The tenth week of your pregnancy marks the last week that your little one is considered an embryo. By the end of this week, your baby will officially be called a fetus. Big changes are happening for your little one during this week.
Your Baby's Development
It may surprise you to learn how fast your baby is growing during week 10 of your pregnancy. Your baby now measures a little over an inch from crown to rump. He/she weighs almost 4 grams.
A healthy diet continues to be very important for both you and your baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, calcium intake in particular is extremely important during pregnancy. Calcium helps form your baby's bones, aids in proper heart function, and conducts nerve impulses. If you don't consume enough of this essential mineral, your baby may weaken your bones and teeth by taking what he/she needs from your body. This places you at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
It may surprise you to learn that an expectant mother needs at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day. You can get this amount by adding foods such as soymilk, nonfat yogurt, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese to your diet. Even collard greens, chickpeas, broccoli, lentils, sweet potatoes, and tofu are good sources of calcium. If these choices don't sound appealing, consider adding calcium-fortified foods, such as orange juice, bread, cereal, and waffles, to your meal plan.
Folic acid is also essential for your developing baby, so be sure to keep taking that prenatal vitamin.
Looking Forward
Next week your baby will officially become a fetus, a major milestone in his development. Keep taking great care of yourself so you can nurture your baby's growth while supporting your own health.
If you need help downloading the printable calendar, check out these helpful tips.
