10 Weeks Pregnant? Expect These Changes To Your Body and Baby

Hey, mammas-to-be! Congratulations on reaching the 10-week milestone of your pregnancy! You’re now in month 3, finally, and your baby has officially graduated from an embryo to a fetus. So, how does everything feel, mommy? Like others, do you also try to communicate with the life growing inside you? Well, it’s a nice way to deepen your bond with your baby. This period is crucial for your baby's growth and development. When you’re 10 weeks pregnant, you're almost at the end of your first trimester. Here are a few things that you may expect during this time. 

Key Takeaways At Week 10 of Pregnancy

• Your baby is about the size of a strawberry and continues to develop rapidly.
• Levels of hCG peak around 10-12 weeks of gestation.
• Major organs and bodily systems are either forming or starting to function.
• Pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and mood swings may be at their peak.
• Not all, but some to-be-moms may start noticing a small baby bump.
• You can listen to your little one’s heartbeat for the first time!

Baby at 10 Weeks

How Big Is Your Baby at 10 Weeks?

At 10 weeks, your baby is approximately 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and weighs about 1.2 ounces (35 grams). This is roughly the size of a strawberry or apricot.

What Does The Baby Look Like at 10 Weeks?

Your baby now has distinct facial features, including eyes, nose, and ears shifting into place. The tiny fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and tooth buds are forming. Not only this, their internal sex organs are in place; however, the external sex organs haven’t yet developed. You’ll need to wait a little longer for that.

Another important thing to note is that their brain is fully active and is sending brain waves. Furthermore, the heart is fully developed and has 4 chambers now, beating at the rate of 150-180 beats/minute. Isn’t it lovely and magical too? Your baby is indeed growing rapidly! 

10-Week Ultrasound

Many women have their first ultrasound between weeks 8 and 12. However, it completely depends on women when they wish to have their first ultrasound. Doctors recommend it likewise (depending on case by case). At 10 weeks, you might see your baby’s tiny hands and feet moving, and perhaps even glimpse a beating heart. During the ultrasound, your healthcare provider can help you determine the following:

• The position of the placenta
• Your baby's position and their overall health
• Measure the amount of fluid around the baby
• Check the size and shape of your cervix and uterus

Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 10

You’re in the first trimester, and more or less, your symptoms will be the same throughout. By week 10, some pregnancy symptoms may be at their peak, including

• Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting are common due to hormonal surges.
• Fatigue: Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, leading to exhaustion.
• Breast tenderness: Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can cause swelling and soreness.
• Frequent urination: Your growing uterus puts pressure on your bladder.
• Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can make you feel emotional or irritable.
• Increased vaginal discharge: This helps protect against infections.
• Food cravings or aversions: Some foods may seem more appealing, while others might trigger nausea.

How You Might Feel When 10 Weeks Pregnant

While some expectant moms feel energised, lively and active, others experience extreme exhaustion, laziness and morning sickness. Emotionally, you may encounter mood swings, anxiety, or excitement. This is where you feel that the pregnancy is becoming more real now! Are you already feeling so, mommies?

Your Pregnant Belly at 10 Weeks

Can You Have a Baby Bump at 10 Weeks?

Some women start to show a small baby bump, especially if it’s not their first pregnancy. However, many still look the same as they did before pregnancy.

Can You Feel Your Baby at 10 Weeks?

When you're pregnant, you'll start to feel your baby move inside you. This is called "quickening". It's like your baby is saying, "Hello, I'm here!". You'll usually feel these movements between 16 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. It's an exciting moment that lets you know your baby is growing and active!

But when you’re 10 weeks pregnant, it’s difficult for you to feel so. Mommies, please wait some more time.

Tips for 10 Weeks Pregnant

An expectant mother needs to pay attention to what she is eating, how much she is exercising, her sleep schedule and others. They have a list of dos and dont’s like—

• Feeling nauseous? Start eating small and frequent meals to overcome morning sickness.
• Your body's hormones are gearing up for the baby inside and pumping extra blood. This may leave you feeling warmer than normal. So, drink plenty of water, and keep yourself hydrated. Aim for at least 200 ml fluid in a day, mommies!
• Maintain a healthy weight during this period. Opt for a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, whole foods and green vegetables. Additionally, try to engage in some gentle exercises, and go for regular check-ups to help prevent excessive weight gain without following a strict ‘diet’. 
• Always consult your doctor before starting any OTC medicine, drugs or even supplements. That’s because certain medicines (like Isotretinoin) can harm your developing baby. So, only choose treatments & medicines which are safe during pregnancy.
• If you wish to munch on some snacks, it’s better to opt for nutrient-rich options. E.g.–fruits, nuts, yoghurt, and whole grains. These foods help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for a long time. Avoid junk foods. 
• Proper rest and sleep are essential during pregnancy. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you can experiment with different sleeping positions and use supportive pillows to discover what feels comfortable.

Final Thoughts

You're 10 Weeks Pregnant: celebrate this amazing milestone! Your tiny bundle of joy is growing rapidly, and you're one more step closer to meeting them. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, and it's essential to cherish every moment. Stay positive, focused, and informed. You got this!

Keep shining, mama, and know that you're doing an amazing job. Here's to many more exciting milestones ahead!

Happy growing, mama and baby!

FAQs

Q1- How much water should I drink at this stage of pregnancy?

As per ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), a pregnant mom should drink 8 to 12 cups of water every day.

Q2- What foods help curb morning sickness?

Opt for nutrient-rich foods that are easy on your stomach. Choose high-protein, low-fat options and avoid greasy, spicy, and fatty foods. Instead, try bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. You may also find relief with salty foods or ginger-infused treats.

Q3- What types of prenatal screenings are typically recommended at the 10-week mark?

When you’re 10 weeks pregnant, your doctor may advise you to go for Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT). It is a simple blood test that can detect potential genetic disorders in your unborn baby. It examines the DNA in your blood for conditions like Down syndrome.

Q4- What to Expect at 10 Weeks Pregnant With Twins?

When you’re 10 weeks pregnant, you can expect a weight gain of 16-20 kg. Stretch marks and bloating are also common. Varicose veins and haemorrhoids may occur.