The baby's development in the 10th week of pregnancy

From now on: fetus: At the end of the 10th week of pregnancy your baby is about eight weeks old and has formed the foundations for all the important organs. With that, the embryonic phase completed and the fetal period begins – physicians now refer to the embryo as a fetus until birth.

First measurable heartbeats: Your baby's heart has been beating for over a month, but now the heartbeats are measurable for the first time, very faint but significantly faster than the mother's.

Fingers and toes are forming: In the 10th week of pregnancy the webbing on the hands and feet fully recedes and the individual fingers and toes develop. Already the distinctive hand and foot lines of the new little human are present – they remain unchanged for life. Also the elbows and knees on arms and legs are now clearly visible in the 10th week of pregnancy.

Facial features are forming: The ears and nose grow further in the 10th week of pregnancy, however the eyelids are not yet fully formed: The baby has the eyes completely open in the womb. The fetus can already open and close its mouth. In addition, the first tooth buds develop and the first taste buds grow on the tongue.

Advancing sensory perception: Because in the 10th week of pregnancy more and more new brain cells are being formed and the nervous system is constantly developing, the your baby's senses noticeably sharper than just a week earlier.

Lots of movement: In the 3rd month the fetus is already quite active – it moves its hands and feet and begins to 'kick'. Usually you still don't feel the movements in your belly in week 10 of pregnancy – that comes with the progressing pregnancy.

What happens during the ultrasound examination in the first trimester?

Between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy the first-trimester ultrasound is performed by your doctor. They now examine the size and developmental status of your baby and ask about your health and any possible complaints. The most important thing: As expectant parents you can take home an ultrasound image of your baby for the first time. This image is often also an occasion to inform family and friends about the pregnancy. Here you get an overview of everything that happens during the examination.

Ultrasound examination of the baby: Using ultrasound, your gynecologist measures the length of your baby from crown to rump. The size is compared with the calculated due date and adjusted if necessary. Based on the ultrasound image, the doctor also evaluates the physical development of the fetus as well as the presence and position of the internal organs. Usually you will be handed some ultrasound images of your baby.

One ultrasound per trimester: The first ultrasound examination is one of a total of three ultrasound appointments during pregnancy. Ultrasound appointments take place at the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters respectively and serve for preventive care, to see whether the baby is developing healthily and whether there are health risks for the mother.

Mother's data and values: The mother's blood pressure, weight, urine and blood values are measured, particularly the blood sugar and iron levels, are examined. A special diabetes test follows later in pregnancy. In addition, the doctor examines the position of the uterus and cervix and asks about possible complaints.

This is visible on the ultrasound image

In the 10th week of pregnancy the fetus is 2,5 bis 3,2 cm long and weighs 4 grams – that's almost twice as much weight as in the9th week of pregnancy. The size roughly corresponds to that of a strawberry. This also has a positive effect on your ultrasound: Now the lips and nose clearly visible and also the eyes and ears already almost have their final shape, which are already becoming apparent.

Physical changes – what happens to the mother in the 10th week of pregnancy?

Besides the usual first pregnancy symptoms of the past weeks, such as fatigue, an intensified sense of taste and a tugging in the lower abdomen, fortunately in the 10th week of pregnancy hardly any new symptoms are added. Physical changes still occur. Inside you, everything continues to be focused on the preparation for your little miracle. From growing breasts to skin and hair changes, here you will find an overview:

Uterus and breasts grow: The uterus is about the size of a grapefruit in the 10th week of pregnancy; from the outside the pregnancy is usually not yet visible. Nevertheless some expectant mothers notice that they can no longer quite close their pants button. The reason for this is your pelvis, which widens in the 10th week of pregnancy to give the baby enough space. What many women – and perhaps also those closest to them – notice first are the growing breasts as a clear sign of your physical change.

Shortness of breath: Already in the first trimester it is not uncommon for shortness of breath to make itself noticeable. Your body needs more oxygen to ensure the supply of your fetus. The lungs are often compressed by the growth of the baby, which manifests itself in labored breathing.

Increased salivation: In the 10th week of pregnancy, increased salivation often occurs. This usually contains more acid than usual – often this is due to nausea, which is also a very common pregnancy symptom in the first trimester.

Constipation: The increase in progesterone levels in the woman's body often causes constipation, which can persist beyond the 10th week of pregnancy. In addition to a fiber-rich <LINK>Diet during pregnancy and plenty of fluids, exercise also helps – a good tip to dispel the heavy fatigue of the first months.

Skin and hair: Everyone has heard of the typical 'pregnancy glow', and indeed the hormonal changes and increased blood circulation make the hair of many pregnant women look fuller and shinier and the skin take on a healthy, rosy appearance. Some women react the other way to the hormonal changes and develop blemished skin and lank hair. In addition, pigment spots can occur.

Tips for feeling good in week 10: What's important now

• Pay increased attention to oral hygiene: The 10th week of pregnancy is the perfect time for the 1st of two dentist appointments during pregnancy (you should schedule the 2nd appointment around the 30th week of pregnancy ). Because even if you never neglected your oral hygiene and have always had good teeth, slight changes can occur due to the hormone progesterone and the higher acidity of saliva. Therefore it is advisable to proactively at least have plaque (dental plaque) removed and have your teeth checked for cavities. Due to the high progesterone levels, the gums and oral mucosa have increased blood flow, so the tissue swells and loosens more easily. Plaque bacteria thus have an easier time causing inflammation. With the preventive appointment with your dentist you can prevent such inconveniences.

• Improve blood circulation: To improve your circulation and prevent varicose veins later on, exercise is essential. Even daily walks are sufficient and also help you to clear your head.

• Buy new underwear: Even if the belly is still quite flat, many women feel that their breasts are now noticeably growing and may be tender. It does not have to be a nursing bra yet, but a larger cup size with wide straps and a comfortable fit can contribute a lot to you feeling much more comfortable during the day.

• Schedule care massages: Even before the belly grows, you can prepare the skin for the additional strain and prevent stretch marks. Get into the habit of massaging the skin on the belly, buttocks and thighs with a soft brush after showering in the morning or evening and rubbing in a care oil or lotion.