mybabybase

First trimester

9 weeks pregnant

Baby is about the size of a cherry.

Week 9 of 40 · in your first trimester · Updated

Your baby this week

The embryo is officially a fetus now. The tail is gone and limbs can flex.

  • Baby is officially a fetus — the embryonic period is over. All major organs are present.
  • Tiny muscles allow the arms and legs to bend at the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles (though you can't feel it).
  • External genitalia is beginning to form, but it's not yet visible on ultrasound.

Your body this week

Symptoms can feel intense — but you're almost through the first trimester.

  • Blood volume continues to expand, contributing to that worn-out feeling.
  • You might have some weight gain or none at all — both are normal in the first trimester.
  • Vaginal discharge may increase. White, odorless discharge is normal.

Common symptoms

  • Continued fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Bloating
  • Cravings
  • Increased vaginal discharge

Things to do this week

  • Hydrate aggressively to avoid headaches
  • Move gently — walking is great
  • Note questions for your provider

For partners this week

Gentle and steady

  • Keep water within reach — headaches are common this week.
  • Suggest an easy walk together when energy allows.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

  • First prenatal visit

    Weeks 6–12

    Book with your doctor or midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant. This is usually the longest visit: your health and family history, medications, blood pressure and weight, and routine blood and urine tests (including your blood type and Rh factor). Your provider will also talk about your due date and the screening options ahead.

    Questions to ask →
    • When is my estimated due date, and how was it worked out?
    • Are my current medications and supplements okay to keep taking?
    • Who will care for me during pregnancy and birth, and where would I give birth?
    • Who do I call with questions or worries between visits?
    • Which vaccines should I plan for this pregnancy?

  • Dating ultrasound

    Weeks 7–12

    An early ultrasound that measures the baby to confirm how far along you are. Dating is most accurate between about 7 and 12 weeks, and the scan also confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus.

    Questions to ask →
    • Does this scan change my due date?
    • Can my partner come into the room?
    • Do I need a full bladder, and how should I prepare?
    • When will my provider get the results?

Coming up

  • Prenatal genetic screening

    Weeks 11–14 · if it applies to you

    Screening for chromosome differences is offered to everyone, and whether to have it is your choice. In Ontario, enhanced first trimester screening (eFTS) is publicly funded and combines a blood test with a nuchal translucency ultrasound at about 11–14 weeks. NIPT, another blood test, may be publicly funded or private-pay depending on your situation. Your provider will explain the options.

    Questions to ask →
    • Which screening options are available to me, and which are covered?
    • Am I eligible for publicly funded NIPT?
    • What can these tests tell us, and what can't they?
    • When and how will we get results?
    • What would happen next if a result comes back higher-chance?

  • Routine check-ups (about every 4 weeks)

    Weeks 12–28

    Check-ups are often about every 4 weeks until around 28 weeks. Your provider usually checks your blood pressure, weight and urine, listens to the baby's heartbeat and measures your growing belly. Some people need more visits.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is my blood pressure and weight gain on track?
    • Is this symptom I've been having normal?
    • What should I be doing about exercise, work or travel right now?
    • What's coming up before my next visit?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →

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Further reading from health authorities