Week by week pregnancy guide: Week 10 of your pregnancy

Week 10 of your pregnancy can show some slow down in your pregnancy symptoms, but there is a lot happening within too. Read hear to know more.

Debjani Arora | Updated: December 14, 2014 4:46 pm

By now the euphoric feeling of being pregnant has definitely settled down and you probably might have started thinking about the other details of pregnancy and labour — the choice of hospital, type of birthing option, maternity leave etc. The good news is your baby’s crucial organ development phase is over and she is now out of the dangers of developing congenital defects.

Changes that happen to your body

Though many women feel that the common symptoms of pregnancy like morning sickness, nausea and backache begin to subside with the start of week 10, but for many there is still a long way to go. With pregnancy hormones shooting up in volumes the common woes are surely going to still nag you. This week onwards probably you would feel a little heavier though the weight gain isn’t going to be much. The heaviness is more due to water retention and bloating.

Fatigue, constipation, backache and mood swings can be at their peak too. This is not the time to stress yourself with strenuous physical activity and household chores, start asking for help around. With the belly slightly bulging out (though very negligible), your pace of work and usual daily activity can become a bit slower. Don’t try to exceed the pace, as it can harm your health and that of the baby. Headaches and varicose veins can be a new addition to your pregnancy worry-list. Varicose veins during pregnancy is the result of the excessive blood circulation happening in the body.

If you are about to go for an antenatal check-up this week you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat as well. For many first time parents this is really a moment of emotional high.

Development of your baby

All the crucial organs of your baby have now been formed. The kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines and the brain are working in tandem now and also developing and growing at a greater pace. Also the joints in the limbs have formed and your baby is able to bend the hands and legs at the elbows and knees too. No you can’t feel those movements yet.

Also tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums this week onwards. Bones and cartilage are also forming, strengthening the skeletal system of the baby. Your baby’s height isn’t more than 25 to 30 mm in length from crown to toe. But now your fetus looks more human like and the little one’s systems are secreting digestive juices, urine and important hormones too.

What you should be doing

If you are planning to break the big news to the family or at office now it is wise to check on your excitement levels. It is ideal to wait till the end of the first trimester to do the big announcement. This is because chances of miscarriage of termination of pregnancy reduces by the end of the first trimester. Besides this, try not to get involved in physically strenuous activities and reduce your stress levels both at home and work.

If you are in the habit of smoking or drinking cut back on your vices. Pregnancy is also a time for tea toddlers and coffee lovers to go slow with their intake. Also know about the eight drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy.

Stick to your meal timings and adhere to portion control as overeating can lead to complications both in you and your baby. Moreover, having meals on time will also help you combat pregnancy induced cravings, reduce incidence of heartburn and acid reflux. Also read tips to deal with heartburn during pregnancy.

Have foods from all food groups, fruits and vegetables included. This will make sure that you get all the essential vitamins and minerals from natural food sources. Also read about the 7 essentials every pregnant woman’s diet should have.

Avoid having raw eggs and fish during pregnancy and other food items that can harm your baby. Here are 7 foods to avoid during pregnancy.

If you have learnt about your triggers by now try to stay away from them to counter morning sickness. Also read tips on how to deal with morning sickness during pregnancy.

If you are in the habit of exercising continue with it with some alterations to suit your pregnant body. Start exercising if you haven’t been doing it yet. If not start exercising from now. Just walking a few blocks daily is a great way to start walking during pregnancy. Read about the 9 pregnancy dos and don’ts you should follow while exercising.

Eat fibrous foods to constipation. Another way to combat this condition during pregnancy is to drink adequate amounts of water. Know about the other healthy drinks you should often sip during your pregnancy.

During pregnancy live by the phrase ‘sleep like a baby.’ Only this will ensure adequate rest and rejuvenate your body from pregnancy induced fatigue.

If you wish to know what happened to your body while you reached week 8 of your pregnancy, then read:

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Published: June 2, 2014 12:26 pm | Updated:December 14, 2014 4:46 pm

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