Congratulations, mom-to-be. You’ve officially crossed into Week 10—a moment that feels both fleeting and monumental. Your body is orchestrating incredible changes, and inside, a tiny human is growing at lightning speed.
So what, exactly, do those changes look like at week 10? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about 10 weeks pregnant, including how you’re likely to feel at this point of your pregnancy, what’s new with your baby, and tips on how to make the most out of week 10.
How You’re Feeling at 10 Weeks
At 10 weeks, your body is adapting to new hormonal surges. Particularly, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are doing the heavy lifting, which often means fatigue, nausea, and mood swings. You might feel as if every sensation is amplified, from the gentle tug of expanding ligaments to the sudden urge to nap mid-conversation.
Mood and emotions: Emotional variability is normal. The combination of hormone fluctuations and early pregnancy stressors can create waves of joy, anxiety, or even tears. Journaling or talking with a supportive partner or friend can help stabilize these mood swings.
Tenderness and fatigue: You may notice breast tenderness, mild bloating, or increased vaginal discharge. Fatigue can persist despite adequate sleep, so give yourself permission to rest. Gentle movement—such as prenatal yoga, walking, or light stretching—can boost energy levels while maintaining safety.
Digestive shifts: Progesterone slows the digestive tract, which may result in constipation or mild heartburn. Fiber, hydration, and small frequent meals are your allies during this stage.
Your experience may not mirror every “typical” pregnancy chart, and that’s perfectly fine. Every body is unique, and symptoms vary widely. The key is to listen attentively to your needs while maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider.
What’s New With Your Baby
Your little one is no longer classified as an embryo—welcome to the fetal stage. At approximately 1.2 inches long, your baby is about the size of a kumquat or strawberry and weighs less than a gram. Despite the small size, incredible developmental milestones are underway.
Limbs and digits: Fingers and toes are separating and nails are beginning to form. Tiny joints are already allowing movement, though you won’t feel it for weeks.
Facial features: The face is becoming more defined—eyelids, upper lip, and nose are taking shape. The eyes, still fused shut, are developing light-sensitive cells, and the ears are forming both externally and internally.
Organ development: Vital organs are refining their functions. The liver produces red blood cells, kidneys filter waste, and the heart beats rhythmically, circulating blood through newly formed vessels. Meanwhile, your baby’s brain is growing at a rapid pace, laying the foundation for sensory processing and motor skills.
Movement: While still imperceptible to you, your baby is flexing, turning, and practicing coordinated movement—a rehearsal for the active life to come.
Week 10 represents a critical period where the risk of major malformations decreases, marking a subtle but important relief as you move into the second trimester.
Your Week 10 To-Do List
Navigating this week is about balancing care for yourself with preparation for your baby. Here’s a roadmap to help you feel grounded and proactive:
- Schedule your appointments.
If you haven’t yet, schedule your first prenatal visit. This is your opportunity to review your medical history, discuss genetic screening options such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and establish a care plan.
2. Support your body and early development.
Continue a well-balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and micronutrients. During the first trimester, your body’s nutrient needs are higher than ever, and prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in supporting both your health and your baby’s development. Perelel’s 1st Trimester Prenatal Pack is thoughtfully formulated by OB/GYNs and with clinically supported doses of folate, iron, DHA, vitamin B12, and choline to help you meet your nutrient needs. Each ingredient is carefully chosen by OB/GYNs to promote early fetal development, support red blood cell formation, and maintain energy levels throughout these critical early weeks. Hydration is also key, as blood volume increases significantly during the first trimester—so pair your nutrient-rich diet with plenty of water (cue, Cellular Hydration Powder) and your Perelel vitamins to give your body the support it deserves.
Some of the most important nutrients during the first trimester include:
-
Iron (to support the increase in blood production).
-
Folate (to support your baby’s neural tube formation and brain development).
-
Vitamin B12 (to support neural tube formation and the development of the neurological function).
-
Vitamin D (to support immune function and your baby’s skeletal development).
-
Iodine (to support brain and nervous system development).
-
Choline (to support brain development, neural tube formation, and cellular growth and metabolism).
Shop the Article:
3. Approach movement with grace.
Regular movement reduces fatigue, eases constipation, supports cardiovascular health, and promotes mental well-being. Consider low-impact activities such as prenatal yoga, walking, or swimming, which are safe and effective during early pregnancy.
4. Take it slow and symptom-check.
-
Nausea: Small, frequent meals; ginger; vitamin B6 supplementation.
-
Fatigue: Short naps and a consistent sleep routine.
-
Digestive issues: Fiber, hydration, and light activity.
-
Emotional well-being: Meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or talking with a supportive friend or partner.
5. Build a relationship with your provider.
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, painful urination, or severe headaches. These can be signs of complications that need immediate attention.
6. Consider your emotions.
Pregnancy is as much an emotional journey as a physical one. Take moments to connect with your baby, nurture your body, and acknowledge your progress. Even five minutes of intentional breathing or gentle stretching can create profound mental and emotional clarity.
Takeaways
As you close Week 10, know that your first trimester is nearly complete. Symptoms may begin to shift, energy levels might slowly return, and your tiny human is growing rapidly. Your body is establishing the foundations for the next phase, and your care now—nutrition, rest, gentle movement, and mindful attention—sets the tone for the weeks ahead.
Every pregnancy is unique. Your experience may differ from friends, family, or even the “average” chart—but that is perfectly normal. Celebrate the wins, honor your body’s signals, and continue nurturing the life within you. This is not just about survival; it’s about flourishing.
References:
-
Babylist. (2025). 10 Weeks Pregnant. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/10-weeks-pregnant
-
Natural Cycles. (2025). Follow Your Pregnancy. https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/follow-pregnancy
-
The Bump. (2025). 10 Weeks Pregnant. https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/10-weeks-pregnant
-
American Pregnancy Association. (2025). 10 Weeks Pregnant. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/10-weeks-pregnant/
-
Mayo Clinic. "1st Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect." Mayo Clinic, 27 Feb. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
