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The information presented on this website has been developed and reviewed by Besins Healthcare. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Week-by-Week Guidance / Milestones

Take your time with this information

Week 9

You are entering your third month of pregnancy!1

Week 9–10 are the peak weeks for morning sickness and pregnancy symptoms. This is because these weeks are when the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) should be at its highest before the placenta takes over.

Your body

You are likely to feel very exhausted at this point in the first trimester. That’s because your body is not only supporting the development of your growing baby, but it is also forming a whole new organ, the placenta.1 The good news is that the placenta will take over sustaining the growth of your baby around 10–12 weeks.2

Symptoms

  • Nausea (with or without vomiting) known as “morning sickness” but can occur at any time of the day1
  • Breast tenderness1
  • Frequent urination1
  • Fatigue1,3
  • Bloating and gas1
  • Constipation1
  • Faster heartbeat3
  • Heartburn1,3

Your baby

If you have an early ultrasound at this stage, the image will look more like a baby as arms, legs, and feet have grown, and the tail-like structure will have gone.1,4 Your baby should now measure around 2.5 cm, or the size of an olive.1 All of the essential organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are starting to form and will soon start functioning.1,4,5 The placenta plays an essential role in removing any waste, such as urine, produced.1

Things to do this week

  • Consistently taking folic acid is recommended,6 or if you haven’t already, consider taking a prenatal supplement that has the recommended amounts of vitamin A and D, iron and calcium7
  • Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support fertility and overall health8
  • Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking – both are known as risk factors for miscarriage9,10
  • Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods (if nausea and morning sickness allow)  
    You should try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea11
  • Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day12          
    As a guide:          
    1 mug of coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine          
    1 mug of tea contains 75 mg of caffeine          
    1 can of cola contains up to 40 mg of caffeine          
    1 bar of chocolate contains up to 50 mg of caffeine   

Your first antenatal appointment is usually scheduled between 8–12 weeks of pregnancy13

What to expect from your first antenatal appointment

During your first antenatal appointment, your healthcare provider will want to evaluate your overall health, any family medical history or risk factors that could affect your pregnancy, and they will also establish how many weeks pregnant you are using your last menstrual period. This is referred to as the gestational age.12,14

If you have any concerns, or are struggling with any pregnancy-related symptoms, this appointment is a great time to speak to your healthcare provider as they can provide additional support, if needed.

Your healthcare provider may also ask about your mental wellbeing during your first antenatal appointment. It is important to be honest about how you’re feeling as hormones have a huge effect on mood and depression during pregnancy affects 12–13% of women.15

Next: Week 10