10 weeks pregnant: Baby’s development, symptoms and more

Your baby is growing so fast and developing more recognisably human features all the time. At about 30 mm long, the foetus is approximately the size of a small apricot, and moving around a lot – though you probably won’t feel any movement for some time yet.

Your baby’s head is still quite large in proportion to the rest of the body. All those tiny facial features you will come to love are in development, including lips, nostrils and jawbones and even the buds of future teeth. Developing wrists and knees mean your baby's limbs can now bend.

The umbilical cord is clearly visible and the baby’s intestines are developing. In short, it’s all going on. Soon the genitals will start to develop, though you’re unlikely to be able to tell the baby’s sex until your 20-week ultrasound.

If you haven't had your first antenatal visit yet, it'll be coming up soon. Ask the midwife if she can use a Doppler stethoscope to let you hear your baby's heartbeat – you'll be amazed at how fast it is!

Even more exciting for many parents is the first ultrasound scan, which usually happens between 10 and 14 weeks. This is the most reliable way to predict the baby’s due date, but it's also an amazing moment when you get to see your baby for the first time – so make sure your partner or a close friend comes along to enjoy the moment with you!

Though the end of the first trimester is in sight, and with it – you hope – the end of those pesky early pregnancy symptoms, you may still be feeling a bit rough this week. How are you coping? Some people say that eating little and often helps to limit nausea and sickness, so keep healthy snacks or dry biscuits to hand just in case.

Uterus size at 10 weeks

Your uterus at 10 weeks pregnant is around the size of an orange. You might be able to see a difference when you look in the mirror or feel it when you try to put on your skinny jeans! There’s no prizes for holding out on slipping into maternity wear. If it makes you more comfortable, go for it!

Hormone effects

Levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG have been rising since conception, but should begin to level off now, which might ease your pregnancy symptoms. The hope is that the second trimester will be a period of minimal discomfort and high energy levels, though that isn’t the case for everyone. Of course, as your bump and baby grow, you will likely experience other side effects, like back pain, joint pain, trouble sleeping comfortably, etc. There are different ways to support your bump to help with these aches and pains.

Joint pain

Another aspect of pregnancy that can play havoc with your joints is the increase in the hormone relaxin, so if you’re experiencing lower back pain at 10 weeks, relaxin could be to blame.

Relaxin allows your ligaments to stretch to accommodate your growing uterus and to enable your pelvis and cervix to widen for birth. However, it can also have an impact on other ligaments in your body, so it’s one to watch if you’re doing high-impact exercises that can be hard on your joints.

Relaxin can also contribute to round ligament pain – usually from the second trimester, though it can start earlier. Your round ligaments are the cords of connective tissue that attach your uterus to your pelvis. You have one on each side, and you may notice a stabbing pain when you make sudden movements – perhaps when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or rolling over in bed. The pain is your ligaments going into spasm and it isn’t dangerous for you or the baby, though it can be disconcerting. Try to change position slowly, or support your bump with your hands if you’re going to cough or sneeze.

Visible veins

Have you noticed your veins have become more visible? Don’t panic – it’s not a permanent state. It’s a natural result of having more blood pumping round your body during pregnancy – up to 80% more! And your pregnancy hormones have also caused your veins to dilate. Larger veins and more blood = more prominent veins!

You might discover at your first scan that you're expecting more than one baby! This is exciting, of course, but it can also come as quite a shock. Luckily, you're not alone; the Twins Trust has lots of practical advice and support to offer parents of twins and multiples.

Caffeine intake during pregnancy

Most people know to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy, but did you know that caffeine is present in other foods and drinks besides coffee? Tea, chocolate, energy drinks and soft drinks, as well as some cold and flu remedies contain caffeine and should also be limited. See our guide to what to eat during pregnancy for more information.

Bloating and indigestion

If you’re suffering with bloating or indigestion, try eating more frequent, smaller meals and eat more slowly. Some people find a short walk after meals helps. If it’s happening regularly, try keeping a food diary and see if you can identify any foods that might be triggering your symptoms. Follow our guide to staying healthy during pregnancy for more help and advice.

Sore or tender breasts

If your breasts are sore and causing discomfort, take yourself to the shops for a bra fitting. Companies like Marks & Spencer offer this service – book ahead – and will be able to advise on a maternity bra that has sufficient support and stretch.

Relationship

How are things with your partner? Some people find they are feeling so rubbish during this first trimester that they can’t face anything more than a cuddle in front of the telly, or that they’re too tired to have a conversation with their partner bigger than ‘what shall we have for dinner?’. 

It’s really important to keep communicating. Although it may feel like this part of the process is ‘all on you’, parenting is a partnership and your partner can’t support you unless they know what it is you need.

What should I expect at 10 weeks pregnant?

By now, you should have had your antenatal screening tests, and a date for your ultrasound scan. If you haven’t got a date in yet, talk to your midwife about how to arrange one.

Every pregnancy is different, so whether you’re feeling much better or still feeling under the weather, that’s normal. Some people feel very anxious in the run up to their dating scan. If you simply can’t wait any longer for the reassuring sight of your baby and its tiny heartbeat, you can always book a 10-week ultrasound with a private provider.

Can you feel movement at 10 weeks pregnant?

You’re unlikely to feel your baby move at 10-weeks gestation. It’s still very small and a long way off being able to kick you in the ribs. When you do feel movement, it will start by feeling like a fluttering sensation or like bubbles popping inside you. People who have had babies before are more likely to recognise the feeling and so may feel movement earlier than first-time mums. 

What should you not do at 10 weeks pregnant?

There are some obvious ‘no-no’s’ throughout pregnancy, like smoking, taking drugs, or drinking alcohol. People tend to be more cautious through this first trimester because so much of your baby’s fundamental development is going on, as well as because of early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and feeling faint. If you’re worried about hazards in your workplace, talk to your midwife and your employer, who will want to make sure you are safe.

What pains are normal at 10 weeks pregnant?

The niggling pulls and tugs on your abdomen should have stopped by now, but could well be replaced by round ligament pain or other joint problems.

Is my baby fully developed at 10 weeks?

No, there is a little way to go before your baby is fully developed. But it’s well on its way!

Got questions? At the HiPPBabyClub, we bring you real-world advice and support from HiPP parents, midwives, nutritionists and more. Join our Baby Club to find out more.