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10 Weeks Pregnant: Is Your Baby OK in There?

Lucy Woodbridge

Believe it or not, you’re already about a quarter of the way through your pregnancy! As your baby continues to grow, your body is working hard to support them. Let’s dive into what’s happening with both you and your baby this week.
10 Weeks Pregnant: Is Your Baby OK in There?

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Ten weeks pregnant

At the 10-week mark, your baby is now roughly the size of a strawberry, measuring between 3 to 3.5 cm from head to bottom. I know this sounds absolutely tiny, but there are some big developments going on! 

10 weeks pregnant when am I actually due?

10 weeks pregnant: when are you actually due?

Due dates are only an estimate. Statistically, 96% are incorrect. If you are currently 10 weeks pregnant then you are due in approximatley 30 weeks or 207 days. Due dates are calculated on 40 weeks of pregnancy but your baby might be born anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Some are born earlier and some later. Put simply, labour happens when your body and baby are ready!

Use our pregnancy calculator to work out when you might be due.

Baby’s development at 10 weeks

10 weeks pregnant when am I due?

Vital organs

By now, your baby’s heart is fully formed and beating at an impressive 180 beats per minute (that’s two to three times faster than your own heart). Other essential organs, like the liver, kidneys, intestines, and brain, are taking shape rapidly, getting ready to support your baby outside the womb.

Facial features

Those little features are starting to become more defined. Your baby now has a clearly visible upper lip and tiny nostrils. Their jawbones are developing, too, which already contain all their future milk teeth! Their ears are also looking more recognisable, with the beginnings of ear canals forming inside.

Movements

While you won’t feel it yet, your baby has started to make soft little movements. These spontaneous stretches and wiggles can be seen on an ultrasound scan at 10 weeks.

Your antenatal appointments at 10 weeks

By this point, you’ve likely had your booking appointment, which is your first official antenatal meeting with your midwife. If not, don’t worry! It will usually be offered to you when you’re between 8 and 12 weeks pregnant. If you’re concerned that this hasn’t been arranged yet, feel free to reach out to your GP.

And if you’re due for a 10-week pregnancy scan, this will be an exciting opportunity to catch a glimpse of your baby and make everything feel a bit more real. The 10-week ultrasound will give you a clearer view of your baby’s shape and their tiny movements. You might see their heart flickering and their tiny limbs wiggling.

Your body at 10 weeks pregnant

Common pregnancy symptoms at week 10

At this point, your body is adapting constantly to facilitate your baby’s growth, working hard to provide the nutrients and environment they need.

Hormones, hormones, hormones!

You’ll still be riding that hormonal rollercoaster. High levels of hCG, oestrogen, and progesterone are doing their job to sustain your pregnancy, but they might also be making you feel a bit out of sorts. Don’t be afraid to feel everything you’re feeling right now, even if it seems like you’re going from ecstatic to teary in the blink of an eye.

Belly beginnings

You might not be showing much yet, but your uterus has grown to the size of a large grapefruit. Even if others can’t see it, you might notice your waistline feeling snugger, or be feeling more bloated than usual. But of course, everyone’s body shows differently, so don’t stress if you’re not sporting a bump just yet.

Blood volume boost

To support your baby, your body is producing extra blood, which can lead to a few changes. You might notice that your heart rate is slightly higher at the moment, or even a bit of dizziness if you stand up too quickly. This is normal, but be sure to stay hydrated and rest whenever you need to.

And if you’re due for a 10-week pregnancy scan, this will be an exciting opportunity to catch a glimpse of your baby and make everything feel a bit more real. The 10-week ultrasound will give you a clearer view of your baby’s shape and their tiny movements. You might see their heart flickering and their tiny limbs wiggling.

Common 10-week pregnancy symptoms

As you approach the end of your first trimester, you might be experiencing some fairly uncomfortable symptoms. But don’t worry – they’re all signs that your body is functioning normally and supporting your growing baby.

Still feeling queasy?

Nausea and vomiting are incredibly common at this stage. It’s universally known as ‘morning sickness’, but it can rear its head no matter what time it is. I recommend snacking and grazing rather than forcing yourself to eat square meals, and opting for food that brings you comfort.

Exhausted?

You’re likely feeling more tired than usual – after all, your body is doing a tonne of behind-the-scenes work! Don’t push yourself too hard. Listen to your body and take naps when you can.

Noticing changes to your boobs?

Your breasts are probably still tender and swollen, thanks to those hormones. Now might be a good time to invest in a supportive maternity bra to help ease any discomfort.

Weeing more than normal?

Your growing uterus is putting pressure on your bladder, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing the bathroom a lot at the moment.

Short fuse?

Fluctuating hormones may make your emotions feel like they’re all over the place. Just know that you’re not alone – mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy, and your support network should definitely have lots of patience for you right now!

Bleeding at 10 weeks pregnant: what’s normal?

While any spotting or bleeding at 10 weeks pregnant can understandably cause concern, light bleeding can sometimes be a normal part of pregnancy. However, it’s always important to talk to your midwife or doctor if you experience any significant bleeding, especially if it’s accompanied by cramping or pain. They’ll be able to reassure you or run further tests if necessary.

Maternity mental health at 10 weeks

Maternity mental health at 10 weeks

Struggling a bit this week? It’s really normal to be feeling a bit wobbly as you experience such noticeable change to your body and your emotions. Not only are your hormones running riot and making everything feel delicate, but the anxieties that often accompany this stage of pregnancy can be quite intense, too. This is why looking after your mental health is extra important right now. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or low, trust me when I tell you that you’re not alone. There are so many women in the world who are 10 weeks pregnant at this very moment, going through exactly the same thing and wondering if they’ll ever feel normal again.

Don’t underestimate the power of talking to your partner, your friends, or your midwife – sharing your worries and including people in the journey can be such a relief. There are also specialised maternity mental health services that can provide tailored support for your situation, offering a safe space to explore your feelings and get guidance on managing stress. Just ask your doctor to point you in the right direction.

Nurturing your body at 10 weeks

At 10 weeks pregnant, taking care of your body is more important than ever. Here are a few ways to support your physical health and your baby’s development:

  • Prioritise nutrition by getting a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby. You might also want to add more fibre to your diet to help with any digestive issues like constipation.
  • Rest and relaxation is an absolute must! Pregnancy is no mean feat – make sure you’re getting plenty of down time and don’t be afraid to cancel plans if you’re feeling fatigued.
  • Stay active where possible by incorporating gentle exercise into your routine, such as walking or antenatal yoga. This will help to boost your energy levels and balance your mood, but always tune in to your body and trust your limits.

In conclusion

At week 10, remember that every pregnancy is different. Definitely don’t stress if things aren’t exactly as you expected. Trust in your body’s natural ability to support your baby – you are doing something incredible, and your pregnancy is well on its way!

Be sure to check out the Butterbean knowledge hub for your week by week guide to pregnancy plus lots more from birth to babe in arms. Did you know we also have courses? Check out our multi award-winning hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga courses today!

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