What happens to the mother and fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy?

The standard gestational age is 40 weeks. The 10th week means that very soon a quarter of the time until the baby is born will be left behind. Right now the foundation of all organs and systems of the child is being completed. Mom now needs to be very attentive and careful.

On the issue of timing

There are different methods for determining the exact gestational age; they can be found here. Any doctor will use the obstetric period, counting from the first day of the last menstruation. If you count from conception, then the tenth week means the twelfth obstetric week.

Feel

This week the fetus is already 8 weeks old - at this time the embryonic stage of the baby’s development ends. Already next week, it will move from the “status” of an embryo to the “status” of a fetus, and a new period of its development will begin - fetal. In the meantime, the sensations at the 10th week of pregnancy make themselves felt in the same way as a week ago, hormones continue to do their job, which means that toxicosis has not yet passed. In this case, the expectant mother can reassure herself by the fact that in the very near future toxicosis will be a thing of the past: usually its symptoms disappear by the 12th week. Nausea and periodic vomiting are accompanied by other sensations, such as drowsiness, fatigue, and absent-mindedness. Mood swings and emotional instability also occur.

Recommendations for expectant mothers

At this time there will be the following recommendations:

• Hiking in the park or forest will be useful;
• you can take vitamin complexes for pregnant women;
• monitor the condition of the digestive system. Constipation in your condition is harmful;
• stick to the drinking regime. In your situation, you need to drink 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day;
• try to get positive emotions. This could be shopping, reading interesting books and magazines, meeting with your beloved husband, going to the theater, etc.

Don’t forget about physical activity, you don’t need to lie flat for 9 months

Belly at 10 weeks pregnant

Despite the fact that a lot of time has passed since conception and the fetus continues to actively grow and develop, the belly at the 10th week of pregnancy has not yet begun to round. At the same time, at this stage, some pregnant women may notice a dark stripe on their stomach, running from the navel to the bottom - this is the result of increased synthesis of the substance melanin in the body of the expectant mother. Although the belly has not yet begun to grow, a certain increase in weight is still noted - approximately 2-3 kg. A woman’s “additional” weight is due to the increasing volume of blood, engorged mammary glands, and also to the growing uterus.

Uterus

The size of the uterus at the 10th week of pregnancy already reaches the size of a large apple or grapefruit; it gradually becomes “crowded” in the pelvic cavity. For this reason, at 10 weeks of pregnancy the uterus begins to rise above the pubic joint, and very soon it will begin to be felt with your hands.

What's happening to mom

The tenth week of pregnancy corresponds to the eighth obstetric week. At this stage, the following changes occur in the mother’s body:

• a pregnant woman’s belly may become rounded at this stage, although many expectant mothers note that they encountered such a change much later;
• a significant increase in abdominal size may be a sign of multiple pregnancy;
• due to increased muscle contraction between the stomach and esophagus, heartburn may occur;
• some women experience increased urination;
• vaginal discharge becomes abundant, it can be transparent, white or yellow, if there are no unpleasant symptoms in the form of itching, burning and pain, there is no reason to panic;
• Breast size increases, thus preparing the female body for the important period of lactation. The breasts swell, become firmer, and colostrum may be released;
• lower back pain occurs after resting on your back;
• the mother's body temperature normalizes;
• due to hormonal instability, a woman becomes more emotional;
• hair growth increases;
• signs of toxicosis become less pronounced, a woman may complain of nausea in the morning;
• basal temperature is 37.7 degrees, it should be measured in the morning, without getting out of bed.

The size of the uterus changes, its diameter reaches 10-12 centimeters, it is located at the level of the pubic bone. The placenta develops, during this period it is fixed in the uterine cavity. The mother's appetite increases due to the increased need for nutrients.

Analyzes

Usually, at 10 weeks, a woman is already aware that in a few months she will give birth to a new baby. If for some reason the woman is not yet registered until this moment, now is the time to go to the antenatal clinic to do this. And - get a referral for tests at the 10th week of pregnancy, which necessarily involve taking a sample for a general blood test, a urine test, and a blood sugar test.

When conducting tests at the 10th week of pregnancy, experts pay special attention to blood sugar levels, especially for women over 25 years of age, those pregnant women who are overweight or whose relatives have diabetes. Also, when conducting a blood test, they analyze the level of testosterone in a woman’s body, which may be slightly increased during pregnancy.

Among other things, the doctor often prescribes an hCG test at 10 weeks of pregnancy. Typically, such an analysis is performed if there is a suspicion of a possible miscarriage. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin is actively produced by fetal tissues from the first days of conception, and its level constantly increases as the embryo develops. The dynamics of increasing hCG levels makes it possible to determine how well the pregnancy is progressing and whether there is a threat of its termination.

At week 10, according to indications, a fetal villi biopsy is also analyzed. It may be required for timely prenatal detection of genetic abnormalities in fetal development in the early stages of pregnancy.

At the same time, an ultrasound examination is usually not carried out at this stage, only a date is set for the corresponding study: usually the first ultrasound is performed before the 14th week of pregnancy. However, at week 10, an ultrasound may be needed to confirm progressing pregnancy and clarify the due date.

Ultrasound

During an ultrasound at the 10th week of pregnancy, you can clearly see the fetus, which is already unusually similar to a person - albeit very small. The size of the baby now resembles a small plum, but this “plum” already has miniature knees and ankles. And an ultrasound at the 10th week of pregnancy can show how the fetus bends its knees, how it waves its arms and bends them at the elbows, how it moves its legs.

Features of ultrasound

One of the important studies is ultrasound. However, you should not blindly believe it - this is a relative method, the reliability of which largely depends on the quality of the device and the qualifications of the doctor. The optimal time to screen for malformations is determined by the size of the embryo, not the age. The baby should be from 45 to 84 mm from the coccyx to the parietal bone (CTB). Parameters important for diagnostics are listed in the table.

Table - What is determined by ultrasound at 10 weeks of pregnancy (12 obstetric)

In addition to screening parameters, the doctor examines the internal organs in detail for abnormal development. The localization of the chorion and the presence/absence of detachment are also determined. The uterine wall (myometrium) is examined for the presence of fibroids, and the ovaries are examined to identify cysts. The length and width of the cervix are measured separately.

The following defects are relatively often detected during an ultrasound scan at 12 weeks:

• risk for Down syndrome - as well as for other chromosomal abnormalities, for example, Patau, Edwards;
• megacystitis - enlargement of the bladder;
• ventral hernia - as well as its extreme manifestation gastroschisis (in this case, all abdominal organs are located outside the body of the embryo);
• pathology of the limbs - absence of parts or the entire limb (upper or lower);
• brain anomaly - absence of certain structures or the entire brain (rarely), as well as enlargement of the ventricles with cerebrospinal fluid;
• spina bifida - non-fusion of the vertebral arches with the spinal cord coming out, underdevelopment of the nerve pathways.

Fetus

The fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy completes the fundamental laying of all major organs and systems. This means that from the next crisis stage of his development will pass, many factors that posed a threat to the baby at the first stage of his development will no longer be so dangerous. From now on, the baby will only grow, gradually “adding” more and more new cells to the laid “foundation”.

The size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy reaches 30-40 mm, its weight is on average 5 g. And, at the same time, this tiny miracle already has a direct resemblance to a human baby. Even if the baby is still completely transparent, the hairs are not yet growing, and the fluff is just developing, his heart is already working very powerfully, up to 150 beats per minute.

A fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy can “boast” of formed limbs, on which fingers, knee and elbow joints are visible. The ears and oral cavity have also formed - the baby is already actively grimacing, closing and opening his mouth, bringing his hands to his face and putting his fingers in his mouth.

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the fetal brain develops at tremendous speed: about 250 thousand neurons are created in 1 minute. At the same time, the nervous system is already completely divided into central and peripheral.

Already at such an early stage, the formation of the rudiments of the baby’s baby teeth begins, and therefore the presence of calcium-containing products in the pregnant woman’s diet becomes a necessity. The intestines, rectum, and bile ducts have almost completed their development, while the liver is still actively developing. The formation of the lymphatic and immune systems also continues.

Despite the fact that the genitals are not yet visible, it is nevertheless possible to determine gender: if a boy grows in the womb of a woman, the testicles already produce the male hormone testosterone.

Fetus. Development at 10 weeks

Fetal development in the 10th week of pregnancy

The 8th week after fertilization has begun, at the end of which in all documents the future baby will be officially called a “fetus” and it will be possible to talk about the successful completion of organogenesis (the formation of internal organs and systems).

Many doctors have been calling the embryo a fetus for the last 2 weeks, but officially the future baby receives this name only after 10 weeks of pregnancy (according to obstetric calculations).

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the height of the fetus is only 3.5 - 5 cm, and the weight is about 5 g. If you look at the fetus, then, for all its miniature, you can note its striking resemblance to an ordinary person, only with incorrect proportions.

At the current stage of pregnancy, the head is still very large and exceeds the size of the body, but gradually, in the process of growth, the fetus will enlarge, grow, and the proportions will change. The entire body is covered with almost transparent skin, through which the pattern of veins and arteries is clearly visible.

Despite its small size, the processes occurring inside and outside the fetus are very serious.

Active adjustment of the work of all systems continues, all the necessary organs are developing, the face, arms and legs are being formed.

The face is already almost formed. At the 10th week of pregnancy, further formation of the auricles, the design of the nose occurs, the growth of eyebrows begins and the hair follicles on the head are born.

Improvement of the senses (vision, hearing, smell and touch) continues.

Important! At the 10th week, the formation of tooth buds occurs. The expectant mother should pay attention to her diet, providing the fetus with a sufficient amount of calcium, magnesium and other minerals.

The active formation of the brain continues.

The cerebral cortex is formed, one of the most important components of the nervous system, providing higher nervous activity. Thanks to her, a person becomes reasonable.

The cerebral cortex is formed above the hemispheres, which at the current stage begin to separate and separate from the medulla oblongata.

If at the 10th week you use sophisticated equipment that records brain activity, you will notice a significant increase in brain impulses many times over.

Every day the baby acquires new capabilities and abilities.

At the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy, the nervous system is divided into 2 parts. The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral begin to act separately.

In the future, it is in the central nervous system that all processes of mastering skills will take place and the child’s mind will take shape, and the peripheral nervous system will ensure a clear transmission of orders from the brain to each cell and carry out automatic functions to ensure the safety of the body.

Despite the process of division of the nervous system, it does not stop the constant development and expansion of the network of nerve endings.

At the 10th week, active growth of nerve endings around the spine occurs. Thanks to this, in the future the fetus will be able to perform many movements and hold the body in the desired position.

Important changes also occur in the fetal skeletal system.

At the 10th week, the process of ossification of cartilage begins. Previously, the entire body was formed around soft and pliable cartilage, which will not be able to provide the necessary rigidity after birth.

The process of transforming bone tissue from soft to hard takes a long time, so the processes begin in the first trimester.

The process will continue throughout pregnancy and after birth.

Important! From the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy, constantly consume foods rich in calcium (cheese, cottage cheese, fish, seafood and legumes) to provide the fetus with the necessary amount of this substance.

If there is insufficient calcium intake from foods and vitamins, the fetus will take the required amount from the mother’s body, which can lead to thinning of the woman’s tooth enamel, severe brittleness of nails, hair, etc.

At the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy, improvement processes also occur in the cardiovascular system. The network of capillaries continues to expand, and blood flow is stable.

At the current stage, the heart works very quickly; it makes 150 beats per minute, which is 2 times faster than that of an ordinary person.

Blood flow in the umbilical cord improves, allowing the baby to quickly receive all the necessary substances from the mother’s body.

The liver is actively involved in the functioning of the circulatory system, ensuring the production of blood cells.

The stomach hardly works yet, occasionally processing amniotic fluid accidentally swallowed by the fetus.

This week, the trachea and esophagus are gradually separated, ensuring the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems in the future.

Thanks to the active work of cells, a lot of work has been done in the 8 weeks after fertilization.

If by the end of this week the baby does not show any defects, then the likelihood of them appearing before birth is minimal.

From the end of this week, the fetus enters the active phase of growth and weight gain. Internal organs and systems will be improved, but new ones will not be formed.

Pain at 10 weeks of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, many women complain of pain of one kind or another. Experts attribute a pulling and painful sensation in the groin areas, for example, to tension in the uterine ligaments.

Perhaps the leading position is occupied by complaints of pain in the 10th week of pregnancy in the abdominal area. In this case, the nature of the pain must be carefully analyzed. If the pain is located in the upper abdomen, most likely the stomach is making itself known. To eliminate pain, it may be enough to simply review your diet and reduce portion sizes; if this does not help, you should plan a visit to a gastroenterologist.

Much more dangerous is the pain in the 10th week of pregnancy in the lower abdomen, pulling or cramping, sharp. Such pain may indicate a high risk of premature and spontaneous abortion, especially if accompanied by bloody or brown discharge. Therefore, a visit to a doctor should be made immediately, if necessary, even calling an ambulance to your home.

You should also consult a doctor if pain at 10 weeks of pregnancy is accompanied by still frequent urination. Cutting, itching, burning in the genital area when emptying the bladder indicates the presence of a urinary tract infection and also requires mandatory treatment.

10 week pregnancy video

10 week pregnancy photo

Feelings and symptoms of the expectant mother

Unfortunately, the vast majority of women experience pain at 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you have a pain in your lower abdomen right now, then know that you are not alone.

Pain during pregnancy is a very deceptive phenomenon. They can signal both an unhealthy diet (which is completely fixable) and the danger of miscarriage. How can a woman determine what is happening to her?

If the source of pain is in the upper abdomen, then there is no need to sound the alarm: change your diet or go to a gastroenterologist - he will definitely give good advice.

If you feel pain in the lower abdomen, especially pulling or similar to contractions, then this is serious: they may indicate an increased risk of miscarriage. If the pain is accompanied by copious discharge with blood, then this is a reason not only to see a doctor, but to call an ambulance.

If you have unbearable itching or burning in your genitals, especially during bowel movements, then this is a clear sign of infection. You should definitely see a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.

Bleeding is another nuisance that can cost a pregnant woman a considerable number of nerve cells. You should not worry about minor discharge containing blood at 10 weeks of pregnancy - it does not threaten your body at all.

Excessive bleeding is a true alarm signal. Experts consider it a pathology that threatens miscarriage. The process of discharge itself can be accompanied by abdominal pain - what is written about just above.

In addition, at the 10th week of your pregnancy, you may experience the following non-critical ailments:

• Heaviness in the stomach, morning sickness and vomiting - for some women, the apogee of these unpleasant ailments is only the 10th week of pregnancy. These symptoms are sometimes so severe that they interfere with normal eating, resulting in you not only not gaining weight, but even losing weight.

Avoid foods that taste or smell like they cause vomiting or nausea. Eat foods rich in protein and drink plenty of fluids (mostly mineral water). Eat regularly and avoid feeling hungry as this can aggravate or even cause nausea. Ginger tea is also useful in controlling vomiting. If the discomfort is very severe, consult a doctor.

Did you know that when you feel joyful, your child is happy too? This is due to hormones that are produced by your body and enter the fetal bloodstream. Unfortunately, this also works in the other direction - the child senses your nervousness, anxiety and fear, so avoid extreme stress.

• Bloating is another gastrointestinal disorder that may occur in women during the 10th week of pregnancy. Bloating does not pose a health risk, but it does cause discomfort, a feeling of fullness and malaise.

Limit your consumption of foods that can worsen these ailments: cabbage, legumes, onions. Don't forget to include plenty of fiber-containing foods in your diet: whole grain bread, cereals and pasta, vegetables and fruits (though not all - problems with flatulence can be aggravated by, for example, raw apples and pears).

• Visual disturbances – At this stage of the first trimester of pregnancy, visual disturbances in the form of double or blurred vision are possible, caused by, among other things, increased amount of blood in the blood or high blood pressure.

Check your blood pressure regularly. If it is more than 140/90, consult your doctor immediately - hypertension during pregnancy is dangerous for both you and your baby.

Discharge

The same recommendations regarding consultation with a doctor are also relevant if painful sensations accompany uncharacteristic discharge at the 10th week of pregnancy. Normally, discharge at this stage is light or milky in color, moderate, and of uniform consistency. If you notice curdled, purulent or mucous discharge, flakes or blisters, or discharge with a strong and unpleasant odor, you should definitely consult a doctor, because such discharge indicates the development of an infection.

Most often, a woman during pregnancy is worried about candidiasis (thrush), colpitis, but the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge at the 10th week of pregnancy can also be associated with infection with chlamydia, gonococci, trichomonas and other pathogens. Infection of the mother and not provided with timely treatment is dangerous because the infection can infect the fetus in utero, which can impair its development and even cause the death of the baby.

Bloody or brown discharge at 10 weeks of pregnancy most often indicates an incipient miscarriage. Usually the threat of interruption is also accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, similar to painful or pulling sensations during menstruation. In this case, you need to act without delay, calling an ambulance - timely qualified intervention in most cases allows you to save the pregnancy.

However, it should be borne in mind that spotting during the 10th week of pregnancy may occur after a gynecological examination or sexual intercourse. Such manifestations are typical in the presence of cervical erosion: the loose tissue of the uterus is easily damaged and bleeds, but there is no abdominal pain.

Bleeding

Bleeding of various kinds in the early stages of pregnancy is not that uncommon: according to statistics, approximately 30% of pregnancy cases are accompanied by periodic bleeding. And if minor spotting may not pose a significant threat, then bleeding at the 10th week of pregnancy is already considered a pathology, indicating a threat of miscarriage. The blood may be bright red, pink or brownish, and the bleeding may be accompanied by nagging pain in the abdomen and aching in the lower back.

Another reason why bleeding may occur at 10 weeks of pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a complex and dangerous pathology that occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted not in the uterus, but outside it (most often in the fallopian tube). An ectopic pregnancy very skillfully “disguises” itself as a normal pregnancy; you can suspect something is wrong by aching and nagging pain in the lower abdomen and spotting. If an ectopic pregnancy is not detected in time, the risk of rupture of the fallopian tube from overstretching due to the growth of the fertilized egg is inevitable. And this often happens at 10 weeks of pregnancy, accompanied by severe pain and heavy bleeding. When a fallopian tube ruptures, the question of saving a woman is a matter of seconds; hospitalization and surgical intervention become an absolute necessity.

How does the woman feel?

So, the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy has arrived, that is, 2 months have already passed since conception. By this time, the corpus luteum, to which the embryo was attached at the first stage, has already fulfilled its functions and begins to gradually shrink in size. Now the placenta will be “responsible” for ensuring the vital functions of the unborn baby.

In women at 10 weeks of pregnancy, the sensations practically do not change. As before, attacks of nausea can be very annoying. In some women, the unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis become even more intense, so they should be under medical supervision.

Often, toxicosis at the 10th week of pregnancy is accompanied by the appearance of an unpleasant burning sensation in the upper abdomen and chest. This is how heartburn occurs, which occurs due to physiological relaxation of the muscles separating the stomach from the esophagus.

The enlarging uterus at 10 weeks of pregnancy is comparable in size to a grapefruit. Due to the growth of the uterus, many women begin to feel the urge to go to the toilet more often, as the enlarged organ puts pressure on the walls of the bladder.

Despite the growth of the uterus, the belly at 10 weeks of pregnancy is still practically invisible. However, if the expectant mother is slender, then you can notice the appearance of a roundness in the lower part of the tummy. But for other people the changes are not yet noticeable.

How do the mammary glands change?

As a rule, breasts at the 10th week of pregnancy are already enlarged, although the rate of growth of the mammary glands is individual for each woman. Additional characteristic signs of pregnancy at 10 weeks are the appearance of Montgomery nodes around the circumference of the areola. These are small tubercles on the areola. However, the absence of Montgomery nodes is not a sign of pathology; it is a variant of the norm.

Some women notice that their breasts no longer hurt. There is no need to be afraid of this phenomenon. Each pregnancy is individual, sometimes painful sensations in the mammary glands persist throughout the first trimester, and sometimes completely disappear earlier.

Hair growth and pigmentation

At 10 weeks pregnant, some women notice that they are starting to grow hair on their body. Coarse hairs may begin to grow around the nipples, on the stomach, and sometimes on the face. In addition, brown pigment spots may appear on the skin. No need to worry! These changes are not permanent, it’s just how the body reacts to the hormonal changes that pregnancy causes.

Colds and fever at 10 weeks of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman is more susceptible to all kinds of viral diseases. The body, weakened by adaptation to new “working” conditions, easily succumbs to attack by pathogenic microorganisms, which is why a cold occurs at the 10th week of pregnancy, and even more so at the height of the “rage” of viral diseases, in the spring and winter periods.

A cold at the 10th week of pregnancy, according to experts, no longer poses such a threat as in earlier stages - the most important critical period has already passed. And yet, this does not mean that if you have a cold, you can let the situation take its course and wait for “it to go away on its own.” It is imperative to treat colds, definitely after consultation with a doctor. After all, most medications are still banned, and traditional medicine takes priority in treating colds at 10 weeks of pregnancy.

In addition to bed rest and tranquility, warm drinks (but not hot) in the form of berry fruit drinks, tea with honey and lemon, milk with butter, dried fruit compotes, and rosehip decoction are recommended.

In the fight against nasal congestion, rinsing the nose with water and a salt solution will help, and for a sore throat, gargling with water with soda and salt. Inhalations can help cope with a runny nose and sore throat, provided there is no fever. Don’t forget about vitamins: it is advisable to fill the need for vitamins (especially vitamin C) with fresh vegetables and fruits, and rosehip decoction. For coughs, you can also use traditional medicine recipes, for example, drinking onion juice with honey.

As for temperature, the recommendations that apply to previous weeks of pregnancy remain in effect. The temperature at the 10th week of pregnancy, reaching or even exceeding 38 degrees, can and should be brought down. On the recommendation of a doctor, children's rectal suppositories can be used, but first you can try to cope with the high temperature through rubbing and lotions. If the temperature at the 10th week of pregnancy fluctuates between 37-37.5 degrees, then this situation is often regarded by doctors as the norm and is explained by the “riot” of hormones.

If we talk about basal temperature, then normally the temperature at the 10th week of pregnancy in this case should not exceed 37 degrees, and also drop below 36.8 degrees.

Alcohol

Alcohol is known to be a highly toxic substance. And alcohol is most dangerous for the fetus, which is rapidly developing in the womb. Despite the fact that the 10th week of pregnancy marks the completion of the formation of all the main organs and systems of the future baby, the fetal brain continues to develop rapidly, as discussed above. And not a single doctor can guarantee that alcohol at the 10th week of pregnancy will not “strike” precisely this one of the main organs of the baby and will not make him crippled even before birth.

Although many medical experts are of the opinion that alcohol in small quantities - for example, a glass of dry red wine - is safe for the fetus, most authoritative organizations such as the WHO, institutes of pediatrics and gynecology insist on a complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages during pregnancy baby After all, the consequences that alcohol can provoke at 10 weeks of pregnancy can be severe and very sad. If in one case alcohol may not harm the fetus, then in another it can become a catalyst for the development of all sorts of defects and anomalies in the baby, for which there is even a common name - fertile alcohol syndrome.

Sex

But you should not refuse carnal pleasures at 10 weeks of pregnancy, of course, if there are no contraindications in the form of a threat of termination of pregnancy. Sex at 10 weeks of pregnancy is not only possible, but also necessary - despite mood swings and not entirely good health. The husband often looks at his wife at this time with a “new look” - he is definitely attracted by the woman’s rounded shape and the new smoothness in her movements. And, if unpleasant symptoms such as toxicosis, irritability and fatigue have not yet completely tormented the woman, sex at 10 weeks of pregnancy can be a pleasant release and a way to bring expectant mothers and fathers even closer together. But it’s still not advisable to be zealous, as well as to be too “active” when practicing sex at 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Nutrition at 10 weeks of pregnancy

The issue of nutrition during the 10th week of pregnancy is also relevant for the expectant mother. Of course, nutrition at the 10th week of pregnancy must be healthy and balanced in order to provide the fetus with all the necessary nutrients and beneficial substances.

The diet of the expectant mother at this stage must include a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits (among other things, they also improve intestinal motility and help avoid constipation), meat and fish (protein), as well as dairy products (a source of calcium).

It’s time to give up coffee, as well as strong tea. Spicy, fatty, salty foods, marinades that irritate the stomach, as well as sweets that increase blood sugar levels and contribute to the development of diabetes are also prohibited. It’s time to replace products made from white flour (bread, pasta) with products made from wholemeal flour, and white rice with brown rice.

You need to eat meals in small portions, the best option is 5-6 times a day in small portions. It is better to steam, bake, stew or boil dishes. Late dinners should be avoided - the last meal should be no later than 19:00; if you have a strong feeling of hunger, it is permissible to eat a couple of apples (other fruits) or drink a glass of kefir.

Fetal development

At 10 weeks, a baby’s brain cells begin to develop especially actively. Every day their number increases by almost a quarter of a million. The body length of the embryo is approximately 3-4 cm, with the head disproportionately larger than the body. The weight of the fruit is about 4-5 grams. The baby's limbs and elbow joints are formed, he is already beginning to bend his arms. Small nails are noticeable on the fingers.

The fruit actively moves and swims. His heart beats at a rate of up to 160 beats per minute. The kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver occupy their rightful place in the baby’s body, but they will begin to fully function only after the birth of the child. The fetus develops skeletal bones and the skin is covered with fine hairs.

At the 10th week of development, the child appears:

• the first rudiments of teeth;
• central nervous system;
• taste buds on the tongue;
• genitals;
• circulatory system;
• muscles of the jaw, neck and larynx;
• external outlines of the ears and nose;
• nerve endings on the skin.

The umbilical cord is attached to the wall of the placenta and thickens. It forms a blood flow that will supply the baby’s body with nutrients until the end of pregnancy.

The embryo's tail disappears. It camouflages itself between the buttocks of the embryo, as a result the fetus increasingly takes on a human appearance.

The baby's liver begins to function and produces small amounts of blood cells. Sex hormones are actively produced by the adrenal glands. The gill slits are covered with a thin film, and then become completely invisible.

Recommended Diet

To ensure the full development of the fetus and maintain good health, a woman at 10 weeks of pregnancy must follow a diet. Food should be consumed in small portions 5-6 times a day. She needs to add as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible to her diet.

In addition, you should use:

• milk, kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese;
• nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits;
• porridge, wholemeal bread;
• chicken and quail eggs;
• seaweed;
• poultry, rabbit, turkey;
• lean pork, beef;
• any types of fish.

It is undesirable to eat a lot of salty, spicy and fried foods, as they can trigger an attack of heartburn. It is necessary to add seasonings, mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic and onions to dishes with caution.

A balanced diet and healthy foods will help provide a pregnant woman’s body with everything necessary for the baby to fully develop.

Particular attention should be paid to sufficient fluid intake. A pregnant woman should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, including soups. But it is advisable to completely avoid drinking coffee and black tea, as they cause nervous tension and contribute to insomnia. The most useful drink for a pregnant woman would be green tea, herbal tea with mint, freshly squeezed juice or natural fruit drink. During this period, you can consume juicy berries, watermelons, and melons as a complete source of fluid.

Medical recommendations

The hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body at the beginning of pregnancy are natural and necessary. However, they lead to unpleasant side effects such as nervousness, fatigue and depression.

If a woman is 10 weeks pregnant, she is in a constant state of stress and can negatively affect the development of the baby. Therefore, every effort must be made to overcome these difficulties and cope with mood instability.

It’s great if a woman has the opportunity to take time off from work for this period. This will allow her to more easily survive the period of toxicosis, weakness and apathy. A woman definitely needs to eat well, sleep as much as possible, and try not to get nervous over trifles. Having sex during this period is not prohibited if there is no threat of miscarriage for medical reasons. Positive emotions received during a woman’s closeness with the child’s father will only help to quickly overcome the difficulties of the initial stage of pregnancy.

If a woman previously played sports, then even at the 10th week of pregnancy she can continue to lead an active lifestyle. Have a great effect on the health of a pregnant woman:

• swimming in the pool;
• a ride on the bicycle;
• yoga;
• fitness, aerobics.

A woman's daily walks in the fresh air are extremely beneficial at this stage of child development. Saturating the mother's body with oxygen helps the fetus receive everything it needs through the umbilical cord.

A woman's clothing should be loose and not restrict movement. During this period, it is best to wear underwear made of light, breathable fabrics. You should avoid items made from synthetic fibers.

It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs during this period. Even in small doses, toxic substances can destroy the brain cells of the embryo and negatively affect its further development. Being in the same room with people who smoke is also undesirable. Inhalation of paint fumes, solvents, toxic glues, gasoline and other aggressive chemical compounds should be completely avoided.

Lifting loads weighing more than 3 kg by a pregnant woman during this period is unacceptable. This can lead to the loss of the child. Folic acid must be taken as vitamins throughout the 10th week. All other medications, nutritional supplements and vitamins can be taken only after they are prescribed by a doctor.