9 weeks pregnant
CRL is about 2.3 cm; the heart rate reaches its peak.
At week 9, the embryo grows beyond 2 cm. Most of the major organs have formed, and the heart rate reaches the highest levels of the pregnancy.
This week’s ultrasound image
Expected ultrasound appearance and measurements at week 9 (illustrative, to-scale drawing).
Abbreviations on the screen
- GS
- Gestational sac diameter
- YS
- Yolk sac
- CRL
- Crown–rump length
- NT
- Nuchal translucency
- BPD
- Biparietal diameter (head width)
- HC
- Head circumference
- AC
- Abdominal circumference
- FL
- Femur (thigh bone) length
- EFW
- Estimated fetal weight
- FHR
- Fetal heart rate (beats per minute)
- GA
- Gestational age (weeks + days)
- UA PI
- Umbilical artery Doppler resistance (PI)
Gestational sac
34 mm
Crown–rump length
23 mm
Estimated weight
2 g
Heart rate
170 bpm
How big is your baby this week?
About the size of a cherry
What can be seen on the ultrasound?
CRL is about 22–25 mm. The head, body and limbs can be seen separately. The heart rate is about 170 beats per minute. A small bulge may be seen in the abdomen where the bowel temporarily sits outside the body; this is normal (physiological hernia).
Your baby’s development
Your baby is about the size of a cherry. The tail disappears, and the fingers and toes begin to separate. The heart now has four chambers.
Changes in your body
Mood swings, heartburn and constipation may begin. Your waistline may thicken slightly.
Check-ups at this stage
- NIPT (cell-free DNA test) can be done from week 10; discuss with your doctor whether you would like it
- Booking your first-trimester screening (weeks 11–14)
Tips for this week
- Fibre-rich foods and plenty of water help prevent constipation
- Small portions and staying upright after meals reduce heartburn
- Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
When should you see your doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a high temperature or a burning sensation when passing urine.
Growth by week
Values are averages; differences of a few days or a few millimetres between babies are normal.
| Pregnancy weeks | Crown–rump length (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 4 | — | — |
| Week 5 | — | — |
| Week 6 | 4 mm | — |
| Week 7 | 10 mm | — |
| Week 8 | 16 mm | 1 g |
| Week 9 | 23 mm | 2 g |
| Week 10 | 32 mm | 4 g |
| Week 11 | 43 mm | 8 g |
| Week 12 | 55 mm | 14 g |
| Week 13 | 68 mm | 23 g |
| Week 14 | 85 mm | 43 g |
| Week 15 | 100 mm | 70 g |
| Week 16 | 115 mm | 100 g |
| Week 17 | 128 mm | 140 g |
| Week 18 | 140 mm | 190 g |
| Week 19 | 152 mm | 240 g |
| Week 20 | 25.6 cm | 300 g |
| Week 21 | 26.7 cm | 360 g |
| Week 22 | 27.8 cm | 430 g |
| Week 23 | 28.9 cm | 501 g |
| Week 24 | 30 cm | 600 g |
| Week 25 | 31.9 cm | 660 g |
| Week 26 | 33.8 cm | 760 g |
| Week 27 | 35.6 cm | 875 g |
| Week 28 | 37.5 cm | 1005 g |
| Week 29 | 38.8 cm | 1153 g |
| Week 30 | 40 cm | 1319 g |
| Week 31 | 41.3 cm | 1502 g |
| Week 32 | 42.5 cm | 1702 g |
| Week 33 | 43.6 cm | 1918 g |
| Week 34 | 44.8 cm | 2146 g |
| Week 35 | 45.9 cm | 2383 g |
| Week 36 | 47 cm | 2622 g |
| Week 37 | 48 cm | 2859 g |
| Week 38 | 49 cm | 3083 g |
| Week 39 | 50 cm | 3288 g |
| Week 40 | 51 cm | 3462 g |
Frequently asked questions
Is the bulge in the abdomen normal?
Yes. Between weeks 8 and 12, the bowel temporarily moves out towards the umbilical cord and returns into the abdomen around week 12. This is called a physiological umbilical hernia.
Why is the heart rate so high?
The embryo’s heart rate peaks at around 170 beats per minute in weeks 9–10; this is normal. It then gradually falls to 140–150.
Your pregnancy care at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for your ultrasound check-up and any questions you may have.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a medical examination. Measurements are average values; please discuss your own results with your doctor.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus