Have you shared the news yet?

At 9 weeks pregnant, many moms will feel that they need to share their pregnancy with at least those closest to them to secure a support network as they go through morning sickness, sensitivity to smells, and other early pregnancy struggles.

Late first trimester can be an awkward stage of pregnancy. You may be very aware of your pregnancy much of the time, while those around you don’t know at all, setting up situations where you have to decline drinks or sushi or excuse yourself from rooms where others are eating strongly odored foods. Yet you may even have moments where you also forget you’re pregnant, only to be reminded by a jolt of nausea.

Week 9 is also peak time for pregnancy hormone levels, which means some of your symptoms may be the strongest throughout the pregnancy.

Soon, though, you’ll be in the second trimester, where things may go a little smoother.

Your Baby’s Development At 9 Weeks Pregnant

There are pigments in your baby’s eyes now. However, even if you could get a direct peek, you wouldn’t be able to predict a baby’s eye color from them since genetics will still determine how much melanin is in them at birth — and some babies’ eye color still changes after they’re born!

Though the eye color might be in your dreams, there are deeper (literally and figuratively) developments in your baby’s eyes as his optic nerve, retina, and other parts of vision start to shape up.

In addition, your baby is developing other sweet little details like toes and earlobes. He’s even starting to get the nubs that will eventually be teeth, although these will be hidden inside his gums at birth.

Your baby is about an inch long and has developed the major joints of legs and arms — shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

Quick Overview: Baby's Development At 9 Weeks Pregnant:

• Pigments have formed in your baby’s eyes, but genetics determines the final color.
• The optic nerve, retina, and other vision structures are beginning to develop.
• Tiny toes and earlobes are now forming.
• Tooth buds are developing, though they will remain hidden in the gums at birth.
• Your baby is about an inch long and continues to grow rapidly.
• Major joints in arms and legs—shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles—are now formed.

Mother’s Symptoms At 9 Weeks

You may or may not have gained any weight by this point. The Mayo Clinic recommends that a mother who starts at a healthy weight should gain between one and four pounds total for the first trimester.

However, that can vary a good bit as some moms will gain breast weight earlier in the pregnancy, others may retain fluids more heavily, and others may start at a weight that is above or below their ideal. What it all adds up to: if you aren’t gaining weight yet, don’t worry, and if you are, don’t worry unless it seems unusually rapid or excessive, in which case you can check in with your doctor.

You’re likely still having morning sickness. The countdown continues: for many (unfortunately not all) moms, this will ease up by week 14, so you have just over a month to go!

You may still be experiencing swelling and soreness in your breasts. Choose a comfortable bra, and try using warm and/or cool compresses to soothe discomfort.

Mood swings are normal and could be ramping up by this week. Your body is making a rush of hormones that affect everything you’re feeling. If you notice severe depression or anxiety, speak to your provider about your options, which could range from finding a support group or talking to a therapist to taking medications to regulate your mood.

Some women do see spotting throughout pregnancy, but if you have any bleeding at this point, make sure you speak to your doctor about it. Seek emergency medical care if bleeding is new, sudden, or heavy.

Bloating and cramping can both be normal, though you should contact your doctor for anything severe and for any pain that doesn’t ease with the change of position or OTC pain meds and hydration.

Some women will have skin changes, including acne, dry skin, or darkened patches. You should avoid trying new skincare regimes, including acne treatments, without consulting your doctor. Some products, including retinoids, can be very dangerous to the developing fetus.

You may notice changes in your hair, too. You may find your hair fuller, shinier, and thicker than usual.

9 Week Pregnancy Symptoms Quick Recap:

• Possible weight gain or no weight gain, both of which can be normal.
• Morning sickness, which may persist for a few more weeks.
• Breast swelling and soreness, which may continue.
• Mood swings, possibly increasing due to hormonal changes.
• Spotting or light bleeding, which should be discussed with a doctor.
• Bloating and cramping, which can be normal but should be monitored if severe.
• Skin changes, including acne, dry skin, or darkened patches.
• Hair changes, possibly appearing fuller, shinier, and thicker.

When To Contact Your Doctor

Let your doctor know if you have any bleeding, severe cramping, or pain that doesn’t go away after taking OTC pain meds and changing position.

As always, speak to your doctor if mood swings, depression, or anxiety become severe.

Contact your doctor for any signs of infection, such as itching or malodorous discharge.

Contact your doctor or seek emergency care for severe nausea, vomiting, and vomiting that includes blood, signs of dehydration such as inability to pass urine over more extended periods, or any severe dizziness or fainting.

What Should Mom Be Doing At 9 Weeks?

You should rest when needed and don’t overstress your body.

While it’s important to remain active, you should not engage in exercises that cause excessive strain. The National Institute for Health recommends that women lifting objects repetitively, as for work, limit repetitive lifting to 51lb in the first half of pregnancy and reduce repetitive lifting thereafter.

Taking a multivitamin is a good idea, and you should focus on choosing nutritious foods for you and your baby.

Avoid overheating your body, such as in hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs.

If you are struggling with any addiction, please be honest with your doctor and allow them to help you seek treatment. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and other substances that could harm your baby.

Quick Recap Of What Mom Should Be Doing At 9 Weeks Pregnant:

• Rest when needed and avoid overstressing your body.
• Stay active, but avoid exercises that cause excessive strain.
• Limit repetitive lifting, especially as pregnancy progresses.
• Take a prenatal multivitamin and focus on nutritious foods.
• Avoid overheating, including hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs.
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and other harmful substances during pregnancy.
• Seek medical support if struggling with addiction.

What To Look Forward To

If you haven’t seen your baby on an ultrasound yet, that typically happens between the 8 and 12-week mark.

Even if you don’t see your baby yet, your doctor will listen to your uterus at your next appointment, and you may hear your baby’s heartbeat.

If you haven’t started shopping for maternity clothes, now’s a great time! You may also want to look into a new pair of comfortable and supportive shoes, but don’t splurge too much just yet — some women’s feet grow during the second trimester.