Your baby

Your little one now looks like a baby, although an ultrasound will show the head is still large compared to the body. The front of your baby’s skull is already starting to harden from cartilage to bone but it will still be flexible enough to accommodate the baby’s growing brain.

The placenta, even though it is still growing, is now able to start supplying your baby with all its needs.

You

As the end of the first trimester approaches, your belly might slightly swell. Your baby is becoming quite active but you won’t be feeling the movements just yet.

You may be experiencing some aches and pains as part of the 10 weeks pregnant symptoms and this is mainly due to the ligaments and the muscles of your pelvis that are stretching to accommodate your growing uterus. While this is normal it should be manageable, so if you’re experiencing any bleeding or cramps visit a doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

What to think about

During your pregnancy you are entitled to free dental care. The hormone progesterone causes the gum tissue to soften which may mean that you are more likely to suffer from swollen or bleeding gums.

You may already feel that you constantly need the loo but it is essential that you keep yourself hydrated throughout your pregnancy. If you’re looking for alternative sources of water, why not try fruit that is high in water like melons?

From the 11th week you might be offered a nuchal translucency scan. This detects the risk of Down’s syndrome and is thought to be 80 per cent accurate. If the results show that there is a high risk, you may be asked to have another test. Read more about antenatal tests.