Pregnancy – Week 10

This week there is an increase in the amount of blood that is circulating in your body, which may cause you to feel warmer than usual. Your growing uterus is causing your shape to change meaning you might be now more comfortable in loose-fitting clothes that don’t restrict you.

Other changes are taking place in your body also, as a result of shifts in your body’s chemistry, although these are not always physically obvious.

Mum

You may still be feeling tired and moody but these symptoms should soon abate.

Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit and can be felt through the abdomen. This might be the time of your first visit with your health care professional so be prepared with any questions you have and discuss tests such as Nuchal Translucency Scan and Amniocentesis.

Bub

Baby is now called a “fetus” and weighs less than 4 grams (0.14 ounces) with eyes covered by skin which will eventually split to form eyelids. The most critical part of development is now behind you as most physical malformations, if they occur, will have happed by the end of this week.

The neck is now starting to take shape with the head still large and curving into the chest. Fingerprints are evident in the skin and nipples and hair follicles are beginning to form.

Inner ear development is now complete with external parts of ears starting to develop.
The umbilical cord is now delivering nutrients and oxygen to your developing baby as it is now fully formed.

Tips

CVS (chorionic villus sampling) is a prenatal test to detect genetic defects, for example, Tay-Sachs, Sickle Cell Anemia and most types of Cistic Fibrosis as well as Down Syndrome. If you’re having this test, it will more than likely get scheduled between 10 and 12 weeks.
Maintain your healthy eating plan and stay active.