Week 10 of pregnancy
What's Happening with Baby
This is a critical period for your baby's development, as they are particularly sensitive to environmental factors. This makes maintaining healthy habits especially important right now.
The foundational elements of what will become your baby's nervous system are rapidly developing. The delicate skin is beginning to form, along with the early structures of sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands.
Your baby is now about 1 1/4 inches long (roughly the size of a prune or a strawberry) and weighs around 0.14 ounces. Tiny fingers and toes are now separate and distinct, and even miniscule fingernails and toenails are starting to grow.
All essential organs are formed and are now beginning to function and mature.
What You Might Experience
You've likely noticed ongoing changes in your breasts. They may continue to enlarge and feel more tense or sore. It's also common for the nipples to increase in size and for the areola (the area around the nipple) to darken.
To care for your breasts during this time, you might find it helpful to avoid harsh soaps that can dry out the skin and opt for comfortable, supportive bras without underwires.
Many early pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and nausea may still be present, though for some women, they might start to ease around this time as you approach the end of the first trimester.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
It's natural to wonder about weight gain during pregnancy. The generally recommended range is between 9 to 15 kilos (approximately 20 to 33 pounds) over the entire pregnancy.
This accounts for the baby's weight, the placenta, amniotic fluid, increased blood volume, and the enlargement of the uterus and breasts. Typically, women might gain around 1 to 2.5 kilos (2-5.5 pounds) during the first trimester, about 5-6 kilos (11-13 pounds) in the second, and a similar amount in the third.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and your doctor will discuss what's appropriate for your individual situation.
Many couples wonder about sexual activity during pregnancy. For most healthy pregnancies, it is perfectly safe to continue having sex and enjoying intimacy with your partner without risk to the baby.
However, it's always good to discuss any concerns with your doctor, and some practitioners may advise abstaining or taking precautions in the very late stages of pregnancy (e.g., after the eighth month) or if certain complications arise.
At your prenatal checkups around this time, you might be able to hear your baby's strong, rapid heartbeat with a Doppler device, which can be a very exciting and reassuring experience.
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