Week 10 of Pregnancy: Your Baby Is the Size of a Strawberry

TL;DR

• Your baby is the size of a strawberry, about 3.1cm
• Bones are beginning to harden — transitioning from soft cartilage to solid bone
• Morning sickness may start to ease for some people
• Begin researching providers and birth preferences that feel right

Your Baby This Week

Your baby is now about 3.1cm — roughly the size of a strawberry — and this week officially marks the transition from embryo to fetus. It's a significant milestone in medical terminology, reflecting the fact that all major organ systems are now in place and your baby is entering a phase of growth and refinement.

One of the biggest developments this week: bones are beginning to harden. Up until now, your baby's skeleton has been made entirely of soft cartilage. Now, through a process called ossification, that cartilage is gradually being replaced by actual bone tissue. It starts in the center of each bone and works its way outward — a process that will continue well into childhood.

Your baby's joints are functional. Those tiny arms and legs can bend and flex, and your baby is moving frequently — kicking, stretching, and waving, though you won't feel these movements for several more weeks. The movements are essential for proper muscle and joint development.

Fingernails and toenails are starting to form on those now-distinct fingers and toes. Your baby's brain is developing rapidly, producing about 250,000 new neurons every minute. The head is still disproportionately large — accounting for about half of the total body length — but the body is growing fast to catch up.

Your baby's vital organs are all functioning in a basic capacity. The stomach is producing digestive juices, the kidneys are producing urine, and the liver is making blood cells. If your baby is a boy, the testes are beginning to produce testosterone.

Your Body This Week

Some people start to notice the tiniest improvement in morning sickness around week 10. It might not be dramatic — maybe you're vomiting once a day instead of three times, or you can tolerate a few more foods than you could last week. HCG levels are plateauing, which means the hormone-driven nausea should gradually begin to ease.

Your uterus is about the size of a grapefruit now, and while a visible bump is still a few weeks away for most people, you might notice subtle changes when you look in the mirror. Your lower abdomen might feel firmer, and your jeans are probably getting uncomfortable.

Veins may become more visible on your breasts and abdomen as blood volume continues to increase. You're pumping about 50% more blood than before pregnancy, and your heart is working harder to circulate it. This increased blood flow is why some people feel warmer than usual or notice their veins more prominently.

Mood swings can still be significant. The combination of physical discomfort, hormonal changes, anxiety about the pregnancy, and the stress of keeping a secret (if you haven't shared the news yet) can take an emotional toll. Be patient with yourself.

Common Questions at Week 10

Is it time to start thinking about genetic testing?

Yes, this is a good time to have a conversation with your provider about prenatal screening and testing options. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test that can screen for certain chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome, and can be done as early as week 10. The nuchal translucency scan, which measures fluid at the back of your baby's neck, is typically performed between weeks 11 and 14. Your provider can help you understand what's available and what makes sense for your situation.

When should I tell my employer?

There's no legal requirement to tell your employer at any specific time, and the decision is personal. Many people wait until after the first trimester (around weeks 12-14) when the risk of miscarriage decreases. Consider your workplace culture, any physical demands of your job, and whether you need accommodations. When you do share the news, it's helpful to have thought through your leave plan so you can have a productive conversation.

I'm having round ligament pain. What is that?

Round ligament pain is a sharp, stabbing, or pulling sensation in your lower abdomen or groin area. It happens because the ligaments that support your uterus are stretching as your uterus grows. It's most common during sudden movements — standing up quickly, coughing, laughing, or rolling over in bed. It's uncomfortable but harmless and usually passes quickly.

My appetite is coming back but I'm craving junk food. Is that okay?

Cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, and after weeks of barely being able to eat, it's okay to enjoy foods that appeal to you. That said, try to balance cravings with nutrient-dense foods when you can. If you're craving ice cream, maybe pair it with some fruit. If you want chips, have some with a protein-rich dip. Don't beat yourself up about imperfect eating — especially after surviving the worst of morning sickness.

This Week's Tip

Begin researching providers and birth preferences that feel right for you. It might seem early, but having a sense of your options gives you time to make thoughtful decisions rather than rushed ones. Think about what matters most to you: Do you want an OB-GYN or a midwife? A hospital birth or a birth center? What kind of communication style do you prefer from your provider? You don't need to have everything figured out right now, but starting the conversation — with your partner, with friends who've been through it, or even just with yourself — helps you feel more prepared and in control during a time that can feel uncertain.

Milestone: Major Organs Formed

This week comes with a milestone worth celebrating: all of your baby's major organs are formed. The heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, and digestive system are all in place and functioning at a basic level. From here, they'll grow and mature, but the incredible work of building these vital organs from scratch is complete. Your body did that — without you even having to think about it. Take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary thing happening inside you.

Sources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy.
• Mayo Clinic. Fetal Development: The 1st Trimester.

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