Hooray! You and your baby have reached week 10. Your little one has been doubling in size week after week and is now the size of a strawberry, 1.25 inches long and 0.14 ounces. This week, your baby has completed the germinal and embryonic stages of prenatal development, and now they’re a fetus. 

Their individual fingers and toes have emerged and are lengthening, their umbilical cord is visible, and they’re able to bend their elbows. You’re a quarter of the way to delivery, and the countdown to your second trimester has begun. 

Pregnancy Symptoms

Some moms-to-be begin to experience fewer and fewer symptoms at 10 weeks of pregnancy. Others continue to endure mood swings, morning sickness, vaginal discharge, cramps, and other early pregnancy symptoms. If your symptoms persist, know that you’ll likely feel better in your second trimester. In the meantime, here are some tips:

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness might just be the most dreaded symptom of the first trimester. If nausea and vomiting haven’t improved, you may have to wait until your second trimester for relief. 

Until then, make sure you’re staying hydrated to replenish the fluids you may have lost. Water can be heavy on an empty stomach, so treat yourself to some iced watermelon cubes (cut watermelon into bite-sized pieces and pop them in the freezer) and no-sugar Italian ice (we love Luigi’s Real Italian Ice) to replenish your fluids.

If you find music soothing, check out this morning sickness melody. Research shows that as we listen to music, the autonomic nervous system and the limbic system respond, having an actual physical effect on the body. 

Vaginal Discharge

You won’t be the first pregnant mama to be concerned when you see increased vaginal discharge. Light vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. It helps to prevent infectious bacteria from getting to your uterus. For more information, we love the medically reviewed resources available on the website for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). 

On the other hand, if the discharge contains blood or appears green, yellow, or brown, contact your health care professional. 

Abdominal Cramps

Abdominal cramps that may feel like period cramps are common at this stage of pregnancy, but don’t be alarmed. Your womb has grown from the size of a pear to the size of a large orange so that your bun in the oven can grow into your bundle of joy. Some women have occasional bleeding or spotting. If you’re experiencing bleeding from your vagina, talk to your doctor.

To help reduce pregnancy pain, try to change positions, sit in a different chair, or lie down. A good soak in a warm bath can help unwind those cramps, especially when you drop some soothing essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and/or peppermint into the water. These oils can help with nausea too. 

Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or are experiencing extreme pain or contractions, or if the cramps are accompanied by shoulder or neck pain.

Let's Talk About Sex

Your body is flooded with pregnancy hormones, and as symptoms decrease, around week 10 you may notice that you crave physical intimacy more than ever. Unless your doctor has said otherwise, it’s completely safe to enjoy sex throughout pregnancy -- so throw on the Lucille Maternity Nightgown (or the Ella Lace Nightgown from our sister brand, Davy Piper) and get busy! 

Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy

It’s not only safe but it’s also beneficial (if you’re up for it – you know yourself and your body best). The American Pregnancy Association reports some great advantages including burning calories to help you and your partner stay fit, better orgasms due to the increased blood flow below your waist, and a dose of happiness thanks to endorphins that make you feel oh so good. 

Sexual activity can also help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which will make labor and delivery easier. Sex also reduces stress and may help you sleep better.

When a couple is expecting, lovemaking is a wonderful way to nurture a deep, emotional bond. Many people find that talking openly with their partner about their feelings increases emotional intimacy for both of them – and can lead to fun discussions about mutually-satisfying solutions. Check out our blog addressing concerns about postpartum sex; it has tips that can help you before and after your little one arrives. 

Baby on Board

Your baby is finally taking human form as they transition from an embryo to a fetus with all of the major organs and systems up and running. Their head is quite large compared to the rest of their body, and facial features like the upper lip, nostrils, jaw, eyelids, and ears are emerging. 

You might have some particularly important OB appointments around this week where you may do screening tests for chromosomal abnormalities, such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT, also a sex blood test!).

Under Construction: The Eyes, Under Cover

Now that the components of vision – the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and retina – are in place, they can respond to light. In addition, the eyelids are forming and will completely shut this week. The eyes will be closed for the next 17 weeks until they open around week 27.  

Make sure you’re taking a prenatal vitamin and DHA. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “DHA is essential to ensure optimal fetal brain, eye, immune and nervous system development.” Sensible by Kindred Bravely Vegan DHA supports brain and visual development, without the fish oil burps caused by traditional fish-based supplements.

Under Construction: Baby's Got Bones

Your little one’s bones are getting stronger every day. Even though they’re under an inch and a half, their spine is finally visible, and their arms are complete with elbows that can bend. Likewise, your baby’s legs will soon develop knees and ankles.

Under Construction: Systems Are Up & Running

You’ve accomplished a lot in the past 10 weeks. Your wee one’s stomach is churning with digestive juices so they can break down food and soak up healthy nutrients. Their liver is busy making blood cells that will transport oxygen to their organs and tissues. On top of that, their kidneys are working, which means they’re also peeing.

What to Wear This Week

During pregnancy, your body is flooded with pregnancy hormones and working nonstop, so you’re prone to overheating and hot flashes. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that can help you stay as cool as a cucumber – and a relaxed fit that gives you and your little one room to grow. 

The Eleanora Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Lounge Dress, a Mom’s Choice Award winner, has it all. You’ll love the super-soft bamboo fabric that has enough stretch to accommodate your bump through delivery and beyond. With a convenient nursing panel, it’s the perfect transitional dress – and it has pockets! Plus, it’s so comfy it won’t exacerbate the round ligament pain many pregnant women start experiencing around this period.

A comfortable bra can be hard to find, especially when you’re pregnant and experiencing weight gain just about everywhere! The award-winning Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra is best-in-class for comfort, and the crossover design means it doubles as a nursing bra. This maternity bra is so soft you’ll look forward to wearing it.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please reach out to your health care team with any questions.