WEEK 10
How does the baby grow?
This week, the most important stage of baby development is complete although the baby’s size is just similar to the size of a kumquat – more than 2cm long and almost 7 grams. This is the beginning of the fetal period when important tissues and organs in the baby’s body grow quickly.
Vital organs – including the kidneys, intestines, brain and liver now are in the right places and start to work although they will continue to develop throughout pregnancy.
This week, the baby’s limbs can be bent. Hands fold and place on the heart; feet are long enough to fold in front of the mom’s abdomen. The baby’s early spine can be clearly seen, and the spinal nerves are starting to stretch from the spinal cord. The baby’s forehead is temporarily enlarged due to the developing brain and is located very high above the head, accounting for half of the baby’s body length. From head to butt, the baby is about 1/4 inch long. In the coming weeks, the baby will double in size again – to almost 3 inches.
Changes occurring in the mother’s body during the 10th week of pregnancy
- At the next prenatal visit, moms can hear the baby’s heartbeat with the help of a Doppler stethoscope, a hand-held ultrasound device placed on the abdomen. Many women say that the tiny heartbeat sounds like a galloping horse, and it is very touching to hear it for the first time.
- Before becoming pregnant, moms’ uterus size is similar to the size of a small pear. By this week, it is as big as a grapefruit’s. Moms’ clothes, especially the bra may be tight. From this week, pants and skirts with an elastic waistband or low waistline are more suitable for moms.
- Moms can participate in a variety of activities during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are great choices for the whole pregnancy. Exercise enhances muscles, strength and endurance during pregnancy and makes it easier for pregnant women to return to shape after giving birth.
