Week 10

Your first visit to the midwife

You may well be thinking about your first visit to the midwife – this usually takes place between weeks 8-12 and takes about an hour. The midwife will take a history of you and your family and they will also explain the different options available to you for antenatal care.

You may also have your first physical examination. It usually includes: a urine sample (you might need to take one with you), a blood sample (take a friend in case you feel weak or dislike needles), and checking your height, weight and blood pressure. The midwife will talk to you about the tests you can have to check your baby’s wellbeing.

What’s happening this week to you?
You will be given your own set of pregnancy notes (which you must keep with you at all times.) – this makes sense, especially if you are going to be seen/looked after by more than one person throughout your pregnancy e.g. your GP, midwife and the hospital. There will also be space in them for you to write down your own questions.

• You are approaching the end of your first trimester. This is often when expectant parents tell family and friends their big news.

• Your uterus has grown and is now about the size of a grapefruit, so you may gain a little weight – this is just your waist thickening to make room.

• You may even start to see a little bump – don’t worry if you don’t, some women don’t see a bump until month 4 or 5.

• If you suffer from morning sickness, it should start to ease.

• You could find yourself craving certain foods – think ice cream, pickles, chocolate - or going off other food stuffs. This is normal but talk to your midwife if it becomes excessive.

• You may notice a change in your bust size, so keep a check on your bra, as you may need to go up a size.

What’s happening this week to your baby?

• He or she now looks like a baby, with fully-formed fingers, toes and internal organs, although the head is still large compared to the rest of the body.

• Baby has begun to move inside you – they will be stretching and kicking.

Useful tips

Make sure you stay hydrated – drink 8, yes 8, glasses of water every day. Tea, coffee and fizzy drinks don’t count. If you want to cut down on caffeine, try herbal teas instead, but make sure they are safe to drink during pregnancy. Eat small healthy snacks, as you may feel light-headed occasionally, this is because your sugar levels are dropping due to a change in your hormones.