Your Pregnancy at Week 10

Are you suddenly finding that you are having really vivid dreams? This is not unusual but can be a little startling when you are suddenly talking to the animals and dreaming that you can fly! Don’t worry, you’re not going mad. There is so much going on at the moment both physically and emotionally, that your brain is working overtime, but it will settle down. You may want to have a notebook and pen handy so that you can record your night-time thoughts to show your little one in the years ahead!

You may also be feeling a little bloated. A sign of your slowing digestive system, but ensure you are continuing to eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and fibre to keep things moving. Also, as always, it's very important that you keep hydrated.

Despite what you may read online, it is perfectly safe to exercise in pregnancy. If you are used to regular exercise, just continue - you may wish to adapt things if you are playing extreme contact sports, but a little exertion is fine. If you are not a regular mover but want to start, now is a great time to take up some walking, pilates, or swimming - something light. Just don't overdo it!

Your pregnancy might have been all smooth sailing so far, or perhaps your pregnancy symptoms are in full swing, both of these situations are completely normal. Make sure not to compare yourself to other expecting mums and their symptom lists.

Here are some, but not all, symptoms commonly experienced during week 10.

Swollen, tender breasts: As your body prepares for breastfeeding, increased blood flow and hormonal changes can cause them to become swollen and tender towards the end of the first trimester. 

Morning sickness and nausea: Hormonal changes and heightened sensitivity to smells can contribute to morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day. Nausea and sickness during week 10 are typical symptoms of early pregnancy and are caused by the surge in pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Here are some tips for combatting morning sickness.

Excess saliva: Increased saliva production can be experienced during pregnancy. While the exact cause is unclear, hormonal changes and nausea related to morning sickness can contribute to this symptom.  

Lower back pain: As your uterus expands and your body adjusts to accommodate your growing baby, you might start experience lower back pain. This discomfort is caused by the increased strain on your back muscles and ligaments.

Visible veins: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause the veins in your breasts, abdomen, and legs to become more prominent. Visible veins, especially in the breasts and abdomen, are a common symptom during this week of pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge: Increased vaginal discharge is a common symptom of pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause the cervix to produce more mucus, resulting in a thin, milky-white discharge. This is considered a normal part of pregnancy and helps protect the birth canal from infection. Here’s everything to know about vaginal discharge.

Heartburn and/or indigestion: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the muscles in your digestive tract, leading to heartburn and indigestion. As your uterus grows, it can also put pressure on your stomach, further exacerbating these symptoms. Heartburn and indigestion are common complaints during week 10 of pregnancy. Here’s more on heartburn during pregnancy.

Thicker midsection: As your baby continues to grow and your uterus expands, you may notice that your midsection appears thicker or more rounded during week 10 of pregnancy. This is a normal part of pregnancy as your body prepares to accommodate your growing baby and bump! Check out what to expect from pregnancy weight gain.

Watch out for UTIs, which are more common to get during pregnancy.

Have You Thought About a Baby Moon?

A lot of people take advantage of these early months of pregnancy by fitting in one last, pre-baby holiday, also known as a "babymoon." Welcoming a new baby is certainly reason for celebration. But it also means giving up quite a bit of your spontaneity. A quick trip with friends, or a few leisurely hours with a drink, will not be as easy as you think once your little one is here. 

Babies are small and portable, it's true! However, traveling with a baby will certainly change the dynamics of any holiday. Preparing for these changes with one last worry-free trip sans baby is as good a reason as any for a bit of rest and relaxation!

To plan this escape, first check with your midwife. Even with a healthy pregnancy, free of complications, they may have some restrictions regarding when and where you travel. For example, most will recommend against traveling too far from home or flying during the later stages of pregnancy. You likely won't feel up to travel during your last couple months of pregnancy anyway, so it is generally better to plan on taking your getaway before the end of your second trimester.

Pregnancy doesn't mean giving up the physical activity you've always enjoyed, but it isn't the time to try something, like skiing, for the first time. That being said, if you are already quite winded after climbing a flight of stairs, you may want to forego the usual hiking trips and take a leisurely stroll through a historic city instead. The whole idea behind a babymoon is to do things that offer you fun and relaxation, with plenty of down time. Have some quality alone time with your partner. Take some time off from work and book an overnight stay at a nearby destination. Spend a weekend at home, in bed, with no distractions. This new phase of life you are entering and the joys of welcoming this new life into the world deserve a little celebration.

Write in your pregnancy journal this week!