First trimester · 10 weeks pregnant
Week 10: the fetal period begins
Vital organs are in place and starting to work.
Your baby is now officially a fetus. Bones are starting to harden, tiny nails are forming and the kidneys, intestines, brain and liver are functioning in a basic way.
Size and weight
About the size of
a kumquat
Length
3.1 cm
Weight
4 g
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- Cartilage begins turning into bone; elbows and knees bend.
- Fingernails and toenails start to grow and the webbing between fingers disappears.
- The baby swallows amniotic fluid and kicks, though you cannot feel it yet.
- The forehead bulges as the brain develops.
How you may feel
- Visible veins on the breasts and abdomen
- A slightly rounded lower belly
- Dizziness when standing up quickly
- Round ligament twinges
- Nausea that may begin to ease towards the end of the month
Blood volume is rising sharply, which can make you feel light-headed. Stand up slowly and keep snacks handy.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- NIPT can be done from 10 weeks if you choose it.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is offered between 10 and 13 weeks only when there is a specific reason.
What to do this week
- Buy a supportive bra one size up; your breasts may keep growing.
- Book a dental appointment; treatment and cleaning are safe in pregnancy.
- Start a simple list of questions for your 12-week scan.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Bleeding that is heavier than light spotting, or bleeding with cramps
- Severe pain on one side of your lower abdomen, or pain with dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting so often that you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours
- A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or pain when you pass urine
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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