Pregnancy Week 10

What’s Your Baby up to?

Week 10 is the beginning of the foetal stage and your baby is now officially referred to as a Foetus – another name for offspring. Your precious offspring measures about 3cm from crown to rump, the size of a kumquat (an East Asian citrus fruit), and weighs about 4g.

Your baby’s head still bulges out to accommodate the rapidly developing brain. The head alone accounts for half the size of your baby’s body. Your little one’s heartbeat can be heard during an ultrasound. You’ll be happy to learn that the heart is now fully formed.

The facial features have become clearly distinguishable. Your baby has developed jawbones which are already sporting tiny tooth buds; the eyelids are now more developed but will remain shut until around the 28th week; the outer ears and upper lip have all taken shape.

What else is new with your baby? Your baby’s little fingers and toes are no longer webbed. They are now completely separated. Tiny fingernails and toenails which you will be happily clipping in about 30 weeks are starting to grow in. Your baby has got moves as well, and can be seen on an ultrasound making little jerky movements, and bending the limbs. How cute!

How are you feeling?

Your uterus has doubled in size and is now the size of a grapefruit.

It’s normal to have an increase in your vaginal discharge; but be sure to always inspect it. Greenish, yellowish or brownish discharge or any sign of bleeding should be reported to your doctor.

In addition to morning sickness and fatigue, your digestive process is now slowed down by pregnancy hormones. You might be constantly feeling constipated.

Dizzy spells, headaches and excessive thirst are all common at this stage of pregnancy.

What should you do this week?

Increase your fibre intake to ease constipation: some good sources of fibre are oranges, ugu leaves, cucumber, tiger nuts (aki awusa) and oats.

Increase your fluid intake to avoid dehydration and relieve your constipation. Also stay active and do your kegel exercises for your pelvic floor.

A healthy balanced diet is essential for your health and that of your baby.

Endeavor to take your prenatal vitamins. Most people are intimidated by the size of the big tablets, or vomit after taking it; but you just have to find a way to get it down your throat. You can use a drink like orange juice to wash it down, or tuck it inside your eba. You can also opt for the chewable gummy vitamins if you can find them. The main goal here is to get prenatal vitamins into your body daily.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for emotional support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.