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10 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

You’ve made it to 10 weeks pregnant, and that means you’re nearly at the end of your first trimester—time flies! Some of your pregnancy symptoms might be starting to subside, while others might be right around the corner. We’ve got more information about what to expect at 10 weeks pregnant in terms of signs and symptoms, plus things to think about and questions your healthcare provider can answer.

Highlights at 10 Weeks Pregnant

Below we’ve highlighted some of the ways your baby is growing and changing, and how you might be feeling at 10 weeks pregnant:

• Your little one is starting to look more and more like a baby, with a rounder head and lots of little developments, like eyes, fingers, toes, and tooth buds.

• With internal organs in place, your little one is just about 1 inch long.

• Though pregnancy symptoms might be at their worst this week, know they’ll soon start to ease.

• Since your belly bump might start to show in the coming weeks, now is a good time to consider starting a baby bump photo series!

10 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development

Your baby is making some big strides this week! Here are some of the exciting developmental steps happening inside your belly:

• That little head is taking on a rounder, more human shape, and by now all the internal organs may be in place and starting to work together.

• Tiny tooth buds have begun to develop, too.

• Your baby’s fingers and toes are growing longer, and the webs that had been between each finger and toe are starting to disappear.

• At the moment, your baby’s eyes, eyelids, and ears are continuing to develop, but they’ve still got some growing to do before they’re fully formed.

What’s in store for both you and your baby? Check out our Pregnancy Guide; it contains tips and insights to help you get through the rest of the first trimester and beyond. And even though it’s still too early to know your baby’s gender, you can have some fun with our Chinese gender predictor.

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How Many Months Is 10 Weeks Pregnant?

Weeks or months? You’ll probably hear your pregnancy described in both ways, though weeks are more common. Though there are various methods of assigning the 40 weeks of pregnancy into months, at 10 weeks pregnant you’re likely in your third month of pregnancy, even if you haven’t noticed any belly bump or symptoms! “If I'm 10 weeks pregnant, when is my due date?” It's thrilling to think about the day you'll meet your new baby! Your healthcare provider will help you come up with this date, but in the meantime, try our Due Date Calculator to get an idea of when your little one may join the world.

How Big Is a Baby at 10 Weeks Pregnant?

Your little one is still growing very quickly! At 10 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a strawberry, and your baby will likely measure approximately 1 inch long.

Your Baby: What Does 10 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

Check out the illustration below for a look at how things are shaping up inside your belly as you head toward the end of the first trimester.

Your Body at 10 Weeks Pregnant

At 10 weeks pregnant, your uterus is about the size of a large orange, whereas before you became pregnant it was about the size of a small pear. Around this time, you likely have had or will soon have an appointment with your healthcare provider that includes an internal and external abdominal exam to determine the size and position of your baby.

Your healthcare provider might also perform blood tests to find out if you have any infections, determine your blood type and Rh factor, and check whether your own immunizations are up to date. There’s a lot to do, but your provider will be able to walk you through the details and schedule future appointments and tests.

10 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

“Why is week 10 of pregnancy the worst?” This may or may not be a question that's on your mind, but it’s not unusual for pregnancy symptoms to peak around this time, especially when it comes to nausea. The good news is that morning sickness and some other symptoms tend to lessen after the first trimester, giving way to a more comfortable and pleasant second trimester. At 10 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Morning sickness. You’re not alone if you’re 10 weeks pregnant and still experiencing stomach pain, nausea, and other symptoms of morning sickness. Remember, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, but if you experience a more severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, consult your healthcare provider.

• Round ligament pain. This is one of the more uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Round ligaments are bands of tissue that support the uterus, and they stretch and soften as your baby grows during pregnancy. At 10 weeks pregnant, you might feel lower back pain or pain on your side when these ligaments tighten, such as when changing positions in sleep. Light stretching and gentle movements may help relieve the discomfort, but if it doesn’t go away on its own, or if you also have a fever, talk to your healthcare provider.

• Minimal weight gain. Even though your clothes may be tighter, you may not have gained much weight—or you may have lost a little if you've been dealing with morning sickness. Read up on pregnancy weight gain and be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned. You can also try using our Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator tool for an estimate of healthy weight gain based on your pre-pregnancy weight.

• Exhaustion. You might feel like napping at every opportunity. This could be thanks to the increased levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. Sleeping while pregnant isn’t always easy, though, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Sleep is important!

• Headaches. Pregnancy could trigger the occasional headache. If you're experiencing this symptom, try to rest in a darkened room and apply an ice pack to your head or neck to help relieve the pain. Contact your healthcare provider if the headache persists or is severe.

• Mood swings. Hormonal changes may play a role in the highs and lows you feel when you’re about 10 weeks pregnant. You may find it helpful to distract yourself by chatting with friends, watching funny TV shows or movies, or treating yourself to a massage—just be sure to choose a trained massage therapist who knows about safe massage techniques for those who are pregnant.

• Discharge. You might be seeing more vaginal discharge than before, which is caused by your increased blood supply and higher hormone levels. This normal discharge is clear to milky-colored, nearly odorless, and may appear slightly yellowish on your underwear. At ten weeks pregnant or later, contact your healthcare provider if you notice a strong odor or color changes in the discharge, or if you experience spotting, bleeding, or itching in the vaginal area.

• Acne. If you’re experiencing acne now and didn’t before you got pregnant, or if your acne is worse now than before, it may be one of your pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy acne is a hormone-related symptom and will likely clear up soon after your baby is born.

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 10 Weeks?

At 10 weeks pregnant, are you showing or just bloated, you may wonder? It’s possible that your pregnant belly’s size will increase at 10 weeks, but a baby bump doesn’t usually show until around weeks 12 to 16, even if you're pregnant with twins. This is when your uterus starts to move outside your pelvis area. Keep in mind that right now, your little one is only as big as a strawberry! Whether you're showing or not, you may be curious to know if you can feel your baby move at 10 weeks. Though your little one is probably moving around inside your uterus, they’re likely too small for any movements to be felt. Around 18 to 20 weeks you may experience what's known as quickening, meaning that you feel your baby move for the very first time.

What Does 10 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

For a better idea of what your belly might look like around 10 weeks pregnant, when you’re in your third month of pregnancy, check out the image below.

10 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

As you make your way through pregnancy, there are plenty of important things to consider, from adjusting your diet to caring for your body. Check out our list below.

• Reduce your caffeine intake, if you haven’t already done so. Many healthcare providers recommend reducing or eliminating caffeine from your diet so that you’re not having more than 200 mg per day (the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee). Cutting out caffeine can also help you sleep better.

• As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your growing uterus can hinder blood flow to the lower parts of your body. When this happens, the veins in your legs can become swollen, sore, and blue. Varicose veins are not preventable, but you can take steps to ease the discomfort and prevent them from becoming worse.

  • Don’t sit with your legs crossed or stand or sit for long periods of time.

  • Try wearing support hose and propping your legs up whenever you can to help improve blood flow.

  • Also, stay active, move around, and add some safe pregnancy exercise to your daily routine if your healthcare provider approves.

• As you anticipate your belly showing, 10 weeks is a good time to start taking pictures and starting a baby bump progression photo series, if this is something you might like to do. You could start as soon as you start showing, or even a little earlier. The series is easy to do:

  • Pick a day of the week, where you’d like to stand, and what to wear. Some wear a tight-fitting top, while others roll their top up to reveal their belly.

  • Stand to the side and either take a selfie or have someone take a full-length photo of you.

  • Once your baby is born, you can even take a few postpartum shots with your baby in your arms. You’ll love being able to look back on how your belly grew as your pregnancy progressed.

10 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Remember that your healthcare provider is always there for you, so feel free to consult them about any questions or concerns you have now and in the weeks to come. Some common questions at 10 weeks pregnant include:

• When can I hear my baby’s heartbeat, if not at 10 weeks?

• When will I be able to know if I’m pregnant with twins?

• Are any genetic screening tests recommended? If so, when would these take place? Keep in mind that genetic testing is completely optional, and your healthcare provider can help you understand what risk factors or family history might impact your baby.

• What is chorionic villus sampling and is it recommended?

• Is a nuchal translucency ultrasound recommended?

10 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

As you start to settle into your pregnancy and get used to the various emotional and physical symptoms, consider the following to-dos:

• Get a professional bra fitting and buy comfortable underwear and well-fitting bras if needed.

• Start to plan a second trimester babymoon! You’re nearly in the trimester that's sometimes called the “honeymoon” period of pregnancy, when you may get your energy levels back, so this could be the right time to take a short break. Besides, after the second trimester, you may not have the chance to get away for a while, so this might be the perfect time to book a relaxing trip.

• When you have a minute, read up on pregnancy warning signs you should not ignore. You shouldn’t worry unduly, but it helps to be informed so you know what signs to look out for.

10th week of pregnancy what happens to the fetus

Contents

The tenth week of pregnancy is the beginning of the rapid growth of the baby. He, like a real fairy-tale child, grows by leaps and bounds. Indeed, at the beginning of the week, the growth of the crumbs was only 15-20 millimeters, and at the end - its growth will be up to 40 millimeters, and its weight is about 5 grams.

Features of the development of the baby during this period

With such growth rates, it is natural that a number of physical changes occur with the baby, namely:

• the proportions of the arms, legs and neck are clearly defined;
• the structure of the face changes;
• the child's eyes are still covered with transparent eyelids and this will continue for 5 more months;
• the nose is more clearly drawn and the outer ear is formed.

Pronounced changes occur in the organs and systems of a small organism. The nervous system continues to develop, the cerebral cortex is being formed, as well as the circulatory system.

Serious transformations are also taking place in the digestive system:

• taste buds have formed on the tongue, just a little bit more - and the baby will be able to taste everything;
• The mouth and stomach are not yet connected by the esophagus, but it is already beginning to form.

Don't worry, your little one isn't hungry, he's doing great. He receives all the substances necessary for growth and development through the umbilical cord, and it is directly connected with the placenta and saturates the small growing organism with everything necessary through the bloodstream. During this period, the reproductive system also begins to work actively. Hair follicles on the head begin to form and the rudiments of teeth continue to form. nine0003

The baby is actively moving, but it is still not noticeable to the mother. The baby is still tiny, although it has grown significantly, and it is convenient for him to be in a large amount of amniotic fluid.

Physiological and psychological changes of the future mother

The tenth week of pregnancy is characterized by changes not only in the body of the child, but also in the body of the expectant mother, which leads to breast enlargement and changes in proportions. There comes a time when your position is slowly becoming known to everyone. It's time to say goodbye to tight clothes that no longer fit in size, and get a whole set of loose-fitting clothes so that your tummy does not squeeze, and the clothes are comfortable, do not interfere with normal blood circulation and do not impede movement. nine0003

If we talk about the psychological state, then the problems of the previous weeks do not disappear anywhere. You are still the same vulnerable, sentimental, tearful. You get tired very quickly, you can become distracted and face a headache. But you should not think about this, because everything will pass after the birth of the long-awaited baby.

The appearance of age spots may not be too pleasant. Don't worry, they will disappear at the end of pregnancy. And now the only way out is to use sunscreen and stay in the sun not too long so as not to provoke pigmentation. nine0003

Tips for pregnant women at week 10

As one very famous character said: "Calm, only calm!" – after all precisely emotional instability tiring. Stress in pregnant women also comes from lack of sleep, and from the inability to eat normally with toxicosis, and from anxieties and worries. If your condition becomes protracted, you need to learn how to cope with it so as not to harm the baby. After all, it negatively affects the functioning of many body systems. nine0003

What are the best ways to deal with stress? Always remember that pregnancy is not a disease, but a condition. Move more, walk, do not forget about charging. Of course, taking into account the peculiarities of your position.

Do not focus on your problems, fears and worries, but talk to your family, friends and relatives about everything that worries you, their moral support will allow you to defuse your emotional stress.

Do something exciting and enjoyable, find yourself in a new hobby or art. Learn new things, develop and do not be sad, because you are beautiful in your new role of motherhood. nine0003

10 weeks of pregnancy - what happens to the mother, the development of the fetus, sensations, what does the belly look like

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE BABY AT 10 WEEKS?

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the process of forming the baby's organs (organogenesis) is completed in the fetus, and now they will actively progress almost until the very birth.

At week 10, the fetus looks like a "small plum" in size: Now the length of the fetus from crown to tailbone is from 3.1 to 4.2 cm, and its weight is on average 5 g. There is approximately 20 ml of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. The child already knows how to swallow and spit it out, which contributes to the development of his chewing muscles and digestive system. The brain, liver, kidneys and intestines have taken shape and are starting to work, but so far they are imperfect and will continue to develop for the rest of the time. nine0003

By the 9th - 10th week of pregnancy, marigolds appeared on the fingers and toes of your little one, and thin transparent skin is covered with fluff. The upper lip and auricles are already formed, the high forehead stands out against the background of the face. An important event of this period is brain impulses, which can now be recorded by a special device. Also, your child has an individual blood type and Rh factor. The external genitalia are not yet clearly expressed, but the male hormone testosterone has begun to be produced in the testicles of the boys. nine0003

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the differentiation of the brain and spinal cord continues, the peripheral and central parts of the nervous system are isolated, so the movements of the baby become more ordered. He knows how to suck his thumb, make faces, bend and unbend his fists, cover his face with his hands and push off from the walls of the uterus. But until you feel it move.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO MOTHER?

At the 10th week of pregnancy, you may be concerned about: nine0003

• toxicosis;
• tachycardia;
• sleep disturbance;
• discomfort in the groin area;
• frequent urination;
• soreness and tenderness of the breast;
• weight change;
• skin pigmentation;
• mood swings.

And now about everything in more detail!

TOXICOSIS

At this time, many women still experience its manifestations, but some lucky women note that vomiting and nausea are a thing of the past.

TACHYCARDIA

Tachycardia - an increase in the frequency of heart contractions (more than 90 beats per minute). Heart palpitations at 9 to 10 weeks of gestation can be caused by increased workload on the mother's heart, a fast metabolism, drinking caffeinated drinks, smoking, and taking certain medications. If this condition is not associated with pain, you can not worry. Otherwise, you should immediately consult a doctor. nine0003

SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN THE 10TH WEEKS OF PREGNANCY

Sleep disturbances in the 10th week of pregnancy are common. During the day, the expectant mother is overcome by drowsiness, and at night she is tormented by insomnia. Hormonal changes are to blame for everything. Inadequate or disturbed sleep can lead to weakness, fatigue, irritability, and headaches. The best way out of this situation is emotional release and additional rest during the day. And in the evenings, try to get rid of the disturbing thoughts that keep you awake. If your head hurts too often, consult a doctor in a women's clinic. nine0003

GRIN DISCOMFORT

Episodic pulling pains on the sides of the abdomen are often the result of tension in the ligaments of the enlarging uterus. If the pain is concentrated in the upper abdomen, it may be due to stomach problems or bowel problems. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, review your diet; It will not be superfluous to consult a gastroenterologist.

INCREASED URINATION

If frequent trips to the toilet are not accompanied by discomfort in the genital tract, there is no talk of pathology. If symptoms such as pain, pain, burning are observed, an infection may be present. nine0003

SORE AND SENSITIVE BREAST

Soreness and sensitivity of the breast is also characteristic of the 9th - 10th week of pregnancy. The body is already preparing for lactation, so such sensations should not scare you.

WEIGHT CHANGE

There may be different options here:

• If you get better little by little, then the fetus develops correctly;
• You are losing weight - this is the result of pronounced early toxicosis; nine0012
• You have a pathological increase - there is a possibility of obesity with all the ensuing problems, so the weight must be controlled.

SKIN PIGMENTATION

Perhaps you will develop age spots on your face, or you will find a dark line on your stomach. Such changes are associated with increased production of melanin, and over time, all this will disappear on its own.

MOOD CHANGES

Emotional instability due to hormonal changes in the body is normal during this period. nine0003

RISK FACTORS

At 10 weeks pregnant, there is a high risk of developing genital infections. Most often, expectant mothers are found to have candidiasis (thrush), but infection with chlamydia, gonococci, Trichomonas and other pathogenic microorganisms is not excluded. Regardless of the nature of the disease, it must be treated, otherwise intrauterine infection of the fetus may occur, and this is fraught with a violation of its development or even death. Watch for vaginal discharge. Normally, they should be transparent or light milky, of a homogeneous consistency, only a slight sour smell is possible, or it is completely absent. If the discharge becomes green-gray or yellow, if bubbles, flakes appear in them, if they resemble curdled mass and acquire a sharp unpleasant odor - immediately go to the doctor. nine0003

You should also be alerted by brown or bloody discharge at 10 weeks of gestation. A small amount of blood may appear after an examination by a gynecologist or after sexual intercourse. Most often this is due to erosion of the cervix, the loose tissues of which are damaged by external intervention. But when cramping pains in the abdomen join the discharge, this may be a sign of spontaneous abortion. Therefore, if you find yourself with such symptoms, immediately seek qualified help: a timely response is a chance to save the child. nine0003

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

Usually at the 10th week of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound examination is not done. At this time, the doctor will only determine the date of the new ultrasound session and refer you to blood and urine tests.

Also, starting from the 10th week, it is very important to control the level of sugar in the blood. This is especially true for expectant mothers who are overweight and those who have a hereditary predisposition to diabetes. An increase in blood sugar may be due to emotional distress or overeating. The norm varies from 4 - 5.2 mmol / l (on an empty stomach) to 6.7 mmol / l (a couple of hours after eating). In case of overestimated rates, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist. nine0003

RECOMMENDATIONS

At the 10th week of pregnancy, your baby's baby teeth are laid. This means that the diet should focus on foods containing calcium (legumes, almonds, sesame and poppy seeds, wholemeal bread, leaf and watercress, rose hips, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, radishes, sardines, salmon, milk and dairy). Enrich your diet with them, because your teeth can also suffer from a lack of calcium. And the body also needs iodine - now it begins to accumulate in the baby's thyroid gland. nine0003

Continue to monitor your health as the 10th week of pregnancy begins.

• Take care of proper nutrition. Reduce the amount of fatty and fried foods, smoked meats in your diet. It is better if you stew, bake or steam dishes. Limit salt and sugar intake;
• Be physically active. Overloads should not be allowed, but as long as the tummy does not interfere, you can go swimming, yoga, gymnastics for pregnant women, take daily walks in the fresh air. This will improve metabolism and enrich the blood with oxygen; nine0012
• Drink plenty of fluids at 10 weeks of pregnancy to prevent dehydration. Drink water, freshly squeezed juices, do not neglect first courses, eat more seasonal berries and fruits that contain a lot of vitamins and water (watermelons, melons, pears, oranges, grapes, etc.). Extra fluid will help maintain skin elasticity, increase blood flow, maintain normal amniotic fluid volume, reduce the risk of genital infections and relieve constipation; nine0012
• Learn to relax, recharge with positive emotions: meet friends, remember your hobby or discover some new interesting hobby.

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