Week 10
Your baby is the size of a kumquat
What's happening this week
Your baby is now about the size of a kumquat — roughly 30mm from crown to rump, or about 1.2 inches. And this week, the details are starting to emerge in remarkable ways.
The most visible milestone: your baby can now bend their elbows. Those arms that were just buds a few weeks ago are now functional limbs with joints. Fingers and toes are fully separated — no more webbing — and tiny fingernails are starting to form. The bones are beginning the process of hardening, transitioning from soft cartilage to actual bone tissue, though they'll remain somewhat flexible for months to come.
Inside your baby's mouth, tiny tooth buds are forming beneath the gum line — the foundations of those first baby teeth that won't appear until months after birth. The outer ear structure is nearly complete, and the inner ear is developing the mechanisms that will eventually allow your baby to hear.
The brain is in overdrive, producing an estimated 250,000 new neurons every minute during this period. The brain's surface is still smooth (the characteristic folds and wrinkles develop later), but the basic architecture is rapidly organizing. Your baby's liver has taken over red blood cell production from the yolk sac — a quiet but significant transfer of responsibility.
Perhaps the most endearing detail: if you could see your baby right now, you'd notice that the head has become rounder and more proportional, and the face is looking increasingly human. Eyes have moved from the sides of the head toward the front. Your baby is starting to look like a tiny person.
Your body this week
For many people, week 10 is when morning sickness starts to feel like it might be loosening its grip — even if just slightly. hCG levels are nearing their peak and will plateau soon, which is why most people experience the worst nausea between weeks 8 and 10. If you're still feeling terrible, take heart: improvement is typically just a week or two away.
You might notice visible veins becoming more prominent on your breasts, abdomen, and legs. This is because your blood volume is increasing significantly — by the end of pregnancy, you'll have about 50% more blood than before. Your heart is already working harder to pump this extra volume, which can sometimes cause dizziness if you stand up too quickly.
Round ligament pain may make its first appearance around now — sharp twinges or a pulling sensation on one or both sides of your lower abdomen when you change positions. It's caused by the ligaments that support your uterus stretching as it grows. It's normal and harmless, though it can be startling the first time you feel it.
If you haven't had your first prenatal appointment yet, it's likely scheduled for this week or next. This is the visit where things get real: you'll hear or see cardiac activity, get blood work done, and start building a relationship with your provider that will last the next 30 weeks.
One action item: start thinking about how you want to handle the news. Many parents begin sharing around week 12, but there's no rule. Some people tell close family now and wait on the wider announcement. Do whatever feels right for your family.
For dads
If the first prenatal appointment hasn't happened yet, it's coming this week or next. And if it already happened, you're probably still processing what you saw — that tiny form on the ultrasound screen with a flickering heartbeat. Either way, the pregnancy is starting to feel less abstract and more real. This is also the week when prenatal screening decisions may come up: NIPT blood tests, nuchal translucency scans, and the question of whether you want to find out the baby's sex early. Research these beforehand so you and your partner can make informed decisions together rather than on the spot in the exam room.
Your partner may be starting to feel slightly better — or she may still be in the thick of nausea and exhaustion. Either way, don't assume the hard part is over yet. One thing that often goes unacknowledged: the mental load of early pregnancy. She's tracking symptoms, managing medications, avoiding certain foods, scheduling appointments, and researching everything from screening tests to strollers — and doing most of it silently if you haven't told people yet. Ask her: 'What's taking up the most mental space for you right now?' Then figure out how to share that load.
Common concerns
Is it normal to feel dizzy during pregnancy?+
Mild dizziness is common in early pregnancy and usually results from the significant increase in blood volume your body is managing. Your cardiovascular system is expanding rapidly, and sometimes your blood pressure drops when you stand up quickly. Stay hydrated, stand up slowly, and avoid skipping meals. If dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fainting, contact your healthcare provider.
What is the nuchal translucency scan?+
The NT scan is an ultrasound performed between weeks 11 and 14 that measures a small pocket of fluid at the back of your baby's neck. A thicker-than-normal measurement can indicate an increased risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. It's often combined with a blood test for more accurate results. The NT scan is a screening tool — not a diagnosis — and your provider can explain what the results mean for your specific situation.
Do I really need to avoid all deli meat during pregnancy?+
The concern with deli meat is listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious complications during pregnancy. However, the actual risk is quite low. Many healthcare providers recommend heating deli meat until steaming (165°F/74°C) before eating it, which kills listeria. Some providers take a more relaxed approach. This is a good question to ask at your prenatal appointment — your provider can help you assess the risk based on your individual circumstances.
When should I call my provider about abdominal pain?+
Mild cramping and round ligament pain (sharp twinges when changing positions) are normal as your uterus grows. However, contact your provider if you experience pain that is severe or persistent, concentrated on one side, accompanied by bleeding or fever, or doesn't improve with rest. Severe one-sided pain in early pregnancy can indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate evaluation. When in doubt, call — providers would always rather hear from you than have you worry alone.
Product picks for week 10
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Prenatal screening guide book
A clear, non-scary guide to understanding NIPT, NT scans, and other prenatal tests — helps you make informed decisions with your provider.
Compression socks for pregnancy
Increased blood volume means your legs may feel heavy or achy — gentle compression supports circulation from early on.
Reusable snack containers
Small, frequent meals help with lingering nausea — portion-sized containers make it easy to keep healthy snacks accessible all day.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.