The tenth week of pregnancy is an exciting one! Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, a lot is going on you will be excited about, including hearing your baby’s heartbeat and starting to notice a baby bump form. While there will be some uncomfortable symptoms, like morning sickness and tiredness, they will soon pass.
But what else happens at ten weeks pregnant? That is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what happens during week 10 of pregnancy, including how your baby develops and what you can expect to happen to your body.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 10 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is the size of an strawberry
- The common symptoms include morning sickness, tiredness, and mood swings
- There might be some bloating, which can look like the early signs of a baby bump
- The ultrasound will now show your baby’s organs, arms, and legs and detect a heartbeat
- The chances of a miscarriage drop again this week, especially if a heartbeat is detected
What Does It Mean To Be 10 Weeks Pregnant?
At ten weeks pregnant, you are approaching the end of your first trimester and will soon start the second trimester. You might book your midwife appointment if you have not already. Your doctor or midwife will ask about your family history and medical history at this point.
You will have missed two periods at this point and are likely experiencing pregnancy symptoms. You should take a pregnancy test if you have not already done so.
Your womb is still growing and can make it difficult to button up your jeans. Switching to stretchy fabrics like leggings or joggers will make it more comfortable for you. Bloating is normal here, and you might notice the start of a baby bump!
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 10 Weeks?
Yes, you can detect pregnancy at week ten. By now, most women have missed two periods; if you have not already, it is time to take a pregnancy test!
You can take a home pregnancy test to see if you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG, known as the pregnancy hormone, rises when you are pregnant and is a clear indicator you are pregnant.
You can also have a doctor confirm a pregnancy. They will perform a blood test, measuring your hCG levels to determine pregnancy. At ten weeks, an ultrasound can also confirm pregnancy. Your doctor might perform an early ultrasound to help date the pregnancy and provide you with an estimated due date.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
During pregnancy week 10, an early ultrasound can be performed. Your doctor might recommend one, especially if you have had complications. Alternatively, you can request one, but you might need to pay for this yourself.
There is more to see at a ten-week ultrasound than in previous weeks. You can expect translucent skin showing the baby’s internal organs. Your sonographer will check to ensure the organs function and develop as they should. Your baby’s growth will also be measured to ensure they grow as they should.
You can hear the heartbeat at week ten, too, which will sound a little fast, but it is supposed to! The development of the spine will also be observed, and your baby’s position will be confirmed if it has not already. This will also rule out an ectopic pregnancy, where the baby starts to grow outside of the womb.
A ten-week ultrasound can last roughly fifteen to thirty minutes; for some, it is the first time they see their baby. Allow plenty of time, and bring some tissues; it can be emotional!
Are There Any Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
At ten weeks, if you have not already, arrange to have a blood test with your doctor. This will check your blood type, rH factor, check for any sexually transmitted diseases and conditions like cystic fibrosis and other genetic disorders.
Depending on your medical history, you might also be offered genetic screening tests. These are not compulsory; whether you accept them or not is your choice.
You should also be tested for Down Syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome between ten and fourteen weeks. You should also be tested for sickle cell disease if you have not already been tested.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, your baby’s heartbeat can be detected at ten weeks pregnant. You can hear the heartbeat at an early ultrasound, with a rate of 170 beats per minute. While this is fast, it will start to slow down after this week as the heart finishes developing.
You will hear the baby’s heartbeat during your ultrasound, and your sonographer can provide information about their heart rate.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
At ten weeks pregnant, the common pregnancy symptoms include morning sickness, tiredness, and mood swings. You might also notice that you feel warmer than usual. The increased blood supply and blood flow can raise your basal body temperature, leaving you feeling warmer and sweating more than normal.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels may continue to rise, but they usually stop rising by week 11. This can happen to some women at week 10 of their pregnancy if the hCG levels have reached their peak.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at ten weeks pregnant. This tends to be mild and should not be a concern unless the pain becomes more severe.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can occur at week ten of pregnancy, but it might start subsiding now. You can try eating smaller meals throughout the day to help with nausea and morning sickness.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Breast tenderness and pain are common at ten weeks pregnant. They might also ache or feel full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point in your pregnancy so you might experience them at week ten.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at ten weeks pregnant. For some women, it starts early in pregnancy and can intensify later as pressure on the bladder builds.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at ten weeks of pregnancy. You might feel exhausted throughout the first trimester of your pregnancy and should rest as much as possible.
Will I Feel Bloated At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is common at ten weeks pregnant and is associated with increasing hormone levels in your body.
Will I Get A Headache At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common during the first trimester of your pregnancy, including week ten. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy will likely experience more during their first trimester.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience a metallic taste in your mouth at ten weeks pregnant. This is a common symptom that can last for your first trimester.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can happen during your pregnancy. It can be one of the first signs of pregnancy for some women.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically does not happen this early in your pregnancy. You should speak to your doctor if you are experiencing shortness of breath at ten weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal at ten weeks pregnant. It can happen during your first trimester and is unrelated to your pregnancy. It could be a stomach bug, allergy, or food poisoning.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can occur throughout your pregnancy. You don’t need to worry if your discharge is clear or milky white with a slightly slippery texture.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at ten weeks pregnant. This is completely normal, although keep an eye out to see if any other symptoms follow, like bleeding or abdominal pain. You should speak to your doctor if you are concerned about back pain and other symptoms.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings can happen at week ten and are common during your first trimester. You might feel tearful or easily irritated throughout this week.
Is Spotting Normal At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at ten weeks pregnant. You might experience some light bleeding this week. You do not need to be concerned if it stops within a day. However, you should speak to your doctor if the bleeding continues or becomes heavier.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 10 Weeks Pregnant?
- Dizziness
- Food aversions
- Drink aversions
- Darkened skin or brown patches
- Spotty or oilier skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Round ligament pain
How Big Is A Baby At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
At ten weeks, your baby is about the size of a small apricot! They are roughly 30mm long and are going through another growth spurt! The head still seems too big for the body, but the facial features are taking shape and look more in proportion.
Ears are starting to form, the upper lip has arrived, and the nose has two nostrils. The jaw is also taking shape; there are even tiny versions of your baby’s milk teeth!
Can You Feel The Baby At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
While your baby is making some jerky movements this week, it is still too small for you to feel. Instead, you might feel mild cramps, or your stomach could feel hard from the bloating.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of A Miscarriage At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
The most common sign of a miscarriage at ten weeks is vaginal bleeding. This might start as light bleeding and quickly progress to heavy bleeding. There might also be tissue in the blood or fluid.
Alongside the bleeding, cramping and pain in your lower stomach is common, and any pregnancy symptoms you might have had, like morning sickness, will have passed.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms or are worried about a miscarriage.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a miscarriage at ten weeks pregnant are around 0.7%. Research by PubMed found that the chances dropped again at ten weeks, especially after having an ultrasound and confirming a heartbeat.
It is worth noting that the chances are based on an average and do not consider any pre-existing medical conditions or complications.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You can do several things to maintain your health at ten weeks pregnant; take a look at them now.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Start taking prenatal vitamins if you have not already. These are essential to give you and your baby the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid supplements and supplements for iron and calcium should be taken. You can take these individually, or find a multivitamin that contains all of them.
Ensure that any multivitamin has the correct folic acid dosage for this pregnancy stage. You can consult your doctor to find the best supplement for you.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced and healthy diet as much as possible. Your body is working hard growing a baby, so fuel it the right way! You should aim for a diet of fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats. Speak to your doctor if you need guidance on adjusting your diet while pregnant.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining your health while pregnant. Not only is it good for you, but the baby too! Research by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that staying hydrated helps with digestion, forming amniotic fluid around the foetus, and circulating nutrients around the body.
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups of water daily throughout pregnancy.
Prevent Heartburn
Heartburn can start during your first trimester, so prevent it where you can. You don’t want to suffer from discomfort or find that it is harder for you to eat.
Heartburn can be prevented by eating smaller meals throughout the day. This can also help with any nausea or morning sickness! Avoid eating large meals late at night and spicy and greasy foods entirely.
Antacids can also help to relieve heartburn; speak to your doctor about antacids to see if they can help you.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
The following foods should be avoided at ten weeks pregnant:
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked seafood
- Raw or undercooked poultry
- Undercooked or runny eggs
- Deli meats
- Prepared salads
- Seafood with a high mercury level
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheese
- Food that has sat out for too long
- Raw sprouts
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Freshly squeezed juice
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
All alcoholic drinks should be avoided at ten weeks pregnant. You should also reduce your caffeine limit and the amount of sugary drinks you consume.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all supplements that are not suitable for pregnant women to take. The supplement label will state if they are suitable for pregnant women to consume, making it easy for you to tell.
You should also avoid any supplements that your doctor has not approved. Speak to them to find out if your supplements are safe.
Can I Exercise While 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at ten weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Several activities should be avoided to keep you and your baby safe. These include contact sports, sports with a lot of bouncing, sports where you could fall, and exercises over 2,500m above sea level.
Exercise while pregnant is encouraged; even gentle exercising like walking or yoga can be helpful throughout your pregnancy. Use your first trimester as a place to start exercising if you do not already. However, be kind to yourself. You will likely feel fatigued, so allow your body time to rest and exercise slowly.
Is It Safe To Travel When 10 Weeks Pregnant?
It is safe to travel at ten weeks pregnant, but there are some considerations you need to take. You should consult your doctor before flying if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. You can also speak to them if you have any concerns about flying in the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Before travelling to another country, you should check if you need any vaccinations or if there are any advisories for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided during your first trimester of pregnancy.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to have sex at ten weeks pregnant. You should use contraception to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, though. You can speak to your doctor about this if you need more information.
How Should I Sleep At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
You might find that you sleep more than usual at ten weeks pregnant. You should sleep usually, but don’t worry if you need a lunchtime nap this week!
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 10 Weeks Pregnant?
Any comfortable position is considered safe to sleep in at ten weeks pregnant. We do recommend practising side sleeping, though. Side sleeping is the safest sleeping position as your pregnancy progresses, so it is worth getting used to it now.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 10 Weeks Pregnant?
To calculate your due date at ten weeks pregnant, use the date of your last menstrual period. This is known as the LMP method and is how most pregnancy due dates are calculated. Take the first day of your last period and count forward 40 weeks or 280 days to get an estimated due date.
There are due date calculators that you can use online to do this and cycle tracking apps that will show you the last date of your period. For these apps to work, you do need to log your period dates accurately.
A doctor can also give you a due date at ten weeks pregnant. They will use your ultrasound to measure the baby’s size and calculate how far along you are based on their measurements. This is often done when women cannot remember the date of their last period.
It’s worth noting that due dates are not accurate, with many women giving birth before or after their due date. They should be considered more of a guide to help you prepare for your new arrival.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 10 Weeks Pregnant?
There are a a few changes to expect at ten weeks pregnant. You might see a pregnant belly starting to form! Don’t worry if you don’t; some women report bloating this week instead, with their baby bump forming a few weeks later. Your womb is the size of an orange now, and you might notice that you pass wind or burp more than usual. This is caused by progesterone relaxing the muscles in your womb to help it grow for your baby. It is completely normal.
Some pregnancy symptoms might remain, including morning sickness and mood swings. Hormonal changes in your body can level you feeling emotional, tearful, or irritable this week. This will pass!
You might also notice visible veins. You might see them across your breasts and stomach. Your veins are more prominent due to the increased blood flow and supply.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
At this point, your body is working hard! Your baby is growing quickly, with bones and cartilage forming. You will see small indentations on the legs, too, which are developing into ankles and knees. The arms now have elbows and can flex!
The baby’s teeth are also forming under the gums. They are there and waiting! Your body is also developing your baby’s stomach. They can now produce digestive juices, and kidneys are producing more urine. If the baby is a boy, testosterone will be produced.
No wonder you feel so tired! You might notice signs of a baby bump, but this could be your bloating rather than the start of a baby bump. Your body might also show other pregnancy symptoms, including morning sickness and mood swings.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are several things you can do to prepare for pregnancy if you are trying to conceive or have discovered you are pregnant.
Speak To Your Healthcare Provider
Speaking to your doctor or healthcare provider should be one of your first steps. They can provide information about conceiving and will point you toward the next steps once you are pregnant.
Your healthcare provider will help arrange appointments with midwives and doctors, ensuring you get the support you need throughout your pregnancy. Make speaking to them your top priority when finding out you are pregnant.
Make Lifestyle Chanfges
You might need to make some lifestyle changes when you become pregnant or are trying to conceive. You should stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Not only can alcohol and smoking harm your baby, but it can make it harder for you to conceive. Research by the Surgeon General found that smoking can lower your fertility, making it harder to conceive.
You should also stop taking any illegal drugs and speak to your doctor if you need help to quit any of these. Making these lifestyle changes will not only make you feel better but will be beneficial for your unborn baby.
Stay Healthy
Eating a balanced and varied diet can help you prepare for pregnancy. Not only will this provide your body with the nutrients you need, but it also ensures there are some for your growing baby! During conception, ensure you eat a diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and some carbohydrates.
You should also stay hydrated during this time, drinking around eight glasses of water daily.
Keep Active
It can be hard, especially when you are tired during the first trimester, but try to stay active. A gentle walk or some yoga is plenty but listen to your body here. You don’t want to push yourself and do more than you feel able to do. Finding the balance between keeping active and resting can be tricky for some women, but you will find what works for you.
Create A Support Group
You will want people around you to support you throughout your pregnancy. Look to your friends, family, and partner to support you throughout your conception and pregnancy. You can also find other expecting mothers in your area who can offer you support, guidance, and somewhere to voice your worries.
Social media groups and apps are an excellent way to meet these people and create a support network that works for you.
Final Thoughts On Week 10 Pregnancy
The tenth week of pregnancy is an exciting one! You might still be experiencing morning sickness, but this will soon pass. Your baby is growing quickly, with its arms and legs starting to take shape and even teeth forming! The mood swings will soon pass as your body gets ready to enter the exciting second trimester of pregnancy!