10 Weeks Pregnant: Embryo to Foetus, Screening Tests & Symptoms

At 10 weeks pregnant, your baby reaches a big milestone. By the end of this week, they're no longer an embryo but a foetus, with all their major organs formed. They're about the size of a cumquat, and this is also when screening tests like NIPT become available.

From embryo to foetus

For the first 10 weeks, your baby is called an embryo while their organs and body parts form. From now on, they're called a foetus, and the rest of pregnancy is mostly about growing and maturing. Because the major organs have formed, your baby is now less vulnerable to many of the things that can cause major birth defects, though looking after yourself still matters.

Screening and diagnostic tests

Your doctor or midwife will talk you through the tests available in pregnancy. They're all optional, and it's your choice whether to have them. If you're unsure, a genetic counsellor can explain the options in more detail.

When each test happens

1. NIPTFrom 10 weeks

   A blood test that screens for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome. It can also tell you the baby's sex if you want to know.

2. Combined first trimester screening11 to 13 weeks

   A blood test plus an ultrasound that measures the fluid at the back of your baby's neck, called the nuchal translucency scan.

3. CVS (if needed)11 to 14 weeks

   A small sample of cells is taken from the placenta and tested for genetic conditions.

4. Amniocentesis (if needed)From 15 weeks

   A small sample of the fluid around your baby is taken and tested for genetic conditions.

Symptoms at 10 weeks pregnant

You're nearly at the end of the first trimester, and for many people, symptoms start to ease over the next few weeks. For now, you might notice:

• Visible veins. Your body is making more blood, so veins on your breasts, belly and chest may show more. Some people also notice varicose veins in their legs, which often improve after birth.
• Dizziness. Hormones relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. Stand up slowly, eat regularly and drink water. See your GP if you faint.
• A thickening waist. Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit. Some people have a small bump, especially if it's not their first pregnancy, and others won't show for weeks. Both are normal.
• Nausea. hCG is at its highest around now, so morning sickness often peaks before it starts to ease.
• Tiredness and constipation. Both are common. Fibre, water and gentle exercise help with constipation.
• More discharge. Normal if it's milky and mild-smelling. Here's what's normal and when to see your GP.
• Round ligament pain. A brief, sharp pain low in your tummy or groin when you move, as the ligaments supporting your uterus stretch. See your GP if the pain is severe, doesn't go away, or comes with bleeding or a fever.

Planning your care

If you haven't had your first antenatal visit yet, book it now. Australian guidelines recommend it within the first 10 weeks. Here's what to expect at your first visit. For a first pregnancy with no complications, you'll usually have around 10 appointments in total.

It's also a good time to think about who you'd like to support you. As well as your partner, family or friends, some people choose a doula. A doula is a non-medical support person who helps you through pregnancy, labour and the early weeks with your baby.

A note on gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects around 1 in 6 pregnancies in Australia. It's usually tested for with a glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks, or earlier if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes. It usually goes away after birth, but it's worth knowing about now so you can ask your doctor whether you need an early test.

Helpful for this stage

Week 10 FAQs