Pregnancy week 10

Your baby’s development

Week 10 is an important threshold in the baby's development. The baby is now about the size of a strawberry, 3.1 cm long and weighing 4 grams. The basic structures of the organs are largely formed, which is why from about this point the baby is called a fetus rather than an embryo. In the weeks ahead most organs mostly grow, mature and learn to work rather than form new structures. The fingers are fully separate and nail beds form. The baby can bend the arms and legs and open and close the mouth. Bones and cartilage develop and joints start to move. The brain grows quickly and the connections between the skull and nerves increase. The liver and bowel get ready to work. The placenta now takes an active role in producing nutrients, oxygen and hormones, and begins to meet most of the baby's needs. Your tiny but truly human baby is getting ready, step by step. This shift is a milestone mostly in developmental science rather than for you, and nothing about it is a cause for worry.

Changes in the mother

In week 10 some people begin to feel a bit better, while for others symptoms continue. Both are usual. Your belly may still not show, but your waist may have thickened and trousers feel tight. Groin pulling from the growing womb, dizziness and the odd headache can occur. Hormone levels are high in these weeks, so you may see changes in skin, hair and mood. Some people get darker skin patches or spots. Sleep may be disturbed; lying on your side with a pillow between your knees can help. According to the Ministry of Health guidance, the first visit and basic tests should be done around now; if not, talk to your doctor. If you have severe abdominal pain, bleeding or high fever, seek medical care without waiting. When emotions are hard, remember you are not alone; you can reach your midwife or doctor to talk.

To do this week

• If the first visit and basic tests are done, keep the results safe.
• Update your pregnancy record or the entries in the app.
• Try pillow support for side sleeping.
• Ask now about an NT scan appointment for weeks 11 to 14.

Tip for the partner

Help keep track of appointments and test results; you can prepare a health-papers folder together.

Nutrition tip

Pairing iron sources (red meat, lentils, leafy greens) with vitamin C helps absorption.