10 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, tips, and baby development
Zofishan Umair
Zofishan Umair
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10 weeks pregnant and you and your baby have made it to double digits and almost the end of the first trimester!
Congratulations are in order because much of the critical development is now complete.
Your pregnancy at 10 weeks
How crazy is that considering your baby is just over an inch long?
And while you’re feeling sloth-paced and trying to wrap your head around the fact that your baby is about the size of an apricot, also know that they’re just getting started.
“Head, shoulder, knees and toes”
Your little speedy embryo has ditched the webbed fingers and toes and is working on the details: elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. They’re also bending and flexing those bits and training them to be used as the ultimate tantrum-throwing weapons when the time comes.
Oh and while you’re singing, make sure you’re on tune because this is the week when the ears and the ear canals inside your baby’s head begin to form.
Their eyes are half-closed but can already react to light, which is more than you can say about yourself before your morning coffee.
And since we’re on the subject of milestones, your bub has tiny nostrils, a delicate upper lip, and a jawbone already stocked with mini milk teeth.
Their tiny heart has fully developed and has jumped into action. Your baby’s heartbeat is lightning-fast at 180 bpm – about three times faster than yours!
Hold on to those gender-reveal party plans
One of the most exciting parts of being pregnant is the gender reveal party, but you might want to wait a little longer. While your baby’s external sex organs have developed, they’re still too tiny to be detected just yet.
Fun fact: if you are pregnant with a baby boy, he’s already producing testosterone.
But hey, not long to go and you can find out the sex (if you want to)!
Is that a baby bump?
As you inch towards the second trimester, (pun intended), your baby’s not the only thing that’s growing. Your uterus is too—and with good reason. Right now, your uterus is about the size of a large orange, which seems cute until you remember it’s going to keep expanding until it can house a watermelon.
This expansion is all thanks to the female hormone progesterone, which tells the uterine muscles to relax so the uterus can expand and make room for your growing baby.
Now, all that was great until your neighbouring digestive system got a whiff of the same “chill out” memo and decided to slow down too.
The result? An expanding waistline and awkward moments for mums-to-be. Cue the unexpected bloating, the oh-so-glamorous burps, and those not-so-subtle gas moments that seem to pop up at the worst possible moments.
Thanks, progesterone, for keeping things relaxed… maybe a little too relaxed.
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Week 10 pregnancy symptoms: Some new, some old
By this week, your uterus is bigger than a grapefruit – so you might find some of your pre-pregnancy clothes a little snug or uncomfortable. Bras can also start to feel tight and restrictive as your breasts increase in size preparing for lactation and, eventually, breastfeeding. If you haven’t already, consider switching to maternity bras or bras without underwire.
As you move towards the end of your first trimester, you may still be tackling some persistent symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue and bloating. Will this ever go away?
Well, yes! Hang in there, because in the next two weeks, you’ll be in your second trimester (which is a lot easier than the first.) Not only do many women feel better and more energetic in their second trimester, they also get that pregnancy ‘glow’ and luscious locks to go with it!
Morning sickness
Still experiencing waves of nausea and vomiting at 10 weeks pregnant? Hang in there—relief is often on the horizon as the second-trimester approaches.
Fatigue
Totally wiped out? Fatigue is par for the course in early pregnancy. Your body is working overtime to support your growing baby, and those vivid dreams aren’t helping your sleep schedule either!
Mood swings
Feeling emotional? Hormone changes can send you on an emotional rollercoaster during pregnancy week ten. It’s completely normal, so give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.
Pro-tip: vent. Sometimes all we need is a BFF who we can vent to without being judged. Go ahead and make that call, or set up a date. If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified therapist.
Food cravings and aversions
Finding yourself turning away from foods you once loved, or craving odd combinations? Food cravings and aversions are a quirky part of pregnancy. Remember, it’s okay to indulge moderately but keep it balanced.
New developments this week
Round ligament pain
Feeling twinges in your abdomen? As your pregnant belly expands, you might encounter round ligament pain. It’s your body’s way of making room for your growing baby. This pain is especially pronounced if you’re carrying twins.
Growing breasts
Your pregnancy symptoms at 10 weeks pregnant include changes to your breasts. They’re likely larger and may feel tender as they prepare for breastfeeding.
Increased vaginal discharge
You might notice more vaginal discharge, which is due to an increased blood supply to your pelvic area and higher oestrogen levels. This discharge is nature’s way of ejecting bacteria, keeping your pregnant body safer.
Visible veins
Those new blue lines across your skin are visible veins, a sign of all the extra blood your body is pumping. These are essential for supporting your growing baby and might become more apparent as your pregnancy progresses.
10 weeks pregnancy tips
While week 9 of pregnancy may have felt rough —waves of nausea crashing over you and mood swings pulling you in every direction— they may have prepped you for navigating the 10th week of pregnancy -making this week a whole lot easier.
In case you still need some tips, here are some suggestions to help you maintain your health and well-being during this crucial stage:
Curb nausea with an early snack
Start your day with a small bite to battle the queasiness. Eating a snack like a granola bar or saltine crackers before you even get out of bed can fend off morning sickness. This early intervention can be a game-changer during these 10 weeks.
Vitamins? Check!
Growing a whole new person is no easy feat! Make sure you’re taking your prenatal vitamins daily and loading up on vitamin-rich foods. Dietary supplements like calcium and vitamin D help reduce bone loss, while folic acid decreases the risk of certain birth defects.
Add mangoes to your diet – not just for their flavour but for their nutritional value. Rich in vitamins A and C, they’re a sweet way to enhance your eating plan, blending seamlessly into both sweet and savoury dishes.
Smart snacking
Choosing the right foods is crucial for both nutrition and to help you feel your best. Snacks high in potassium, such as mangoes, can curb nausea, while eggs and nuts provide a substantial nutritional boost to keep the hormonal changes from making you too angry.
Listen to your body
Feeling exhausted or dizzy? Your body is the best indicator of when to slow down or take a rest. With all the hormones swirling, it’s perfectly normal to need a break. Remember, it’s about taking one week at a time.
Stretch your wardrobe
If your clothes start feeling snug but maternity wear isn’t yet on the agenda, opt for elastic waistbands and loose shirts. Investing in comfortable clothing early on can make a big difference in how you feel as your body changes.
Avoid triggering smells
Your sense of smell is heightened, so avoid aromas that trigger nausea. Whether it’s a certain type of food or a previously loved perfume, steering clear can help keep morning sickness at bay.
Chew on sugarless gum
Battling excess saliva? Chew some sugarless gum to manage this quirky symptom. Plus, it keeps your mouth fresh and clean, easing any related discomfort.
Pamper yourself and your pregnant belly
Retail therapy and a spa date can do wonders for pregnant women (and let’s face it, non-pregnant women too).
If you’re not feeling your best, a little retail therapy can help you pep yourself up. While you probably don’t want to drop too much cash on maternity gear just yet (there’s plenty of time for maternity jeans down the track), there’s nothing like some new clothes to make you feel good when you’re down.
Floaty dresses and tops can be a good way to hide a burgeoning bump fairly easily at this stage – and comfortable bras (ditch the underwire!) can be life-changing. Or if you don’t want to commit to new clothes just yet, you can buy waistband extenders for jeans and pants or belly bands that go over your jeans – or a simple hairband looped around the button also does the trick!
10 weeks pregnant checklist
Time to check the following items off your to-do list:
1. Schedule Nuchal Translucency screening
Now’s the time to book your nuchal translucency screening to assess the risk factors of certain chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome and Patau syndrome. Early scheduling helps ensure you’re prepared for subsequent decisions.
2. Consider a CVS test
If you’re exploring comprehensive genetic testing, consider scheduling your Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test. This test provides valuable early insights into genetic health.
3. Make a dentist appointment
Prioritise your oral hygiene by scheduling a dentist appointment. Pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, so maintaining dental health is more important than ever.
4. Plan your pregnancy announcement
Now is the time to start thinking about when and how you’ll share your big news. Whether it’s a family dinner or a unique social media post, planning your announcement (especially if this is your first pregnancy) can be such a special memory.
5. Take photos of your pregnant belly
Last but not least, start taking those side snaps of your pregnant belly.
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Zofishan Umair
Follow +Zofishan is a journalist, humour columnist, and a mum who has survived nappy explosions mid-air. She has over a decade of experience writing for print and online publications and is currently working on her first book.