family, your midwife, or your doctor and take time to weigh the pros and cons.

By the way: If you also want to have the nuchal fold examined to detect chromosomal abnormalities , the appointment is usually moved to the 12. to 15. week of pregnancy . The next ultrasound examinations are then scheduled between the 19.and 22. as well as between the 29.and 32. week of pregnancy . Then, however, by sonography through the abdominal wall.

Another appointment in the 9. week of pregnancy: toxoplasmosis test

The toxoplasmosis pathogen is mostly transmitted via cat feces, but can also be present on unwashed fruit and vegetables. In normal cases an toxoplasmosis infection goes unnoticed. Many people have therefore already formed antibodies against the pathogen. However, in pregnancy an infection can lead to severe developmental disorders in your baby. Therefore, the toxoplasmosis test as part of prenatal care should definitely be included.

Often a test for toxoplasmosis antibodies is performed automatically during the first blood test. If nothing about that is recorded in your maternity record, you should ask your doctor about it at your next appointment. The toxoplasmosis test is an additional service that you usually have to pay for yourself.

What can be seen on the ultrasound image?

In the 9. week of pregnancy the baby is approximately 16 to 24 millimeters, i.e. max. 2,4 centimeters in size. From week 9 onwards the size is usually given in centimeters. The size is comparable to that of a cherry. The baby takes on more and more human forms, so you can already on the ultrasound clearly see where the head, arms and legs are located. Your little miracle also increasingly reveals its fingers and toes. The ultrasound examination can also determine for the first time whether there might even be twins on the way.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in week 9?

Usually outsiders still do not notice that you are pregnant. In the 9. week of pregnancy the belly and the rest of the body usually still unchanged. Only a few women already have the problem that they can no longer fasten their pants properly. Others still perceive their belly as "normal size". What now becomes more noticeable are usually further pregnancy complaints such as cravings or bloating. Often expectant mothers feel that the symptoms from previous weeks have still not subsided or have even become more pronounced. However, these are all signs that may occur but do not have to.

Cravings: Do pickles on chocolate spread make your mouth water? What sounds like an absolute cliché is in fact true for many mothers in a similar form. Maybe it is not that extreme, but the a pregnant woman's sense of smell and taste changes enormously in the 9. week of pregnancy. Now you perceive smells and tastes much more intensely. Either they seem much more pleasant or unpleasant to you than before. Nature gives you this 'sharpness' to protect your miracle in the belly from dangers – strange food combinations are a side effect of that.

Breast sensation: By now you will probably notice significant changes to your breasts. They are preparing for future breastfeeding. Thus they feel heavier and more sensitive . As the pregnancy progresses your breasts continue to grow. However, breast sensitivity usually decreases again by the end of the 4. month of pregnancy. In addition, it is possible that you notice small white bumps on the nipples notice. These are the so-called Montgomery glands (tubercles), which secrete an oily substance to keep the nipples soft and supple during breastfeeding.

Discharge: In addition to the relatively common spotting many women notice in the first months of pregnancy, they also notice increased discharge. As long as this is not associated with pain in the genital area or unpleasant smells, this is usually not cause for concern. If you are unsure, you can discuss it with your doctor or midwife.

Nausea: If you are still struggling with nausea, let it be said: "Hang in there!" Usually this pregnancy symptom disappears by the 12. week of pregnancy. Because by then the hormonal balance and metabolism have completely adjusted.

Bloating: A woman's digestion becomes slightly disrupted due to hormonal changes. Bloating or constipation often occur. Usually helpful are regular exercise, sufficient fluids and a healthy, <LINK> high-fiber diet, to somewhat relieve digestive complaints.

Skin and hair: Some mothers notice a change in their skin and hair. For many women the hair becomes thicker and gains more shine. Other women, on the other hand, notice thinner hair. The changes are due to hormonal balance, which has strongly adjusted to the little miracle due to pregnancy.

Image credits

Pregnancy silhouette 3 months © designer_things - stock.adobe.com

Female doctor in middle adulthood using an ultrasound scanner © InsideCreativeHouse - stock.adobe.com