The development of the baby 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 major organs. This means the embryonic phase completed and the fetal period begins – doctors 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 form: In the 10th week of pregnancy the webbing on hands and feet fully recedes and the individual fingers and toes develop. Already the unmistakable hand and foot lines of the new little human are present – they remain unchanged for life. Also the elbows and knees on the arms and legs are now clearly visible in week 10.

Facial features are forming: The ears and nose continue to grow in the 10th week of pregnancy, however the eyelids are not yet fully developed: 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 are forming and the first taste buds are growing on the tongue.

Progressing sensory perception: Because in the 10th week of pregnancy more and more new brain cells are forming and the nervous system is continuously developing, the baby's senses noticeably sharper than a week ago.

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 do not feel the movements in your belly in week 10 – that comes as the pregnancy progresses.

What happens during the ultrasound examination in the 1st trimester?

Between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy the first trimester ultrasound is performed by your doctor. Now he or she examines the size and development of your baby and asks about your health and any possible complaints. The most important thing: As expectant parents you can take home your baby's first ultrasound image. This image is often also an occasion to inform family and friends about the pregnancy. Here you get an overview of everything that takes place during the examination.

Ultrasound examination of the baby: Using ultrasound, the gynecologist measures your baby's length from the crown to the rump. The size is compared with the calculated due date and adjusted if necessary. Based on the ultrasound image, the doctor also assesses the physical development of the fetus as well as the presence and position of the internal organs. As a rule, you are given 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 and serve as preventive care to see whether the baby is developing healthily and whether there are health risks for the mother.

Mother's data and values: In the mother, blood pressure, weight, urine and blood parameters are checked, in particular the blood sugar and iron levels in the blood, 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 to 3.2 cm long and weighs 4 grams – that's almost twice as much weight as in the9th week of pregnancy.strawberry. This also has a positive effect on your ultrasound: Now lips and nose clearly visible and also the eyes and ears already almost have their final shape, which is already becoming apparent.

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

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

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

Shortness of breath: Already in the 1st trimester it is not uncommon to experience shortness of breath. Your body needs more oxygen to supply your fetus. The lungs are often compressed by the baby's growth, which can result 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 1st trimester.

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

Skin and hair: Everyone has heard of the typical 'glow' of pregnant women, and in fact the hormonal changes and increased blood flow cause many pregnant women to have fuller, shinier hair and skin with a healthy, rosy appearance. Some women react to the hormonal changes the other way and get blemished skin and stringy hair. In addition, pigmentation spots may occur.

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

• Pay more attention to oral hygiene: The 10th week of pregnancy is the perfect time for the 1st of two dentist appointments during pregnancy (you should plan the 2nd appointment around the 30th week of pregnancy ). Because even if you never neglect 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 have plaque (dental plaque) removed as a precaution and to have your teeth checked for cavities. Due to the high progesterone level, the gums and oral mucosa are more strongly supplied with blood, so the tissue swells and loosens more easily. Plaque bacteria thus have an easier time causing inflammation. By attending the preventive appointment with your dentist you avoid such inconveniences.

• Promote circulation: To improve your circulation and prevent varicose veins that may appear later, exercise is essential. Even daily walks are sufficient and also help you clear your head.

• Buy new underwear: Even if the belly is still 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 with wide straps and a comfortable fit can contribute greatly to feeling much more comfortable during the day.

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