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You and your baby at 10 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 10 weeks

The ears are starting to develop on the sides of your baby's head, and the ear canals are forming inside the head.

If you could look at your baby's face, you'd be able to see an upper lip and 2 tiny nostrils in the nose.

The jawbones are developing and already contain all the future milk teeth.

The heart is now fully formed. It beats 180 times a minute – that's 2 to 3 times faster than your own heart.

The baby is making small, jerky movements that can be seen on an ultrasound scan.

You at 10 weeks

You'll be offered screening to find the baby's chance of having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome as part of your maternity care.

Pregnant women and their babies are at higher risk from flu (influenza) and whooping cough (pertussis). You're advised to have a flu vaccination in pregnancy and whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy to protect you and your baby.

Domestic violence during pregnancy puts women and their unborn child in danger of miscarriage, infections and other complications.

Abuse often starts in pregnancy and may be physical, emotional or financial in nature.

All pregnant women in the UK are routinely asked if they have experienced domestic violence by their midwife or doctor so they can receive advice and support.

Things to think about

Possible places to give birth: at home, a midwife-led unit (birth centre) or a hospital – your options will depend on where you live and whether you or your baby have any health problems or other needs.

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Video: Why am I being asked about domestic abuse?

In this video, a midwife explains why you are being asked about domestic abuse when pregnant.

Media last reviewed: 14 March 2023
Media review due: 14 March 2026

Page last reviewed: 12 October 2021
Next review due: 12 October 2024