Week 9

My Baby's Development

The tail at the bottom of your baby's spinal cord has shrunk and disappeared by this week. In contrast, your baby's head has been growing. It's quite large as compared to the rest of the body and it curves onto the chest. By this week, your baby measures about 0.6 to 0.7 inches (16 to 18mm) from crown to rump and weighs around 0.1 ounces (3g). The tip of the nose has developed and can be seen in profile. The flaps of skin over the eyes begin to shape into eyelids, which will become more noticeable in the next few weeks.

The digestive system continues developing, the anus is forming and the intestines are growing longer. In addition, the internal reproductive features (such as testes and ovaries) start to form by this week.

By this week, your baby is making some first movements as muscles are developed. If you had an ultrasound now, those movements might even be visible. But you won't be able to feel the movements for several more weeks.

My Body

In preparation for your first prenatal visit, take your time to familiarize with your family's health history and to review your medical records.

Have you had any chronic illnesses, allergies or surgeries? Are you currently taking any prescription medicine? Do you know of any genetic disorders that run in your family? Has your menstrual cycle been regular? Have you had any past pregnancies? Do you smoke or drink alcohol? What are your exercise habits?

These are the information that your health care provider will want from you. So, get these information ready when you go.