10 Weeks Pregnant
How is my baby developing?
You’re 10 weeks pregnant and all internal organs are already fully formed and beginning to function, which means your baby is at a lower risk of congenital malformations.
The skeleton is present but hasn’t ossified completely. The brain continues to develop, the stomach is connecting to the mouth and external genitalia is beginning to show.
Your baby’s heartbeat can be detected on an ultrasound scan, beating at approximately 160-170 beats per minute.
Ears and lips are completely formed, taste buds are developing but eyelids are still fused together. Your baby has distinct fingers and toes, with nails already developing.
At 10 weeks pregnant, wrist and ankle joints are forming and your baby can bend arms and legs, but unfortunately, you will not be able to feel his movements for another few weeks.
Your baby grows more sensitive to touch every day, and he’s able to grab the umbilical cord. Your baby can now drink amniotic fluid, which will help the respiratory and digestive system develop, and urinate.
At 10 weeks pregnant, your baby measures between 27 to 35 mm with half being the head and he weighs between 3 to 4 grams (or 4 paper clips).
At 10 weeks pregnant, the yolk sac is finally shrinking, as is no longer needed. The placenta is now fully functional.
How is my body changing?
Fortunately, the period of highest risk for your baby is coming to an end. Sickness is probably subsiding, but now you may feel your vision affected, have bleeding gums or an outbreak of acne.
You may also find that you’re passing gas or burping more than usual, which you can blame on the pregnancy hormones. Furthermore, you may feel dizzy occasionally, especially when you get up too quickly.
Remember to do things slowly and don’t worry, as this is normal during pregnancy.
Time for a spring clean!
At ten weeks pregnant, you probably still feel a bit tired to even think about getting ready for the baby, but over the next couple of weeks, you’ll start to feel better and may want to clean and organized your house in time for the new addition.
Cleaning during pregnancy is safe, as long as you take some precautions. Be sure that you don’t get into contact with any chemical, so wear gloves at all times and don’t breathe in the fumes.
Chemicals that are not harmful to you, may be able to cross the placenta and injure your developing baby. Why not try to use natural non-toxic products? Importantly, if you start feeling dizzy, stop and go outside for fresh air.
