Week 10 of Pregnancy

Congratulations, you've made it to week 10,  another really exciting milestone. Your little one is growing quickly and starting to look much more baby-like. Their arms and legs are getting longer, tiny fingers and toes are becoming more defined, and their facial features are continuing to develop. You might still be dealing with plenty of first-trimester symptoms, but you're also getting closer to that much-awaited first scan. At ten weeks pregnant, your baby measures roughly around 30mm from head to bottom, although measurements naturally vary. That's approximately the size of a strawberry.

At ten weeks, your baby's little body is becoming more recognisable. Their head is still quite large compared with the rest of their body because their brain is developing so rapidly, but their neck and body are becoming more defined. Your baby's eyes are developing beneath their eyelids, while their nose, mouth and ears are continuing to take shape. Their arms can bend at the elbows and wrists, and those tiny hands and feet are becoming increasingly detailed. Little fingers and toes are now much more distinct too.

What's happening with your baby this week? 

This is another busy week of development. Your baby's brain and nervous system continue to mature, while their heart is beating and circulating blood around their growing body. Many of the major organs are now formed but still have lots of developing and maturing to do over the months ahead. Your baby is also becoming more active. They can make tiny movements with their arms and legs and may be able to bend their wrists and elbows. You won't be able to feel those movements yet, but your little strawberry-sized baby certainly isn't sitting still!

You might also notice your clothes feeling slightly tighter around your waist. It's probably still too early for a proper pregnancy bump, particularly in a first pregnancy, but bloating and changes to your uterus can certainly make your tummy feel different.

Looking after yourself at 10 weeks!

If nausea is still making life difficult, eating smaller meals regularly may help. Try to drink plenty of fluids and rest whenever your body needs it. And don't worry if your usual healthy eating plans have temporarily disappeared! Early pregnancy can sometimes become more about finding foods you can actually tolerate.

If you're vomiting frequently, struggling to keep fluids down, or showing signs of dehydration, contact your midwife, GP, or maternity service for advice.

From one mum to another

Ten weeks feels like a lovely little milestone. You're heading towards the end of your first trimester, and that first scan may finally be appearing on the calendar. If you've been keeping your pregnancy secret, you might also be starting to think about when and how you're going to share your news.

Maybe you're planning a special announcement for the grandparents, wondering how to tell your other children or simply imagining the moment you can finally stop hiding why you've been feeling so tired! There's no rush. Enjoy keeping your little secret for as long as feels right for you. 

Thinking of announcing your pregnancy but not sure how? Check out our baby announcement range here: https://allaboutthebump.co.uk/collections/baby-announcement

Your first scan is getting closer!

This is probably one date you've been eagerly waiting for! For most uncomplicated pregnancies in the UK, the first routine NHS ultrasound,  commonly known as the dating scan, is offered at around 10 to 14 weeks.

The scan helps estimate how many weeks pregnant you are and your expected due date, as well as checking your baby's development. After weeks of imagining what's happening inside your tummy, seeing your baby on the screen can be an incredibly special moment.

Your Week 10 checklist

• Continue taking your recommended folic acid and vitamin D.
• Attend your midwife appointments as arranged.
• Keep drinking plenty of fluids.
• Rest whenever you need to.
• Eat little and often if nausea is troubling you.
• Write down any questions for your midwife.
• Start looking forward to your dating scan if it's coming up soon.
• Seek medical advice if you're worried about any symptoms.

This week, remember...

Your baby may only be around the size of a strawberry, but they're looking more baby-like every day.

Their little fingers and toes are becoming more defined, their arms and legs are getting longer, their facial features are developing, and they're already making tiny movements inside your womb.

For now, you're ten weeks pregnant, and you're getting closer to the end of that all-important first trimester.

Next: 11 Weeks Pregnant – Your Baby Is Growing Fast

The Allaboutthebump Pregnancy Week by Week series is intended as a general guide and should not replace individual medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you experience symptoms that concern you, pain, bleeding, severe sickness or have questions about your pregnancy, contact your midwife, GP, maternity unit or NHS 111 as appropriate.