Fetus at ten weeks
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!
- 1st trimester
- 2nd trimester
- 3rd trimester
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).
Go back to week 9
Go to week 11
10 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development
10 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development
Your baby has come a long way in just a few short weeks! That little head is taking on a rounder, more human shape, and by now all the internal organs should 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 until you’re able to look your little one in the eyes for real? Find out by checking out our Pregnancy Guide; it contains tips and insights to help you get through the rest of the first trimester and beyond.
The Size of the Fetus 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, measuring approximately an inch from crown to rump. 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.
Mom's Body at 10 Weeks Pregnant
Your uterus is about the size of a large orange at this point, 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 a visit with your healthcare provider for a thorough examination. At this appointment, your provider may do an internal and external abdominal exam to determine the size and position of your baby, as well as take blood samples for a variety of other tests. These blood tests may be used to determine if you have any infections, what your blood type and Rh factor are, and 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
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 you're still suffering from morning sickness. The good news? You’re likely to start feeling better soon. Morning sickness often goes away after you enter the second trimester. Keep in mind, some moms-to-be experience a more severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. If you suspect you may have this, speak to your healthcare provider.
Round ligament pain. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms you may be experiencing around this time, this one is among the most uncomfortable. Round ligaments are two of the ligaments in your pelvis that help support the uterus, and as your baby grows during pregnancy they stretch and soften. When these ligaments tighten, you may feel pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. Changing positions in bed or doing strenuous exercise may bring on this pain. Light stretching and gentle movements may help relieve the discomfort. If this symptom doesn’t go away on its own, or if you also have a fever, call your healthcare provider.
Minimal weight gain. Even though your clothes may be fitting a bit tighter, you may not have gained much weight, and you may even have lost a little if you've been dealing with morning sickness. Read pregnancy weight gain facts and advice here and be sure to talk to your doctor 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. You can find tips on how to get a good night’s sleep here. You really do need it!
Headaches. Some moms-to-be get the occasional headache during pregnancy. 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 masseuse who knows about safe massage techniques for pregnant women.
Vaginal discharge. You might be seeing more vaginal discharge than before, which is caused by your increased blood supply and higher hormone levels. This normal vaginal discharge is known as leukorrhea, and you can expect to see a clear to milky-colored, nearly odorless discharge that may appear slightly yellowish on your underwear. Contact your healthcare provider, though, if you notice a strong odor or color changes, or if you experience itching or bleeding around 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. Read up on how you can combat some of those spots and blemishes in our article on pregnancy acne, and remember that it’s just one of those pesky pregnancy hormone-related symptoms that should clear soon after your baby is born.
10 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider
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.
You may not be showing for a few weeks yet (although some moms-to-be start showing a little earlier than others), but you might like to think about 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. 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 singlet up to reveal their belly. Stand side-on 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: Ask Your Doctor
When can you hear your baby’s heartbeat?
When will you be able to know if you are pregnant with twins?
Are any genetic screening tests recommended? If so, when would these take place? Keep in mind: Genetic testing is completely optional. Talk to your doctor or consult a genetic counselor to decide whether these tests are right for you based on any risk factors, your family’s history, and any other considerations like your personal preferences.
What is chorionic villus sampling and is it recommended?
Is a nuchal translucency ultrasound recommended?
10 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
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 which is 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 our article 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.
Sign up for even more pregnancy tips here:
10 weeks of pregnancy - what happens to the mother, the development of the fetus, sensations, what does the stomach 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.
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.
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:
- 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.
SLEEP DISORDERS AT 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.
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.
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;
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
- Drink enough 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;
- Learn to relax, recharge with positive emotions: meet friends, remember your hobby or discover some new interesting hobby.
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10th week of pregnancy: sensations, size and development of the fetus
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The child's tongue and mouth begin to form. The development of the hands and fingers of the baby continues. An ultrasound examination shows that the fetus sometimes shudders.
You are now officially in the last month of your first trimester! Probably, you are already used to pregnancy, and it no longer seems to you that something alien is growing inside you. At week 9, your baby has emotionally become an integral part of you.
No one knows yet that you're pregnant, but your waistline can get pretty big, and your favorite tight pants and skirts can stop buttoning up. It's too early to start wearing maternity clothes, just look in your closet for clothes with an adjustable or stretchable waistband.
At 9 weeks pregnant, you may be thinking about sharing the good news with your family and close friends, and they themselves may already begin to suspect something.
Refusal of alcohol and smoking, change in appetite, frequent visits to the bathroom - all this can become a sign for observant people. Most importantly, remember that there is no perfect time to tell the world about your joy. You can do it now, but many couples wait until the first trimester of pregnancy is over when the risk of miscarriage decreases.
Physical changes this week
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Your growing uterus is not yet visible behind the abdominal wall. She is still in the pelvis and will not start to rise until the end of the 12th week.
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Your veins may be more clearly visible through your skin, especially on your chest and legs.
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If you stand for a long time, your legs may ache. During rest, try to put them higher - on a chair or a special stand.
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You may find an increase in vaginal discharge. This is considered normal throughout pregnancy, unless the discharge is foul-smelling, yellow in color, and is not accompanied by other alarming symptoms. Many pregnant women use pads throughout their entire period.
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You may experience cramping and pain in the lower abdomen from time to time. This is normal and looks like discomfort, heaviness before menstruation. However, if they become persistent, are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, or simply cause you anxiety, contact your doctor.
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Your nipples may have become enlarged and darker, and small pimples may have appeared around the areolas. Officially called Montgomery's glands, they help prepare the nipples for breastfeeding. Don't put pressure on them and don't try to get rid of them. They are useful, unlike those that may appear on your face!
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Yes, you may be reminiscing about your teens this week due to an unexpected acne outbreak. This is a side effect of the very important and necessary work of pregnancy hormones. Be careful with cosmetics - some creams are not recommended for use during pregnancy, so carefully read what is written on their labels.
Emotional changes this week
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You may be feeling a little down this week. Nausea and fatigue are still there and there is nothing you can do to alleviate the situation. Hold on. Most women begin to feel much better towards the end of the first trimester.
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You may feel that your partner is not as "in love" with the pregnancy as you are. The fact is that now he only hears your stories, but still cannot see anything. You should not assume that he does not care: you already feel your pregnancy, and he will begin to feel it only after a few weeks.
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Some women are ashamed that they have not yet been overwhelmed by the feeling of motherly love. They are afraid that the baby may find out about the negative emotions of his mother and think that he is not welcome. Do not be afraid. Your child cannot read your mind and does not know what you are thinking.
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Constant fatigue may not be in vain. Try to take on less responsibility and learn to say "no" to things that you simply do not have the strength to do.
What is happening to the baby this week
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Your baby is now 2.5 cm long. This week, baby is about the size of a medium green olive.
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If you have an appointment with the doctor this week, he will already be able to hear the baby's heartbeat with the help of Doppler ultrasound.
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By the beginning of the 9th week, your baby's eyes have increased in size and even acquired pigmentation (color). Most babies are born with blue or brown eyes. The baby acquires a permanent eye color by 6–9months of life, and it depends on the genes of mom and dad.
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The child's internal and external hearing organs develop this week. A tiny tongue appears in the oral cavity, and the rudiments of teeth appear in the jaw.
Tips of the Week
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Enroll in prenatal courses early - if you do this later, groups in the courses you like best may already be formed.