The embryo is approximately 1.3mm from the crown of the head to the rump but is very difficult to see and measure at this stage using ultrasound.
Week 10 of pregnancy (Days 70-76)
From week 10 you can have 9 Panorama Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening, to assess the probability of Down's Syndrome and other conditions. Getting plenty of rest and light exercise is important for your wellbeing.
Week 10 marks a significant point in your pregnancy. You may be getting more accustomed to the changes in your body, and the second trimester—when many women start to feel better and the risk of miscarriage drops—is just around the corner. If you’ve been waiting until week 12 to share the news with friends and family, you’re almost there!
Your Baby
Your baby is growing rapidly and is now officially considered a fetus rather than an embryo. At this stage, the fetus typically measures around 3.2cm to 4.8cm and weighs approximately 5-7g. Although still small, your baby is becoming more human-like each day. Vital organs are formed and begin functioning, and the baby's head becomes rounder, with facial features becoming more defined, including the development of tooth buds and the separation of fingers and toes.
The heart is fully formed and beating at about 180 beats per minute, which is 2-3 times faster than the mother's.
While you won’t feel movements yet, the baby is making small, jerky movements that can be seen on an ultrasound scan.
Your Body and Symptoms
At 10 weeks pregnant, common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and potentially headaches, dizziness, and digestive issues like heartburn or bloating, as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
Your belly may look rounder, especially if this is your second or subsequent pregnancy, or if you are expecting multiples.
As the uterus grows, your ligaments and muscles stretch, which can cause sharp or dull pain, especially when you walk or turn.
You might notice blue lines crisscrossing your breasts and abdomen due to the expanded network of veins carrying the increased blood supply.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy is a common occurrence, with up to 25% of women experiencing spotting or bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately it is sometimes an indication that you are having a miscarriage, but around half of women who experience bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy carry on to have a normal pregnancy. If you have any concerns then make sure you contact your GP or midwife. If the bleeding is heavy, you may need to attend A&E.
Your Care on the NHS
You do not need to see your Gp to let them know you are pregnant. Most Maternity Units have online self-referral forms. This form will generate a “Booking in appointment” At this appointment the Midwife will ask lots of questions about your health, family history, previous pregnancies and births. She will take some blood samples that are routine in pregnancy and may also take the blood sample used for the Combined Test for Down syndrome. It is unlikely that an ultrasound scan will be done at this visit but she will arrange an appointment for a few weeks later.
Private Care Available
If you chose private care you can have a similar consultation to that in the NHS if you wish, but with an experienced private midwife or a consultant obstetrician. In addition you will be offered an ultrasound scan.
From week 10 Non Invasive Prenatal Testing can be performed. This is currently the most advanced non-invasive pregnancy screening available for parents who would like to determine if they have a low probability or high probability for their baby having the conditions Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome. NIPT is available from as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy, for early screening before the NHS Nuchal Translucency scan.
Explore other weeks
Week 5 of pregnancy (Days 35-41)
Week 6 of pregnancy (Days 42-48)
Facial features continue to develop during this week, with tiny pits forming where the ears will eventually be. Nostril openings begin to appear along with dark spots where your baby’s eyes will be.
Week 7 of pregnancy (Days 49-55)
This week your baby experiences a huge growth spurt. Your baby's heartbeat will be visible on a viability ultrasound scan.
Explore other tests
Early Pregnancy Scan
From 6-11 weeks of pregnancy.
Panorama NIPT
From 9 weeks of pregnancy.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)
From 10 weeks of pregnancy