Pregnancy Week 10

What does my baby look like?

Your baby is now about the size of a small tangerine and keeps developing at a surprising pace.

Your baby now looks like a tiny fetus. The internal organs have formed and are starting to work. Your baby can make sudden little movements all on their own, and these can sometimes even be seen on an ultrasound.

Your baby is going through a whole new growth phase. The head still looks large compared to the body, but the face is gradually taking on more recognizable proportions. The eyes are half-closed and can already respond to light.

The ears are beginning to form. The mouth now has a more defined upper lip, and there are two tiny nostrils in the nose. The jawbone is taking shape, with the early buds of baby teeth already tucked inside.

The heart beats very fast. At this stage, your baby's heart rate is noticeably higher than your own.

Your baby's teeth are starting to develop

The tooth buds are beginning to harden and anchor into the jawbone. While a few babies are born with a tooth, most won't get their first one until later in their first year.

Bones and joints are developing

Your baby is steadily starting to look more distinctly human. Bones and cartilage are forming. The little indentations in the legs are turning into knees and ankles, and the arms can now bend at the elbows.

Your baby's sex

Although your baby's sex was determined genetically at conception, it's still too early to tell from the outside.

What's happening in my body?

You might be having trouble buttoning your jeans. Your uterus has grown to about the size of an orange, while your baby is close to the size of a small tangerine. That thickening around your waist is usually tied to a little weight gain and bloating, and soft, stretchy waistbands and comfortable clothes may feel a lot better right now.

You may feel bloated and notice more burping and gas. The main reason is the hormone progesterone, which also relaxes the muscles of your digestive system. This same relaxation can lead to heartburn as well.

Some moms-to-be, especially when they're feeling nauseous, notice they're producing more saliva. This is common in the first trimester. Drinking more water, chewing gum, or sucking on sugar-free hard candy brings some relief for certain people.

You may notice more prominent veins on your breasts, belly, or around your rib cage. As your body produces more blood to support the pregnancy, these veins can become more visible.

Mood swings are also common during this time. Hormones, fatigue, and thoughts about parenthood can all make your emotions feel more intense. If low feelings linger, share them with your doctor.

Nausea and vomiting may peak around week 9 or 10. This is thought to be linked to your hCG and estrogen levels. Many people find relief as they get closer to the second trimester.

If this is your second or third pregnancy, or if you're carrying multiples, you may notice your belly showing sooner. And if you don't notice any change at all, that's perfectly normal too.

By now, some moms-to-be may have gained a few pounds. But weight gain varies quite a bit from person to person.

You might want to take a look at your finances. A new baby on the way can call for some planning when it comes to expenses and your work situation.

Your pregnant belly

This week you may notice a slight rounding in your lower belly. Since your uterus keeps growing, this change is completely normal. But if you don't have a visible bump yet, that's perfectly normal too.

How your belly looks depends on many things, including your height, weight, body type, and whether this is your first pregnancy or a later one.

Round ligament pain

As your uterus grows, the ligaments and muscles that support it begin to stretch. Because of this, some moms-to-be experience round ligament pain or abdominal aches. The pain can feel sharp at times and dull at others. Walking or gently stretching may bring relief. Still, if the pain is significant, you should see your doctor.

Early pregnancy symptoms

Symptoms you might notice during this time include:

• extreme fatigue
• nausea
• mood swings
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• tender breasts
• indigestion and heartburn
• dizziness
• changes in your food and drink preferences
• a heightened sense of smell
• milky white vaginal discharge
• light spotting
• cramps similar to period pains
• darkening skin or brown patches on your face
• oilier or more acne-prone skin
• thicker, shinier hair
• bloating

If any symptom worries you, talk to your doctor.

Constipation

Constipation can also be common during this time. Whole grains, fruit, vegetables, plenty of water, and regular exercise can all help.

Nausea and vomiting

If nausea and vomiting persist, you can talk to your doctor about safe options.

Can I exercise with morning sickness?

Whether you can exercise while dealing with morning sickness really depends on how you're feeling. Short, gentle walks work well for some people, while others simply need to rest.

Faintness or dizziness

Because your circulatory system is working harder and adjusting to the increased blood flow, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded at times. Move slowly when you change positions. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down, and if you can, lower your head between your knees. If you're driving, pull over somewhere safe and wait it out. Carrying healthy snacks and staying hydrated can help too.

Sensitivity to smells

Because your sense of smell is heightened, scents you used to enjoy may now bother you. Staying away from smells that trigger nausea as much as possible can be helpful.

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge can increase during pregnancy. Healthy discharge is usually milky white and either mildly scented or odorless. But if your discharge changes color noticeably, smells bad, or you feel a constant leaking of fluid, see a healthcare professional.

COVID-19 vaccine

The vaccines recommended during pregnancy can vary from country to country. When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, get your doctor's current recommendation. Bring any questions about vaccine safety during pregnancy and the protective antibodies that may pass to your baby to your healthcare professional.

Add mango to your plate

Mango can be a great choice thanks to its vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Add it to smoothies and salsas, or simply enjoy it on its own as a snack.

Chew sugar-free gum

If you're dealing with excess saliva along with nausea, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on ice, or trying sour flavors like lemon can bring some relief for certain moms-to-be.

What exercise can you do while pregnant?

Exercise is generally recommended during pregnancy, and if you were active before, keeping it up can be especially beneficial. If you want to start a new exercise routine, talk with your healthcare professional first.

Gentle, safe exercise can help you prepare for delivery and make recovery afterward a little easier.

By the time you reach week 10, you're nearing the end of the first trimester. Many people start to feel more energetic as they move into the second trimester.

You may have already had your first prenatal exam or your first comprehensive prenatal appointment around this time. You'll likely be asked plenty of questions about your health and medical history. It's just as important to ask any questions you have in mind, too.

Abdominal pain

Mild abdominal pain or cramps can happen during pregnancy. If it eases when you change positions, rest, or after a bowel movement or passing gas, it's usually nothing serious. Even so, if something just doesn't feel right, reach out to your doctor.

Pregnancy fatigue

Pregnancy fatigue is very common during these weeks. Your body is working hard on both your baby's development and forming the placenta. That's why you can feel utterly exhausted even when it seems like you're not doing anything at all.

For most people, energy picks up a bit toward the second trimester. Until then, eating small, frequent meals, staying well hydrated, and getting light exercise can all help.