Baby size week 10
10 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy
When you're pregnant, you have lots of questions. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is packed with lots of useful information. From what's happening inside your body, to how your baby is developing, and tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – this is your one-stop pregnancy guide!
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- 2nd trimester
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Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From early pregnancy symptoms to how your baby is growing and developing, you'll find it all here.
- Week 4
- Week 5
- Week 6
- Week 7
- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
- Week 11
- Week 12
Welcome to week 10. Pregnancy is divided into 3 chunks, called "trimesters". You are nearly at the end of your 1st trimester. By the 2nd trimester you will probably have lots more energy and all those signs of early pregnancy will gradually fade away.
Around now, you may have a booking appointment with a midwife. You'll be asked lots of questions about your health and medical history. You can ask lots of questions too.
What's happening in my body?
You may be struggling to do up your jeans. Your uterus (womb) is around the size of a large orange, while your baby is more like the size of an apricot.
You may be feeling bloated and you might find yourself burping or passing wind – this is due to your hormones. The female hormone progesterone is just doing its job – relaxing the muscles in your womb so that it can expand along with your growing baby. However, in the process, the muscles in your digestive tract also become looser and this can lead to symptoms such as heartburn.
How to beat the bloating
You can help digestive problems such as bloating and burping by changing what you eat. Try making yourself 6 small meals a day and avoid eating late at night.
Eat slowly, sip fluids and avoid smoking and alcohol. A short stroll after meals may help. Some people find their symptoms happen after drinking coffee or eating rich, spicy and fatty foods.
Read NHS advice on dealing with indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy.
Early pregnancy symptoms (at 10 weeks)
Your pregnancy symptoms may include:
- extreme tiredness
- nausea
- mood swings
- a metallic taste in your mouth
- sore breasts
- indigestion and heartburn
- headaches
- dizziness
- new likes and dislikes for food and drink
- a heightened sense of smell
- a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina
- light spotting (see your doctor if you get bleeding in pregnancy)
- cramping, a bit like period pains
- darkened skin on your face or brown patches - this is known as chloasma or the –mask of pregnancy–
- greasier, spotty skin
- thicker and shinier hair
- bloating and the feeling of being bloated (read ways of dealing with bloating on week 10's page
Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.
If any symptoms are worrying you, talk to your midwife or doctor.
What does my baby look like?
Your baby, or foetus, is now around 30mm long from head to bottom, which is about the size of a small apricot. The baby will be making jerky movements and baby's movement can be seen on a scan.
Your baby is going through another huge growth spurt. The head is still too big for the body, but the face is more recognisably in proportion. The eyes are half closed but can react to light. The ears are starting to form, the mouth now has a delicate upper lip and the nose has 2 little nostrils. The jaw bone is shaping up too, and contains tiny versions of your baby's milk teeth. The heart is beating extremely quickly at 180bpm – that's about 3 times your heart rate.
Action stations
You might have started thinking about where you'd like to have your baby. Would you prefer a hospital or a midwife-led birthing centre? Start doing some research into your local options.
This week you could also:
Share the news with your GP or ask for an appointment with a midwife at your doctors' surgery. Alternatively you can refer yourself to your local hospital – look for contact details on their website.
You'll need to arrange a booking appointment. This usually takes place between weeks eight and 12 and takes around an hour. You can talk about the options for your pregnancy and the birth. Plus you'll be offered screening tests for infectious diseases, and conditions such as Down's syndrome. You could ask about the Maternity Transformation Programme and how it could benefit you.
You will be offered your first dating scan at 8 to 14 weeks.
If it's your first pregnancy, you will probably have around 10 appointments and 2 scans in total. Ask if it's possible to see the same carer for your entire pregnancy, to give you continuity.
Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth.
Antenatal classes will give you the chance to meet other people and prepare you for parenthood. The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.
Take prenatal vitamins. You're advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid, every day, until at least week 12. This helps your baby's nervous system to form and offers some protection from conditions such as spina bifida.
To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.
Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.
It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
There's no need to eat for 2. If you pile on the pounds, you could put you and your baby at risk of health problems such as high blood pressure. Eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.
If you have a long term health condition, then let your specialist or GP know that you're pregnant as soon as possible. Don't stop taking any regular medication without discussing it first with your doctor.
How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family.
You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important to ask for help if you need it.
Want to know when the baby's due?
Use the NHS's pregnancy due date calculator. You'll get a more accurate date from your doctor or midwife when you have a dating scan (usually at 8 to 14 weeks).
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Pregnancy at week 10 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Pregnancy at week 10 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content4-minute read
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Your baby
From 10 weeks, your baby is called a fetus. They are about 3.5cm long – around the size of a prune – and weight about 8g. The tadpole-like tail has disappeared.
All of the organs have formed but they aren’t working yet. The ears are developing and the nostrils are in place above the upper lip. The jaw bones already include all the milk teeth.
The baby has internal sex organs, their ovaries or testicles, but the external sex organs still haven’t developed. The brain is active and has brain waves. The heart has 4 separate chambers and is beating at about 180 beats per minute, 3 times faster than an adult heart.
The arms and legs have grown longer, and the baby has tiny fingers and toes. Their ankles, wrists, knees and elbows are forming.
Your baby at 10 weeks
Length: | 3.5cm |
Weight: | 8g |
Your body
Your womb (uterus) is now about the size of an orange. You may find your clothes are tighter and your stomach may be sticking out, but this can be due to changes in your bowel rather than your pregnancy.
Many women feel vulnerable and emotional when they are pregnant. This is completely normal. You may also be more hungry than usual. Try not to fill yourself up with unhealthy food – choose nutritious snacks as part of a healthy diet while you’re pregnant.
Things to remember
You may have already had an ultrasound scan to confirm your due date, but a dating scan is normally done at around 10 weeks.
From 10 weeks you can start thinking about prenatal screening. One screening test you can have now is a non-invasive prenatal test, or NIPT, to screen for Down syndrome and certain other abnormalities in the baby. This is a simple, very accurate blood test, but it’s quite expensive and it’s not for everyone. Most women who want to screen for Down syndrome have combined first trimester screening a little later in the pregnancy.
You do not have to have screening. It depends on your age, history and unique circumstances. Talk to your doctor or genetic counsellor about the best screening tests for you.
Read next
Your pregnancy at 11 weeks
Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Raising Children Network (Pregnancy week-by-week), Better Health Channel (Pregnancy - week by week), Women's and Children's Health Network (The first 3 months of pregnancy: the first trimester)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2020
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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 used to say: “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 there are symptoms such as pain, pain, burning, there may be an infection. 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.