At 10 weeks pregnant, your baby is now looking more recognisably human
This is a milestone week, marking the end of the embryonic period, where your baby’s development has been most vulnerable to external factors.
Read on to discover what’s happening with your baby and body at week 10, as well as some important health considerations for you during this exciting time.
Your Baby at 10 Weeks of Pregnancy
By the tenth week, your baby has grown significantly and is now around 3 to 4 centimetres long, weighing between 4 to 5 grams, and comparable to the size of a small plum or pitted prune.
At this stage, many of their physical features and movements are starting to become more distinct.
- Limb development: One of the most exciting developments this week is the separation of fingers and toes. The webbing between fingers, present in earlier weeks, now disappears, with toes following suit shortly after.
- Fingernails: Fingernail beds and finger pads also begin to form, giving your baby unique fingerprints that will last a lifetime.
- Movement: As your baby’s mouth and jaw are now functional, they start practising swallowing in preparation for life outside the womb. If they touch their face, they may even make suckling movements, as the first hints of a reflex develop.
- Skeletal development: The tail seen in previous weeks is now reduced to a small stub, and it will disappear entirely by the end of this week.
- Sex: While external genitalia remain undifferentiated, bones are gradually forming in place of cartilage, marking the beginning of a more structured skeleton.
- Hair follicles: Hair follicles are forming on the skin, laying the foundation for hair growth.
- Sleep cycle: Additionally, your baby now has defined waking and sleeping cycles, preparing them for a regular sleep schedule in the months to come.
This week is an important milestone in foetal development, as it marks the end of the highly sensitive embryonic period, where the risk of birth defects is highest.
However, harmful exposures, like drugs or radiation, should still be avoided as they can impact development at any stage.
Your Body at 10 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 10 week pregnant, you may be noticing some new bodily changes as your uterus continues to expand and hormones increase to support the pregnancy.
Your uterus is now about the size of an orange, yet still not large enough to create an obvious bump.
Although you may not have a visible baby bump yet, the signs are beginning to show internally.
- Weight: You may have noticed some weight gain over the last few weeks, but much of this is due to your uterus increasing in size to accommodate your baby’s growth.
- Skin changes: Dry skin is a common experience around this time, as well as acne. Fair-skinned individuals may notice more visible veins under the skin as blood flow increases to support your baby’s needs.
- Pelvic discomfort: As your uterus grows, the ligaments and muscles in your pelvis begin to stretch. Hormones such as relaxin help these tissues to expand, which can cause abdominal aches or mild discomfort, known as round ligament pain. While usually harmless, it can be an uncomfortable symptom of your body’s adjustments.
- Molar pregnancy: Week 10 is also a time when some women may receive a diagnosis of molar pregnancy, a rare condition where the placenta develops abnormally, forming a cluster of cysts instead of a viable pregnancy. Unfortunately, a molar pregnancy cannot result in a live birth and requires medical attention to remove the abnormal tissue. Your body is working hard to support your growing baby, and minor aches or visible skin changes are all part of this incredible process.
Precautions and Reminders
As 10 weeks pregnant, keep in mind some essential considerations that can help support both your health and your baby’s growth.
The same principles of balanced eating, regular exercise, and stress management continue to be important this week.
- Nutrition: Protein intake is especially important, as are nutrients like choline and DHA, which play a crucial role in your baby’s developing brain.
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): During one of your upcoming prenatal visits, your healthcare provider may offer a CVS test to check for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. While CVS is not comprehensive in detecting all birth defects, it can help detect chromosomal anomalies.
- Vaccinations: Pregnancy can weaken your immune system, so consider getting the flu vaccine if you haven’t already. It’s one of the few vaccines that is safe during pregnancy and can help protect both you and your baby.
- Infections: Avoid getting diseases and illnesses that may pose a threat to your baby. You will not be vaccinated againt most of these.
Taking Care of Yourself
Week 10 marks a transition into the foetal stage, a period where your baby’s development becomes more robust and distinct.
While your baby grows new features and practises essential skills, your body continues to adapt to support their needs.
Keep prioritising a balanced diet, prenatal care, and safe habits as you prepare for the next stages of pregnancy.
With the most critical weeks of development now behind you, this is an excellent time to look forward to the milestones and moments that await in the months to come.
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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