Fetal size at 10 weeks pregnant: baby development and mom's feelings

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

For mom and baby, the 10th week of pregnancy is a special period. At this time, the embryo becomes a fetus. He takes on the appearance of a little man. At the same time, the baby already feels all the emotions of his mother. A pregnant woman should know what features characterize the 10th week. As before, it is important to eliminate all negative factors, providing the most comfortable conditions for the crumbs. What size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy is considered normal, what changes occur to him and the expectant mother, will be discussed further.

Fetal condition

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the size of the fetus (ultrasound photo is presented below) increases 5 times. There are already 190 different types of cells in his body, which by this point are already fully formed. Then they multiply, allowing the fetus to develop. By this time, the laying of all organs has alreadycompleted. Now they will grow and develop. If no genetic abnormalities have been identified by this stage, they will not threaten the fetus.

At 10 weeks of gestation, the size of the fetus (the photo of the ultrasound results is presented above) is increasing rapidly. The length of the baby's body is already 4 cm, and the weight is 4-5 g. It is comparable in size to strawberries. The baby is in a crouched position, floating freely in the amniotic fluid.

The fetus does not yet rest against the walls of the uterus. It is in a bladder filled with amniotic fluid (about 30 ml). The amount of amniotic fluid is determined by ultrasound. Polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios is a deviation from the norm. The quality and quantity of amniotic fluid affects the development of the baby.

The baby already has a placenta, which is responsible for the supply of nutrients to his body. In this case, the corpus luteum in the ovary gradually ceases to produce hormones. The placenta will now produce them.

The baby's heart beats rhythmically and distinctly. The rhythm can be heard well with a stethoscope. During this period, the activity of the fetal muscles increases. On examination, it can be seen that the baby is actively moving his arms and legs. But the future mother does not feel any movement yet. The size of the fetus at this time is still too small. Movements are chaotic, instinctive. They are still quite weak, but they are already clearly visible on ultrasound.

Fetal Systems Development

Normal size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy is from 31 to 42 mm. At this stage, the nervous system continues to develop constantly.fetus. Connections are being established between the motor centers in the brain with the nerves in the muscles. For this reason, the arms and legs of the crumbs move reflexively. This happens if the baby, for example, while swimming in the amniotic fluid, touches the walls of the uterus. In multiple pregnancy, there is a septum between the twins. But at the same time, they can already often push each other, as motor activity increases during this period.

The baby can also turn the head. The spinal cord and brain are already differentiated at this time. The body of the fetus is translucent. The first layer is formed in the baby's cerebral cortex. The size of the fetus gradually increases at 9-10 weeks of gestation. The development is very fast. The hemispheres of the brain appear.

At this time, the baby begins to move his lips. He still in the womb appears and gradually develops, starting from the 10th obstetric week, a sucking reflex. The emerging nervous system contributes to this.

Knowing the size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy, it is worth noting that its head also increases, becoming more rounded. Gradually she rises. The head size should correspond to about half the size of the fetus. A child at the 10th week of pregnancy is already acquiring more pronounced facial features. He has superciliary arches, eyelids, a nose is outlined. At this stage of pregnancy, the neck is formed, the ears develop. But now they are still low.

Other changes in the body of the fetus

Rapidly increasingthe size of the fetus at 10-11 weeks of gestation allows it to more and more acquire the appearance of a baby that is familiar to us. The limbs are now about the same length. They are bent at the elbows and knees. Nails appear on the fingers and toes, and the rudiments of future teeth form in the gums. In addition, receptors are already formed by the end of the 10th week.

Every day the mass of internal organs increases, and their functions become more perfect. So, the respiratory system of the baby is formed. He has a diaphragm. At a period of 10-11 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus increases so much that tiny kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and liver can already function in its body. The baby swallows amniotic fluid, causing it to accumulate in the bladder.

Assessing the size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy on an ultrasound, the doctor will not yet be able to determine the sex of the child. This can be done no earlier than 2 weeks later. If the parents have a son, at this time the testicles of the child begin to produce testosterone.

At this stage of development, the child already has its own blood type and Rh factor. It is not yet possible to determine the presentation of the fetus. It turns freely, floating in the amniotic fluid, as long as there is enough space for it in the uterus.

The baby now already feels touch, vibration, heat, pain or pressure. He reacts to this, which can be seen on the ultrasound. If external factors cause discomfort, the child turns away, moves away.

What happens tofuture mother's body?

At the 10th week of pregnancy, the size of the fetus and uterus increases. Although the belly is still almost invisible. A woman can feel an increase in weight, which at this stage of pregnancy is 1-1.5 kg. This is immediately noticeable in things, some of which become small. The size of the uterus at this stage of pregnancy reaches 10-12 cm in height. She moves to a level above her pubis.

Due to hormonal changes, hair may begin to grow where it did not exist before. Hyperpigmentation may occur, so it is worth protecting from the sun. It is not recommended to sunbathe, to be in the sun during the day without a hat. A dark line may appear on the abdomen. This is the result of increased melanin production. The strip will go away a few months after delivery. Acne may appear on the skin due to the active work of the sebaceous glands. Therefore, special attention should be paid to skin care procedures.

Despite the fact that the fetus develops at an accelerated pace at 10-11 weeks of gestation, the size of the uterus does not increase so rapidly. However, it can already put pressure on nearby organs. There may be discomfort in the pelvic bones. Long periods of sitting or sitting on hard seats should be avoided. However, the load on the hip joints is not yet too great. If this pain occurs, it is possible that the body does not have enough calcium.

At this time, the expectant mother may still experience symptoms of toxicosis. She is fasttired, may experience poor appetite. Often, women at this stage of pregnancy complain of severe headaches. However, from now on, the state of he alth will gradually improve. By the end of the third month, the symptoms of toxicosis will gradually disappear.

The chest continues to grow, so you need to take care of special underwear. It should not compress the mammary glands, impeding blood flow. If you feel a little discomfort in your chest, this is normal. Montgomery's nodules may appear on the areolas of the nipples. This shouldn't be a concern either. This phenomenon is explained by an increase in the size of the sweat glands.

Toned uterus

Due to the rapid development of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy, the size of the abdomen begins to gradually increase. From now on, it will become more and more noticeable. The uterus during this period becomes the size of a large apple or orange. She rises, goes beyond the border of the small pelvis. Liquid accumulates in it, and the walls soften. This is necessary for the proper strengthening of the embryo. The fetus does not stop producing special enzymes that destroy the mucous membrane at the site of its implantation. This is a natural erosion that allows the baby to firmly connect with the mother's body.

Due to the changes taking place in the body, a woman may feel discomfort in the lower abdomen. This may be due to a slight tension in the tissues of the uterus, ligaments. This is quite normal, but such symptoms should be reported to your gynecologist. It is necessary to exclude such a negative phenomenon as toneuterus. It complicates the course of pregnancy.

The size of the fetus at the 10th obstetric week of pregnancy is constantly increasing, which causes the uterus to grow. But it is worth distinguishing the discomfort caused by this natural process from hypertonicity. The latter is a dangerous condition, as it increases the risk of miscarriage. Symptoms of increased uterine tone are:

• Lower abdomen hard, tense.
• Drawing pains in the lower back.
• Pain in the very bottom of the abdomen, in the pubic area.
• Cramping attacks.

This can be caused by a woman's nervous or physical stress, hormonal imbalance. After excessively active sexual intercourse, a similar symptom can also be observed. You need to contact your supervising gynecologist as soon as possible. A similar condition can also be caused by a short cervix. The risk of developing hypertension increases with multiple pregnancies.

If the pain is accompanied by brownish or bloody discharge, you need to call an ambulance. Immediate hospitalization is required, otherwise the risk of abortion is high. A miscarriage can occur without medical attention.

Tests

The size of the fetus at the 10th week of pregnancy is checked using ultrasound. But, in addition to this examination, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis. If a woman has not registered with a gynecologist before, it's time to do it now. Periodically, you will need to visit a doctor who will monitor the course of pregnancy.

At the appointment, the doctor measures the size of the pelvis, the height of the fundus of the uterus, as well as pressure and temperature. A pregnant woman is weighed every time the doctor makes an appointment. In addition, you will need to pass a general blood and urine test. Additional tests may be ordered:

• Gestational diabetes. This is a screening test that measures glucose tolerance.
• Blood test for hepatitis B, C.
• Test for TORCH infection.
• Hemostasiogram.
• Blood chemistry.

In some cases, a genetic test is needed. Screening is done in the first and second trimester.

An ultrasound is also required. It can be prescribed between 10-14 weeks. At this time, you can see how the baby bends the arms and legs, moves in the amniotic bladder.

You can see on the fingers nails, tiny ears and lips. Nerve endings, spine and blood vessels are also visible. The fetus outwardly has a powerful forehead, which protrudes significantly forward. This is quite normal, as the brain is now developing at a tremendous speed. The fetus at this time is characterized by disproportion.

Occipital translucency test may be required. This allows you to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, as well as congenital heart problems.

If the biochemical screening analysis shows a high risk of congenital pathology, the gynecologist will recommend a chorionic villus biopsy.

Toxicosis

Permanent increase in fetal size at 10 weekspregnancy is accompanied by the production of a large number of hormones. This leads to the appearance of such an unpleasant symptom as toxicosis. It is caused mainly by poor adaptation of the body to the intensely produced estrogen and gonadotropin. By about 13-16 weeks, the condition is relieved.

If vomiting occurs 4-5 times a day, this condition is considered non-critical. Often, toxicosis is complicated by heartburn, since the gallbladder does not work correctly under such conditions. If attacks of vomiting occur more often, and the pregnant woman cannot fully eat, the doctor prescribes special treatment. There are different ways to alleviate your condition with toxicosis:

• Eat only the food you want;
• food should be at room temperature so it doesn't give off a strong smell;
• in the morning on an empty stomach, it is recommended to eat lightly s alted bread;
• portions should be small but eat often;
• food should be lean, easily digestible;
• drink some liquid at a time, in small sips;
• eat lying down, it is not recommended to get out of bed in the morning;
• take vitamin complexes for pregnant women prescribed by the supervising gynecologist;
• ginger tea or just essential oils with the smell of this plant alleviate the condition.

Low water

The size of the fetus at 10 weeks gestation increases with the amount of amniotic fluid. If it is not enough, diagnoseoligohydramnios. This can be detected on an ultrasound. Oligohydramnios occurs in the first trimester.

Such a deviation from the norm leads to insufficient intake of vitamins and nutrients by the fetus. Pathology develops due to high blood pressure, malnutrition. This can also be affected by insufficient development of the epithelium.

If oligohydramnios is moderate, this condition is corrected by changing the diet. Assign additional vitamin complexes. This overcomes this problem.

Features of food

For a pregnant woman and her baby, a he althy diet is extremely important. For a period of 10 weeks, a large amount of vitamins, trace elements, and other elements is required. A woman receives them with food, so the diet should be balanced.

To avoid heartburn, you need to avoid spicy food. It is necessary to limit the consumption of fried, spicy foods. If heartburn still occurs, it is recommended to consume dairy products.

It is important that the diet is balanced, including meat, cereals, vegetables and fruits. It is better to refuse sweet, starchy foods or at least reduce the consumption of such products. It is easy to gain extra pounds during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, a woman may not want to eat at all. Food habits change. To support the body, vitamin complexes are prescribed.

Vitamins and trace elements

Special vitamins for pregnant women are on sale, for example, Elevit. They contain the necessary list of elements required for the pregnant woman and her child. Mainof which are:

• Folic acid. Takes part in the creation of DNA and cells. Daily dose - 400-600 mcg.
• Iron. Necessary for the production of hemoglobin. The minimum daily dose of iron is 30 g.
• Iodine. Supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The daily norm is 200 mcg.
• Calcium. The daily dose is 250 mg. It is taken in combination with vitamin D.

This is not a complete list of elements that the body needs during pregnancy. The doctor prescribes special drugs that can provide the body with everything it needs. But you can not refuse a balanced diet. With food, the body receives all the substances necessary for the proper development of the baby.