Week 10

My Baby's Development

By this week, all of your baby's vital organs have been formed and they are starting to work together.

As external changes (such as the disappearance of the tail takes place and the separation of fingers and toes), the internal developments are taking place too. Tooth buds form inside the mouth. If you're having a boy, his testes begins to produce the male hormone testosterone.

Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10. It shows the end of the embryonic period. Generally, the embryo now has a distinctly human appearance. Starting next week, your baby will officially be considered as a fetus.

My Body

Your first prenatal visit is a milestone. At the doctor's office, you'll go through a series of tests and checks (including urine test, weight and blood pressure checks). You might also have an external abdominal examination to check the size and position of your baby. During this first prenatal visit, your health care provider will thoroughly examine you (including an internal examination and a breast exam). Your health care provider will also ask many questions about your medical history and any family health problems. This is to determine if your baby is at risk for genetic diseases. Any other thing your health care provider will check? Your baby's heartbeat! Using a Doppler stethoscope, you will get to hear them for the first time.

When you leave your first appointment, your health care provider will probably send you for a blood test to determine your blood type and Rh factor and also to find out whether you are immunized against varicella, measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).