Week 9: Grape Expectations

Your baby's facial features are currently being fine-tuned while vital organs are continuing to develop

By Dr Michelle LIM, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, , Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

What's Happening to Your Baby?

About the size of a grape and measuring 2.25 – 2.75cm long, your baby's major organs (heart, brain, kidneys, liver and lungs) are all well and truly in the making. The heart has almost fully formed with tiny valves in place. It's possible to hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler scan, although don't worry if your doctor can't find it this week — your shy sweetheart could just be hiding. Your baby is starting to look more human with more defined facial features and even teeth. The eyes are developed but are fused shut until around week 27.

What's Happening to You?

You still might not look pregnant but you will definitely be feeling it. Pregnancy fatigue is extremely common, especially in the first trimester. Both your body and your baby are working overtime so give yourself a break. Take plenty of rest, drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day, and try to eat nutrient-rich food. If you're feeling queasy, try snacking on carbohydrates like cereal, nuts or crackers. Don't worry though; relief is around the corner as you'll start to feel better in the second trimester.

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This article was last reviewed on 22 Nov 2023