During week 10 of pregnancy if you have not already then you should start to notice some changes to your body and temperaments.

The uterus should be enlarged now so that it may be slightly noticeable in a mirror that you are carrying a baby. The normal size of the uterus is about the size of a coconut. The waistline of your body will start taking more shape now and breasts will already be increasing.

The foetus that you are carrying will be active this week as they will be kicking their legs and moving around, although it is highly unlikely that you will be able feel the foetus some mothers have described floating sensations that could be linked with these particular movements.

Foetal Development

The growth of the foetus has almost doubled again and should now measure 3.5cm and weigh around 5grams. The shape of the foetus has changed very little as development this week will be concentrated on the vital organs.

The head of the foetus is now almost half of the entire body length with a forehead that bulges out of the top in a higher position. Very tiny soft and fine hairs are forming on the foetus that like that of found on a peach. Fingernails are still in the formation process, but are growing slowly.

The legs have grown more in this week of pregnancy and are becoming stronger every day. The arms of the foetus have grown also, but not as much in comparison with the legs. in both limbs the muscles are growing and developing giving the foetus thick cushioning between the forming bones and skin.

The brain of the foetus is fully functional , but is still developing in maturity as is the nervous system. The foetus now has a range of muscles and nerves that are working in harmony with each other to co-ordinate the movements of the foetus. The liver, kidneys, intestines and lungs are all formed correctly and working as they should be.

the straightened body of the foetus can now reveal a small rib cage that is still forming as well as the ever developing digestive system.

The primary movements of the foetus are tiny and often go unnoticed by the mother. The foetus is able to kick, swallow, stretch, move their jaw and move limbs in a very jerky manner as the co-ordination has not been matured as yet.

very early reflexes are now established in the foetus and should you manage to gently massage your tummy then the foetus can respond as they feel a stroke on the soles of their feet and palms of their tiny hands.

Ultrasound

The crown to rump length of the foetus is about 3cm in length at week 10 of pregnancy and the spinal cord and rib cage are clearly visible.

A small hand held sound-wave stethoscope called a doppler can be used to monitor the heartbeat of the foetus at this stage of pregnancy.