Your Baby's Development
By week 10, all of your baby's vital organs have been formed
and are starting to work together.
As external changes such as the separation of fingers and toes
and the disappearance of the tail takes place, internal
developments are taking place too. Tooth buds form inside the
mouth, and if you're having a boy, his testes will begin
producing the male hormone testosterone.
Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10.
This also marks the end of the embryonic period - in general, the
embryo now has a distinctly human appearance and starting next week
your baby will officially be considered a fetus.
Your Body
Your first
prenatal visit
, which often takes place around this time, is a milestone. At the
doctor's office, you'll go through a series of
tests
and checks, including having your weight and blood pressure
checked. You might also have an external abdominal examination to
check the size and position of your baby and have your urine
tested. During this first prenatal visit, your health care provider
will thoroughly examine you, including an internal examination and
a breast exam. Your health care provider will also ask you many
questions about your medical history and any family health
problems, to determine if your baby is at risk for
genetic
diseases. Another thing your provider will check? Your baby's
heartbeat! Using a Doppler stethoscope, you should get to hear it
for the first time.
As you leave your first appointment, your health care provider
will probably send you for a blood test to find out whether you are
immunized against
varicella
,
measles
,
mumps
, and
rubella (German measles)
, as well as to determine your blood type and
Rh factor
.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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