10 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Ten weeks pregnant is a meaningful milestone — the embryonic period is over, and your baby is now officially classified as a fetus. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities drops noticeably after this point.
Baby at Week 10: Size of a kumquat
Baby's Development at 10 Weeks
Bones are beginning to harden from cartilage, a process called ossification that will continue throughout pregnancy. The face looks increasingly human — eyes are visible beneath the fused eyelids, and the jawbone is forming with the first tooth buds beneath the gums. The stomach is producing digestive juices and the kidneys are making urine. Tiny fingernails are starting to grow. The fetus's vital organs are all present, and from here on they primarily grow and mature.
Your Body at 10 Weeks Pregnant
For many people, week ten brings the first glimmer of hope that nausea is beginning to ease — though this varies widely. Round ligament pain may be noticeable. Visible veins on the breasts and abdomen become more pronounced as blood volume increases. Nasal congestion ("pregnancy rhinitis") affects many people and can last the entire pregnancy. Skin may start to change — some experience a glow, others notice breakouts.
Tips for Week 10
- Ask your provider about NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) — it's available from week 10 and screens for chromosomal conditions.
- A maternity support band can help with round ligament pain and lower back discomfort.
- Start thinking about your birth preferences early — you'll have time to research options.
- Iron-rich foods like lean meat, lentils, and spinach become especially important as your blood volume expands.
Try it free →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NIPT and when can I have it?
NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is a blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13 using fragments of fetal DNA in the mother's blood. It's available from week 10 and is very accurate, though it's a screening test rather than a diagnostic test. Your provider can advise whether it's right for you.
Is the second trimester really easier?
For many people, yes. Most find that nausea eases, energy returns, and the risk of miscarriage drops significantly once they're past week 13. The second trimester — weeks 14 to 27 — is often called the "golden trimester" for good reason. Of course, every pregnancy is different.
Write your week 10 note
Hello, baby's journal captures what pregnancy really feels like — week by week, in your own words.
Start for free →