At 10 weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing to grow rapidly and is starting to look more like a tiny human.
An ultrasound at this stage can provide a detailed view of your baby’s development and offer reassurance that everything is on track.
While you might not feel movement yet, your baby’s limb buds are starting to form, which will eventually become arms and legs.
What Does a 10-Week Ultrasound Look Like?
At 10 weeks, your baby is about the size of a kumquat or strawberry, measuring around 3.1 cm (1.22 inches) from crown to rump.
Although still small, your baby’s body is becoming more defined, and organs are continuing to develop.
Size comparison
At 10 weeks, your baby is typically compared to a kumquat or strawberry. This rapid development will continue as your baby’s features become more recognizable in the weeks ahead.
General shape and movement
On an ultrasound at 10 weeks, you will see your baby’s head, arms, and legs becoming more proportional to the body.
Your baby’s tiny fingers and toes are forming, and slight movements might be visible during the scan.
Heartbeats and Activity
At 10 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat is beating at around 160-170 beats per minute. The flicker of the heartbeat is clearly visible on the ultrasound screen, offering reassurance that your baby is growing healthily.
What to Expect During the 10-Week Ultrasound
During your 10-week ultrasound, a transabdominal ultrasound will be performed, where a probe is placed on your stomach to capture images of the baby inside the uterus.
The ultrasound typically lasts 10-15 minutes. The sonographer will check your baby’s size, measure the heart rate, and assess the overall development.
One of the most comforting aspects of this ultrasound is hearing and seeing your baby’s heartbeat, which reassures that everything is progressing well.
Why Is the 10-Week Ultrasound Important?
The 10-week ultrasound provides essential information about your pregnancy:
– Confirm Viability: Detecting your baby’s heartbeat at this stage is a good sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.
– Check for Multiple Pregnancies: The scan can determine if you’re carrying twins or multiples, with each baby having its own gestational sac and heartbeat.
– Verify the Due Date: Ultrasound measurements help confirm your estimated due date (EDD), offering guidance for future monitoring and care.
Emotional benefits from a baby scan
For many expectant parents, the 10-week ultrasound is an emotional milestone. Seeing your baby’s heartbeat and tiny movements can create a sense of connection and reassurance.
What’s next?
Your next ultrasound may be around 14 weeks for a reassurance scan, and at 16 weeks, you can opt for a Gender determination scan. The 3D/4D scan is best scheduled around 24 weeks when your baby’s features are more developed and visible on the ultrasound.
Book Your 10-Week Pregnancy Ultrasound Today
Join Ireland’s highest-rated ultrasound clinic and take the next step in your pregnancy journey with confidence and joy. Book your 10-week ultrasound today for a closer look at your baby’s development.
