Your Baby's Development
By week 10, all of your baby's vital organs have
been formed and are starting to work together.
As external changes (such as the separation of fingers and toes
and the disappearance of the tail) happen, internal developments do too. Tooth buds
form inside the mouth, and if you're having a boy, his testes will begin producing
the male hormone testosterone.
Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10. This also marks
the end of the embryonic period — in general, the embryo now has a distinctly
human appearance. Starting next week, your baby will officially be considered a fetus.
Your Body
Your first prenatal
visit, which often takes place around this time, is a milestone. At the doctor's
office, you'll go through a series of tests
and checks, including having your weight and blood pressure checked. You might also
have an external abdominal examination to check the size and position of your baby
and have your urine tested.
During the visit, your health care provider (who could be an obstetrician, family
doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner) will do a thorough examination. This includes
an internal exam and a breast exam. Your health care provider will also ask you many
questions about your medical history and any family health problems. This can help
determine if your baby is at risk for genetic
diseases.
Another thing your provider will check? Your baby's heartbeat! Using a Doppler
stethoscope, you should get to hear it for the first time.
Your provider will probably send you for a blood test to find out whether you're
immunized against varicella,
measles, mumps,
and rubella (German
measles), and to find out your blood type and Rh
factor. You also may be tested for certain
infections, such as syphilis or hepatitis B, and you may be offered an HIV test.
Testing blood for certain genetic disorders is also commonly done — the type
of tests offered will depend on your situation and preference.
PREGNANCY CALENDAR: A week-by-week
guide
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3