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Week 10

Dear (your name),

Welcome to Week 10 of your pregnancy.  This week-by-week newsletter will help explain the changes that will be happening in your body as well as in your developing baby's.

What is Happening Inside Your Body?

Though your uterus is growing and your body is beginning to take on a slightly new shape, you probably are not beginning to show yet.  You may or may not be beginning to put on weight.

Whether or not you have put on weight, you may find that your clothes are beginning to feel uncomfortable.  Your waist is thickening slightly and your breasts are getting larger.  You may want to find a new, more roomy bra and wear some pants or skirts with an elastic waist for added comfort.

You may begin to develop little white bumps on your nipples, which are called Montgomery’s tubercles.  These bumps are designed to help make breastfeeding more comfortable by secreting a white lubricant.  

You likely are feeling quite emotional at this time. Mood swings are normal and are due to the vast hormonal fluctuations taking place inside your body.

You may find that your gums are beginning to bleed while you brush and floss your teeth.  Pregnancy causes a softening of the gums.  You also may be finding that you have more saliva in your mouth than usual.  Many women produce more saliva during pregnancy.

How Big is Your Baby?

Your baby is about 1 ¼ inches long.  It has been 8 weeks since conception.

How is Your Baby Developing?

All the major organs of the body are in place and will continue to form over the coming weeks.  The fingers have formed as have the eyelids.

The bones are beginning to form.  Your baby is beginning to kick its legs.

Your baby’s head is still very large in proportion to the rest of its body.  The head makes up about half of the body length.

If you are having a prenatal visit this week, you will likely be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

It is important to maintain good oral health during your pregnancy.   Now is a great time to make a dental appointment for a cleaning and check up.

You may be feeling very tired at this point in your pregnancy.  Try to make time for a short nap or take some extra time for relaxation.