10 Weeks Pregnant

At 10 weeks, baby is about the size of a Barbie shoe. All of baby’s organs have taken shape, though they’re still a long way off from being mature enough to work outside the womb. You’re probably still feeling all the typical first-trimester symptoms, and a few new symptoms may also kick in this week.

How Many Months Is 10 Weeks Pregnant?

Ten weeks pregnant in months is two-and-a-half months pregnant, which is part of the first trimester of pregnancy. To figure out your due date, try our handy-dandy due date calculator.

Your Baby at 10 Weeks

This week, your baby is officially out of the embryo stage and is now called a fetus. That means all their organs are formed, and everything’s starting to kick into gear. The heart and limbs have passed the point when they’re most sensitive to major structural defects, but the central nervous system, ears, eyes, mouth and external genitals are still in the critical development stage.

Here’s what else is going on with your baby at 10 weeks:

• Limbs and digits: Arms and legs no longer look like paddles, bones and cartilage are starting to shape everything, and fingers and toes lose their webbing. Joints are developing, and the elbows and knees can bend. Baby’s limbs will be fully formed and functional by the end of this week, though it’ll be a while before you feel those kicks.
• Big head: Baby’s head takes up about half the length of their body, and there’s a noticeable bulge at the front to make space for their developing brain. Don’t worry about the way baby looks now, though; the forehead bulge will be gone by week 16, and their head will become more proportional in the third trimester.

How Big Is a Baby at 10 Weeks?

At 10 weeks pregnant, baby measures about 1.2 inches long and weighs in at .14 ounces. That’s about the size of a Barbie shoe.

Your Body at 10 Weeks of Pregnancy

When you’re 10 weeks pregnant, symptoms could be in full swing or you may not be experiencing much of anything. Both are normal. If you’re experiencing symptoms, here’s what’s most common this week:

Nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness may still be your reality. On average, “symptoms usually start around six weeks and peak at nine or 10 weeks and then get gradually better,” Dr. Sarah Yamaguchi tells Babylist, so hopefully you’re past the worst of it. If you’re having food aversions, the sight, smell or even thought of certain foods may totally sicken you. Can’t look at anything except chocolate cake? It’s okay if that’s your main go-to for calories for now. “In the first trimester, some people have to eat junk food just to get by and that’s just how it is,” Yamaguchi says. The most important thing is that you’re keeping food down and staying well hydrated.

Sore, swollen breasts

Progesterone is kicking your milk ducts into high gear, which is probably making your breasts tender and your bras tight. This will calm down a bit in the second trimester, then pick up again right before birth. Breast tenderness is more common in your first pregnancy, says Dr. Malavika Prabhu, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital. You may experience some milk leakage as early as the second trimester, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.

Constipation

Feeling blocked up? Constipation is very common in the first trimester. Find your favorite fiberful foods (raspberries, dried apricots or almonds) and snack on them often. Remember to drink lots of water, too, since the fiber doesn’t work without plenty of hydration in your system. Preventing constipation also can prevent hemorrhoids, which can happen due to all the straining to go, and are common in pregnancy. If you’re feeling up for it, another tried-and-true remedy for constipation is exercise. “In general, constipation responds to physical activity,” Dr. Prabhu says, so try taking a daily walk.

Mood swings

You still may be feeling a bit crankier or a bit weepier than the norm. While your body continues to adjust to first-trimester hormones, mood swings are par for the course. Specifically, it’s estrogen and progesterone overactivating the part of your brain that regulates mood. You can try to head them off by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy (and often) and avoiding stress as much as possible. But sometimes, there’s not much you can do but cry at a Hallmark Channel movie and look forward to the second trimester, when hormones level out more.

Vaginal discharge

You may start to notice an increase in discharge right around 10 weeks pregnant, but if you haven’t noticed a difference yet, just wait. Vaginal discharge will continue to increase throughout your pregnancy, becoming heaviest in the third trimester. Wear breathable panty liners for comfort (never wear tampons while pregnant), and know what vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and what is worth a call to your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming Up In Week 11:

At week 11 of pregnancy, you may still feel nauseous, fatigued or have a stuffy nose.

Your 10 Weeks Pregnant Belly

You may have gained around one to four pounds already, which is right on track for the first trimester. Or you may have lost a little bit of weight if you’ve had particularly bothersome morning sickness, which is also totally normal. In the second trimester and beyond, you may gain about a pound per week, but it depends entirely on your body’s unique needs. Your healthcare provider will discuss your weight gain expectations throughout your pregnancy.

Commonly Asked Questions About 10 Weeks Pregnant

When should I tell my work about my pregnancy?

As you near the end of the first trimester, you’ll soon need to share your news with work. It’s natural to feel nervous. How do you handle it? How will your coworkers react? How does maternity leave work? We have you covered: Learn the facts about telling work you’re pregnant and how parental leave works. (And partners should start reading up on the Family Medical Leave Act.)

What can I eat when I don’t feel like eating?

If you’re finding it hard to get anything down but you’re worried about getting the right nutrition for your baby, try foods that are high-protein (so they’re super filling), easy to make (because you’re tired) and quick to eat (because you’re nauseous). Try no-bake energy balls, cottage cheese with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds or the classic peanut butter and apple slices.

Is it too early to buy a nursing bra?

Nope! It’s never too early to invest in a good maternity or nursing bra. Although the soreness in your breasts will most likely wane as you enter the second trimester, you’ll be grateful for extra support as your boobs continue to grow throughout your pregnancy (and they’ll likely get sore again in the third trimester).

Recommended Products for Week 10 of Pregnancy

As your body changes, you’ll need some items to support you in your journey. Here are some items we think might be helpful.

Kindred Bravely 
Simply Sublime Seamless Nursing Bra For Breastfeeding

You may still be more than six months away from breastfeeding, but your sore breasts will thank you for the extra support a good nursing bra offers.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$48.90

Amazon$48.89

Frida Mom 
Instant Ice Maxi Pad

If you’re suffering from hemorrhoids due to constipation, these cooling pads can soothe the itching and burning.

Buy

Add to Babylist

Babylist$19.99

Amazon$18.89

Target$18.89

Walmart$18.97

Always  
Dailies Thin Unscented Panty Liners

Vaginal discharge will continue to be higher than normal throughout your pregnancy, so opt for a thin, unscented panty liner for daily comfort and dryness.

Buy

Add to Babylist

target.com$10.19

Sources

• Dr. Malavika Prabhu, maternal-fetal medicine specialist
• Week 10: Baby’s elbows bend