Written by Jumoke

At 10 weeks pregnant, you’re in the second week of the final month in your first trimester, with six months and two weeks of pregnancy left.
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By week ten, you are in the second week of the last month of your first trimester. Therefore, you now have six months and two weeks of pregnancy left. Some of your pregnancy symptoms may be easing while others are about to appear.

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Take a Peak

At week ten, the bones and cartilage are growing, knees and ankles are beginning to form, and little elbows are already functioning.

Your baby’s heart is beating rapidly at 180 beats per minute, approximately three times the rate of your heartbeat. 

Tooth buds are already developing beneath the gums, but your baby’s pearly whites won’t appear until about 6-7 months old after birth.

Your little one’s stomach has started producing digestive juices, and the kidneys produce more urine.

Take a Peek

At week ten, the bones and cartilage are growing, knees and ankles are beginning to form, and little elbows are already functioning.

Your baby’s heart is beating rapidly at 180 beats per minute, approximately three times the rate of your heartbeat. 

Tooth buds are already developing beneath the gums, but your baby’s pearly whites won’t appear until about 6-7 months old.

Your little one’s stomach has started producing digestive juices, and the kidneys produce more urine.

Baby Development at Week 10

This week, most of your baby’s essential organs, such as the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs, are already functioning, though they will keep developing as your pregnancy progresses. Your baby’s head now makes up about half its body length, with a noticeable bulge in the forehead, supporting ongoing brain growth.

Fingernails
, toenails, and hair will become visible, and the fingers will no longer be webbed. Your baby also actively engages in activities like swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking their legs.

Your baby’s ears are beginning to take shape, while the mouth now features a delicate upper lip and the nose has two tiny nostrils forming. The jawbone is also starting to develop, housing miniature versions of your baby’s milk teeth.

Your baby’s heart is beating rapidly at 180 beats per minute, approximately three times the rate of your heartbeat.

Your baby’s intestines have moved into their abdomen, and their digestive system is active. The stomach is producing digestive juices, while the liver is secreting bile. The pancreas, now fully developed, is also producing insulin.

The kidneys are becoming more active, resulting in the production of more urine than before. In male foetuses, testosterone is produced, and the genitalia take on female or male characteristics.  

Despite all this growth, don’t expect to feel the movement just yet, particularly if this is your first pregnancy. Most pregnant women do not feel their baby’s movements, known as “quickening,” until the second trimester.

FETAL GROWTH

WEEK 10:

Your baby is as big as a prune

LENGTH

WEIGHT

1.22

4.0

Inches

grams

From head to heel

Fetal Growth

WEEK 10:

Your baby is as big as a prune

LENGTH

WEIGHT

1.22

4.0

Inches

grams

From head to heel

Body Changes at Week 10

You might notice that it’s getting harder to button up your jeans. This is because your uterus, or womb, is now about the size of a large orange.

Feeling bloated and experiencing burping or passing wind is quite common during this time, thanks to the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is working to relax the muscles in your womb, allowing it to expand to accommodate your growing baby. This hormone also relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract, which can lead to symptoms like heartburn. So, while it might be a bit uncomfortable, know that these changes are all part of your body’s natural response to pregnancy.

You might start showing at ten weeks pregnant, but don’t worry if you can’t see your bump yet; you will see it soon. Regarding your baby bump, some women show sooner than others depending on height and body. So, if this is your first pregnancy, you may have to wait a little longer than if this is your second or third pregnancy. 

Baby Bump at Week 10

At 10 weeks pregnant, you might notice that your belly is starting to show a bit more. This is because your baby is rapidly growing, causing your tummy to develop a noticeable curve. While you may not yet appear pregnant to everyone you meet, you might need pants with a stretchy waistband and loose-fitting tops to accommodate these changes.

It’s normal to gain some weight during the first trimester, with experts recommending a gain of about one to five pounds for pregnant women with a normal BMI. So, if you’ve noticed a few extra pounds on the scale when you’re 10 weeks pregnant, you’re right on track.

However, don’t worry if you haven’t gained that much weight or experienced weight loss due to morning sickness. You’ll likely have the opportunity to regain weight during the second trimester as nausea tends to decrease.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 10

This week’s symptoms will include the continuation of other first-trimester symptoms and some new ones. 

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 10

If you’re 10 weeks pregnant and still dealing with stomach pain, nausea, and other symptoms of morning sickness, you’re not alone. Many women experience these symptoms well into the first trimester. It’s essential to remember that there’s relief in sight as you progress through your pregnancy. However, if you’re experiencing a more severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider.

As your pregnancy progresses, the round ligaments surrounding your uterus stretch to accommodate your growing baby, often causing abdominal pain. This pain can vary from sharp to dull and is generally harmless. Taking things slowly and being mindful of your movements, especially when standing up, can help reduce the frequency of this discomfort.

During this week of pregnancy, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is typically due to elevated oestrogen levels. Pregnancy discharge is usually milky and thin, with a mild odour. To stay comfortable, you may opt to use a panty liner, but it’s important to avoid using tampons or douching during pregnancy.

While vaginal discharge is a normal part of pregnancy, it’s essential to be aware of certain signs that could indicate an infection. Suppose you notice that your discharge has an unpleasant odour, appears green or yellow, is accompanied by redness or itching of the vulva, contains blood, or causes discomfort during urination. In that case, contacting your doctor for further evaluation and appropriate management is crucial.

By week 10 of pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts have increased and become slightly tender. This change results from your body’s preparation for breastfeeding, which begins early in pregnancy. The hormonal shifts during this time stimulate the growth of milk-producing glands and ducts in the breasts, leading to the enlargement and sensitivity you may be experiencing. These changes are normal and sign that your body is adapting to support your baby’s nutritional needs after birth.

The appearance of those blue streaks significantly indicates the increased blood volume circulating in your body to support your growing baby. Maternal blood volume increases by 45% above non-pregnant values.

These veins may become more prominent due to the additional pressure on your veins caused by the expanding uterus. While they may be unsightly, they are a common and temporary occurrence during pregnancy.

As your hormones continue to relax your muscles during pregnancy, they also affect the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased indigestion and intestinal gas. To alleviate discomfort, it’s advisable to steer clear of foods that produce excessive gas. Keeping a record of your dietary intake can help identify potential triggers, such as fried foods, broccoli, beans, or others. By recognizing these triggers, you can either avoid them or give your partner a heads-up to prepare for any resulting gas.

Experiencing acne during pregnancy, especially if you didn’t have it before or if it has worsened, is often attributed to hormonal changes. Pregnancy acne is a common symptom related to hormonal fluctuations and may occur due to increased levels of certain hormones like progesterone. Fortunately, for many women, this acne tends to clear up on its own shortly after giving birth as hormone levels return to normal. 

Pregnancy can sometimes trigger headaches, but there are ways to find relief if you’re experiencing this symptom. Resting in a darkened room and applying an ice pack to your head or neck can help alleviate the pain. However, if the headache persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. 

Experiencing increased salivation, especially when feeling nauseated, is common during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Excess saliva production is a normal part of your body’s hormonal changes. If you find it challenging to swallow the excess saliva, it’s perfectly fine to spit it out. To manage this symptom, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy can help facilitate swallowing and provide some relief.

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 10

If you’re 10 weeks pregnant and still dealing with stomach pain, nausea, and other symptoms of morning sickness, you’re not alone. Many women experience these symptoms well into the first trimester. It’s essential to remember that there’s relief in sight as you progress through your pregnancy. However, if you’re experiencing a more severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider.

As your pregnancy progresses, the round ligaments surrounding your uterus stretch to accommodate your growing baby, often causing abdominal pain. This pain can vary from sharp to dull and is generally harmless. Taking things slowly and being mindful of your movements, especially when standing up, can help reduce the frequency of this discomfort.

This is an effect of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is needed in pregnancy for the formation of new blood vessels. These blood vessels around your uterus will cause increased blood flow to the pelvic area, stimulating the body’s mucous membranes, leading to an increase vaginal discharge this week.

By week 10 of pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts have increased and become slightly tender. This change results from your body’s preparation for breastfeeding, which begins early in pregnancy. The hormonal shifts during this time stimulate the growth of milk-producing glands and ducts in the breasts, leading to the enlargement and sensitivity you may be experiencing. These changes are normal and sign that your body is adapting to support your baby’s nutritional needs after birth.

The appearance of those blue streaks significantly indicates the increased blood volume circulating in your body to support your growing baby. Maternal blood volume increases by 45% above non-pregnant values.

These veins may become more prominent due to the additional pressure on your veins caused by the expanding uterus. While they may be unsightly, they are a common and temporary occurrence during pregnancy.

As your hormones continue to relax your muscles during pregnancy, they also affect the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased indigestion and intestinal gas. To alleviate discomfort, it’s advisable to steer clear of foods that produce excessive gas. Keeping a record of your dietary intake can help identify potential triggers, such as fried foods, broccoli, beans, or others. By recognizing these triggers, you can either avoid them or give your partner a heads-up to prepare for any resulting gas.

Experiencing acne during pregnancy, especially if you didn’t have it before or if it has worsened, is often attributed to hormonal changes. Pregnancy acne is a common symptom related to hormonal fluctuations and may occur due to increased levels of certain hormones like progesterone. Fortunately, for many women, this acne tends to clear up on its own shortly after giving birth as hormone levels return to normal. 

Pregnancy can sometimes trigger headaches, but there are ways to find relief if you’re experiencing this symptom. Resting in a darkened room and applying an ice pack to your head or neck can help alleviate the pain. However, if the headache persists or becomes severe, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Experiencing increased salivation, especially when feeling nauseated, is common during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Excess saliva production is a normal part of your body’s hormonal changes. If you find it challenging to swallow the excess saliva, it’s perfectly fine to spit it out. To manage this symptom, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy can help facilitate swallowing and provide some relief.

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 10

Pregnant women are at increased risk for UTIs. As your pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) increase. So, you should watch out for a burning sensation when you urinate. Fever, offensive vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain are symptoms of UTI. If you notice these signs, you must seek guidance from your healthcare provider for a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment. 

It’s also important not to resist the urge to urinate when necessary, as holding in urine can further elevate the risk of developing a UTI.

 A miscarriage could still occur at this stage. You should be extra careful if you’ve had previous issues with miscarriages. Excessive bleeding and abdominal pain are warning signs of a possible miscarriage. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for prompt evaluation and appropriate care.

Excessive vomiting may be a sign of twin gestation or molar pregnancy. In a molar pregnancy, abnormal tissue growth occurs in the uterus instead of a viable foetus. Despite the absence of a baby, pregnancy symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting may still occur. Similarly, multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, can worsen symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum due to increased hormonal changes and demands on the body.

Health Tips for Week 10

Do not stop taking your supplements or any medication except advised by your midwife or obstetrician. Each vitamin, supplement, or medication prescribed by your healthcare provider was prescribed for a reason. Discuss issues of side effects with your obstetrician to make adequate adjustments to the medication.

Nausea is often more pronounced in the morning, which is why it’s called “morning sickness.” Keeping granola bars or saltine crackers by your bedside allows you to have a small snack before getting up, which may help alleviate morning sickness.

All fruits offer health benefits, but mangoes are especially beneficial for pregnant women. They are rich in vitamins A and C, providing more essential nutrients than a typical salad. Additionally, mangoes are high in potassium, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet. You can enjoy mangoes in various ways, such as blending them into smoothies or soups, incorporating them into salsas or relishes, or simply enjoying them alone. 

Aim for 30 minutes of daily exercise during this stage of pregnancy. Incorporating yoga (with your doctor’s approval) can be beneficial if you find it challenging to stick to your usual routine. Yoga can improve sleep quality, alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms, and teach you breathing techniques useful during labour.

Due to a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, formerly pleasant aromas might become unpleasant, and previously unnoticeable scents may now trigger nausea. It’s best to avoid smells that provoke nausea as much as possible, whether the scent of certain foods like sausage and eggs or fragrances like cologne or perfume.

If you have cats, it’s advisable to avoid cleaning their litter box. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toxoplasmosis, a serious parasitic infection, can be transmitted by cats. Cats become infected by consuming rodents, birds, and small animals, and they can pass the infection through their faeces. Pregnant women who clean the litter box may contract toxoplasmosis and potentially transmit the infection to their unborn child.  

Health Tips for Week 10

Do not stop taking your supplements or any medication except advised by your midwife or obstetrician. Each vitamin, supplement, or medication prescribed by your healthcare provider was prescribed for a reason. Discuss issues of side effects with your obstetrician to make adequate adjustments to the medication.

Nausea is often more pronounced in the morning, which is why it’s called “morning sickness.” Keeping granola bars or saltine crackers by your bedside allows you to have a small snack before getting up, which may help alleviate morning sickness.

All fruits offer health benefits, but mangoes are especially beneficial for pregnant women. They are rich in vitamins A and C, providing more essential nutrients than a typical salad. Additionally, mangoes are high in potassium, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet. You can enjoy mangoes in various ways, such as blending them into smoothies or soups, incorporating them into salsas or relishes, or simply enjoying them alone. 

Aim for 30 minutes of daily exercise during this stage of pregnancy. Incorporating yoga (with your doctor’s approval) can be beneficial if you find it challenging to stick to your usual routine. Yoga can improve sleep quality, alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms, and teach you breathing techniques useful during labour.

Due to a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, formerly pleasant aromas might become unpleasant, and previously unnoticeable scents may now trigger nausea. It’s best to avoid smells that provoke nausea as much as possible, whether the scent of certain foods like sausage and eggs or fragrances like cologne or perfume.

If you have cats, it’s advisable to avoid cleaning their litter box. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toxoplasmosis, a serious parasitic infection, can be transmitted by cats. Cats become infected by consuming rodents, birds, and small animals, and they can pass the infection through their faeces. Pregnant women who clean the litter box may contract toxoplasmosis and potentially transmit the infection to their unborn child.  

Advice for Partners

Your pregnant partner may be experiencing significant morning sickness at this time. If so, consider bringing them a mug of ginger tea in the morning to help soothe their stomach. Ginger is well-known for its effectiveness in alleviating nausea. You could also incorporate fresh grated ginger into meals or provide candied ginger for your partner to nibble on throughout the day. 

Encourage her to engage in regular exercise for her well-being during pregnancy. Discuss with her or find exercises or activities that both of you can enjoy together. Some activities you can do as a couple include walking, swimming, playing tennis, or golfing. 

The key is to spend quality time together while staying active, which promotes physical health, strengthens your bond as a couple and supports mom’s overall pregnancy experience.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 10

  • Take a moment to educate yourself about the pregnancy signs you should not ignore. While there’s no need to worry excessively, being informed equips you to recognize important signs and symptoms that may require attention.
     
  • Schedule your nuchal translucency screening (screening for chromosomal abnormalities).

  • Shop for some loose-fitting clothes to accommodate your growing bump.

  • Schedule your chorionic villus sampling (a prenatal test to check for genetic abnormalities and chromosomal disorder in a foetus) if you opt for one.

  • Start planning a babymoon. You’re nearing the second trimester, often dubbed the “honeymoon” period of pregnancy, where energy levels may return, so it could be an ideal time to enjoy a brief getaway.

Key Facts

  • By this week, most of your baby’s vital organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs, are functioning, although they will continue to develop throughout the pregnancy.

  • Your baby measures around 1.22 inches and weighs about 4.0 grams, comparable to a prune.

  • You might find it challenging to button up your jeans as your uterus expands to about the size of a large orange.

  • At 10 weeks pregnant, you may notice your belly starting to show more as your baby undergoes rapid growth, causing your tummy to develop a noticeable curve. 

  • Increased vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy, but it’s essential to be aware of signs of infection, such as unpleasant odour or itching.

  • Excessive vomiting may indicate twin gestation or molar pregnancy.

  • Incorporating mangoes into your diet, which are rich in vitamins A and C and potassium, provides numerous health benefits for pregnant women.

  • If your pregnant partner is experiencing morning sickness, consider offering ginger tea. It is known for its effectiveness in soothing the stomach and alleviating nausea.

  • Educating yourself about pregnancy warning signs is important to recognize important symptoms that may require attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your baby is now growing very quickly. Your baby is as big as a prune, about 1.22 inches in size, and weighs 4 grams. 

You may still be experiencing some of those amusing pregnancy symptoms. But, for most expecting mothers, pregnancy hormones cause the smooth muscles of the large bowel to become weaker and make you constipated.

The fibre in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as drinking plenty of water, will help reduce constipation. 

You might be starting to show at ten weeks pregnant. That’s because your developing uterus is now the size of a prune. But don’t worry if you can’t see your bump yet; you will see it soon.

Regarding your baby bump, some women show sooner than others, depending on height and body type. So, if this is your first pregnancy, you may have to wait a little longer than if this is your second or third pregnancy.

Yes, you can start showing at 10 weeks pregnant. One of the symptoms at this stage is experiencing tight waistbands and noticing some roundness in your lower abdomen that you can’t suck in. How prominently you show varies for each person, influenced by factors like your body shape, size, and the shape of your uterus.

 If this isn’t your first pregnancy or if you’re carrying multiples, you’re more likely to have a visible baby bump in the first trimester. If you’re not showing yet, don’t worry; your belly will gradually grow over time.

As your body changes and you begin to feel different from your non-pregnant self, you might anticipate feeling the foetus move. Typically, this personal milestone occurs between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy, possibly a bit earlier if you’ve been pregnant. Sensations you might notice around week 10 are more likely related to gas than foetal movement.

Many exciting developments are going on in your womb. Your baby’s most essential organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs, are functioning and continuing to mature. Their head is about half their body length, with noticeable developments like fingernails, toenails, and hair emerging.

Additionally, key facial features like ears, a mouth with a delicate upper lip, and a nose with two tiny nostrils are taking shape. The heart is rapidly beating, and the digestive and urinary systems are becoming active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your baby is now growing very quickly. Your baby is as big as a prune, about 1.22 inches in size, and weighs 4 grams. 

You may still be experiencing some of those amusing pregnancy symptoms. But, for most expecting mothers, pregnancy hormones cause the smooth muscles of the large bowel to become weaker and make you constipated.

The fibre in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as drinking plenty of water, will help reduce constipation. 

You might be starting to show at ten weeks pregnant. That’s because your developing uterus is now the size of a prune. But don’t worry if you can’t see your bump yet; you will see it soon.

Regarding your baby bump, some women show sooner than others, depending on height and body type. So, if this is your first pregnancy, you may have to wait a little longer than if this is your second or third pregnancy.

Yes, you can start showing at 10 weeks pregnant. One of the symptoms at this stage is experiencing tight waistbands and noticing some roundness in your lower abdomen that you can’t suck in. How prominently you show varies for each person, influenced by factors like your body shape, size, and the shape of your uterus.

 If this isn’t your first pregnancy or if you’re carrying multiples, you’re more likely to have a visible baby bump in the first trimester. If you’re not showing yet, don’t worry; your belly will gradually grow over time.

As your body changes and you begin to feel different from your non-pregnant self, you might anticipate feeling the foetus move. Typically, this personal milestone occurs between weeks 16 and 24 of pregnancy, possibly a bit earlier if you’ve been pregnant. Sensations you might notice around week 10 are more likely related to gas than foetal movement.

Many exciting developments are going on in your womb. Your baby’s most essential organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs, are functioning and continuing to mature. Their head is about half their body length, with noticeable developments like fingernails, toenails, and hair emerging.

Additionally, key facial features like ears, a mouth with a delicate upper lip, and a nose with two tiny nostrils are taking shape. The heart is rapidly beating, and the digestive and urinary systems are becoming active.

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Early Pregnancy Loss.

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

3. American Family Physicians. Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy.

4. American Pregnancy Association. 10 Weeks Pregnant.

5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Infections.

6. Glick, M.M. and Dick, E.L., 1999. Molar pregnancy presenting with hyperemesis gravidarum. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 99(3), pp.162-162.

7. NHS. Your baby’s movements.

8. NHS. Week 10.

9. Medical News Today. Your pregnancy at 10 weeks.

10. Soma-Pillay, P., Nelson-Piercy, C., Tolppanen, H. and Mebazaa, A., 2016. Physiological changes in pregnancy: review articles. Cardiovascular journal of Africa, 27(2), pp.89-94.

11. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Foetal Movement Counting.

 

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