9 Weeks Pregnant: What Happens, Ultrasound & Early Cravings

You’re now 9 weeks pregnant — nearly at the end of your first trimester! While your baby is still tiny, a lot is happening inside your body. Hormones are surging, symptoms may be peaking, and you might be getting ready for your very first prenatal ultrasound.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• 👶 What’s happening with your baby and your body
• 📸 What to expect during the 9-week ultrasound
• 🍟 Why you might be craving weird things
• 🧠 Tips and insights from medical sources and other moms

📌 Related: 8 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth, Pregnancy Symptoms

🗓️ How Far Along Am I at 9 Weeks pregnant?

If you’re 9 weeks pregnant, you’re in month 3 of pregnancy and likely counting down the days to the second trimester (which starts at week 13). Your due date is still over 7 months away, but foundational development is in full swing.

Fun fact: Your baby is now officially a fetus, not an embryo!

🧬 Baby Development at 9 Weeks Pregnant

👶 9 Weeks Pregnant baby size:

Your baby is about the size of a cherry — roughly 1 inch long and weighing around 2 grams.

🧠 What’s Developing:

• Facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) are becoming more defined
• Tiny muscles and joints are forming — baby can now move (though you can’t feel it yet)
• The heart has finished dividing into four chambers and beats at 140–170 bpm
• Baby’s fingers and toes are visible and no longer webbed
• External genitalia are forming, but it’s still too early to tell the sex

Source: Mayo Clinic – Fetal Development

🤰 Common Symptoms at 9 Weeks Pregnant

This week may be a hormonal rollercoaster. You might feel more pregnant than ever—or still not quite believe it.

📌 Related: Pregnancy Cramping – What’s Normal vs. When to Worry

📸 Your First Prenatal Ultrasound

While many OBs schedule the first ultrasound between 8 and 12 weeks, some women have it right around week 9.

What You’ll See:

• Baby’s heartbeat flickering on the screen
• Crown-rump length (CRL) measurement to confirm gestational age
• Possibly arm and leg buds moving!
• Presence of gestational and yolk sac

What It Confirms:

• Due date accuracy
• Viability of pregnancy
• Number of fetuses (hello twins?)

Tip: This is often a transvaginal ultrasound if your uterus is still low in the pelvis.

🥨 Early Pregnancy Cravings

Suddenly craving pickles, chocolate, or fries? You’re not alone.

Why Cravings Happen:

• Hormonal changes (esp. estrogen and hCG)
• Nutritional needs (craving red meat? You might need iron)
• Psychological comfort — food can soothe nausea or anxiety

Healthy Tips:

• Indulge wisely (e.g. have baked fries instead of deep-fried)
• Keep snacks on hand to prevent nausea-triggered cravings
• Balance salty, sweet, and protein-rich foods

📌 Related: What to Eat When Trying to Conceive

🩺 Tips for 9 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s how to care for yourself (and your baby) this week:

1. Start or Continue Prenatal Vitamins

• Make sure they include 400–800 mcg folic acid, iron, and DHA

2. Get Enough Sleep

• Fatigue is real — take naps when you can
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs

3. Hydrate Often

• Dehydration worsens nausea and fatigue
• Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily

4. Book Your First OB Visit (if you haven’t yet)

• Blood work, pelvic exam, and discussion of your history will likely happen

5. Write Down Questions for Your Doctor

• Example: “Is my cramping normal?”
• “Can I take magnesium for headaches?”

📌 Related: First Trimester Checklist

🤢 Coping With Morning Sickness at 9 Weeks pregnant

Still dealing with constant nausea? You’re not alone — up to 80% of pregnant women experience it.

Remedies That May Help:

• Ginger tea or chews
• Small, frequent meals (avoid an empty stomach)
• Lemon water or electrolyte drinks
• Vitamin B6 supplements (check with your doctor first)

Good news: For many, morning sickness fades by week 12–14.

💬 Real Mom Insight

“At 9 weeks, I had my first scan. Hearing the heartbeat made it feel so real. I was still so nauseous but finally excited!” – Elena M.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it normal to feel cramps at 9 weeks pregnant?

Yes — light cramping can occur as your uterus expands. Call your doctor if pain is severe or accompanied by bleeding.

Q: Can I work out at 9 weeks pregnant?

Usually, yes. Gentle exercise like walking or prenatal yoga is safe unless advised otherwise by your OB.

Q: Can I find out my baby’s gender?

Not yet. Most gender-revealing ultrasounds or blood tests (NIPT) happen around 10–12 weeks+.

🔗 Internal Resources You’ll Love

• 8 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Growth, Pregnancy Symptoms
• Pregnancy Cramping – When to Worry
• First Trimester Checklist

🎯 Summary: What to Expect at 9 Weeks Pregnant

You’re almost 25% through your pregnancy. Next week, things may start to ease — and you’ll inch closer to showing that beautiful bump!