week 10
What is happening to my Baby?
Your baby’s internal organs which is fully formed is currently slowly maturing. It will continue to do so over the next several weeks. His fingernail and toe nails are more visible. At this stage the size of your baby is about 31 – 42mm in length.
What is happening to me?
Your body is adjusting the different pregnancy hormones to sustain your baby. Your uterus will grow to accommodate your growing baby. Before pregnancy your uterus was about the size of a fist, after 6 weeks it will slowly grow to the size of a grape fruit. Some women may notice that they are having emotional ups and downs during pregnancy. You could also read about this further on the section Emotional changes during pregnancy.
Picture 1: Showing a baby with Down Syndrome
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Picture 2: Nuchal Translucency test
What should I plan this week?
- Plan to see your doctor to discuss regarding further antenatal test to could be done to screen for fetal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. You should consider doing this if you are more than 35 years old or have a family history of fetal abnormalities. First trimester screening for Down syndrome includes having a scan (nuchal translucency) and a blood test. This screening test is usually done from 11 – 13 + 6 days of pregnancy. In addition, a chorionic villus sampling could also be done to screen for genetic abnormalities in your baby. Talk to your doctor about these tests.
- Discuss with you partner regarding the timing to announce your pregnancy to your close family members and friends.
Tips of the week
Tips of how to deal with your emotions during pregnancy:
- Rest and sleep as much as possible
- Do things that makes you happy e.g shopping, watching movies or having a facial
- Talk to your close friends about it
- Tell your partner and ask for his support.
- Appreciate and celebrate the good things that you have in your life.
- If you find it too much to deal with, talk to your doctor about it.
Health matters
You should read on the following topics:
