Pregnancy Week 10: Fetal Development, Stress, Activities to Avoid & Pregnancy Hacks Pregnancy Weekly

About Baby

Week 10 is a big week for your baby – he’s gone from being an embryo to a fetus. All of your baby’s vital organs are accounted for and now will start to grow rapidly. Baby is swallowing fluid, and his kidneys, brain, liver and intestines are beginning to function. At the size of a kumquat, he can bend his little arms and legs and is kicking away (sorry, you still can’t feel it). Teeny tiny finger and toenails are appearing (buh-bye webbing) and he’s resembling a peach with all the tiny hairs growing on his skin. Baby’s skin is translucent, and the tiny spine can be seen through it. The heart now has all four chambers.

Photo: Fetus at week 10 of development

About Mom

You may be able to hear that tiny heart beating now. Your doctor will use a handheld ultrasound machine called a Doppler to hear the heartbeat. This is done by moving the device over your abdomen until that beautiful “swish swish” fills the room – and your heart. Be sure Dad-to-be is there to experience this magical moment. And if you can’t hear it yet don’t worry. Every baby is different, and it’ll happen soon enough.

While thinking about your future brings you joy, it may also increase your stress levels, which is completely normal. Finances, job concerns, picking a doctor, caring for your new baby, going through the pregnancy itself are all normal worries. Find ways early on to manage your stress and anxiety, such as meditation, writing in a journal, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, finding your tribe (30Seconds can take care of you in that department) and exercise.

If you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal, it is safe to continue or start most types of exercise, but you may need to make a few changes, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Physical activity does not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight or early delivery. However, it is important to discuss exercise with your midwife or OB-GYN or other member of your health care team during your early prenatal visits. If your health care professional gives you the OK to exercise, you can decide together on an exercise routine that fits your needs and is safe during pregnancy.

Which activities should be avoided during your pregnancy? Activities that increase the risk of injury include those most likely to cause a fall, such as snow or water skiing, surfing, horseback riding and gymnastics; contact sports, such as softball, basketball and volleyball; and any exercise that includes jarring motions, rapid changes in direction or extensive jumping, hopping or bouncing. Changes to the body during pregnancy must be taken into account in choosing exercises. For example, your center of gravity changes, particularly late in pregnancy, affecting balance and making falling more likely; that's why stationary cycling is safer than a standard bicycle. Also, pregnancy hormones make the joints more flexible and subject to injury, which explains why sudden movements and high-impact motion are best avoided.

Get more tips about exercise during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Hacks

Seasoned moms have a few tricks of the trade to help during pregnancy. Here are a few of their genius ideas:

• Jeans Too Tight: Want to make your jeans more comfortable and grow a little with you? Here’s a pregnancy hack to stay in your favorite jeans longer (it’s genius, really!).

• Puke Kit: Sometimes it’ll happen in the worst place. Pack a bag with hard candies, wet wipes, a toothbrush and a travel size of mouthwash.

• Bra Too Tight: Buy bra-back extenders to make your own bra fit better. Saves you money!

• Nausea Relief: Freeze your favorite electrolyte solution (aka Gatorade, Pedialyte, etc.) in ice pop molds or ice trays to make DIY nausea pops. Suck on them throughout the day to relieve nausea and the queasies.

• Heartburn Help: If antacids aren't working, try drinking a little apple cider vinegar.

• Out of Reach: Keep a pair of tongs handy to grab hard-to-reach items. Works great in the shower, too.

• Relationship Rescue: Have a code word for your partner that you'll say when those pregnancy hormones bring on the moodiness. All must be forgiven.

Here are even more pregnancy hacks!

Bump Talk

“People always say that pregnant women have a glow. And I say it’s because you’re sweating to death.” – Jessica Simpson

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The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.