10 Weeks Pregnant: Checklist Complete
Ten weeks pregnant is a sensible moment to pause and take stock. You're past the earliest, most uncertain days, your baby has just transitioned from embryo to foetus, and there are a handful of practical jobs worth ticking off before the 12-week scan arrives. Here is your complete checklist for this week.
Health and Wellbeing Checklist
- Keep taking folic acid — continue your 400 microgram daily supplement until at least week 12
- Take vitamin D — a 10 microgram daily supplement is recommended throughout pregnancy for everyone in the UK
- Stay hydrated — aim for regular fluids throughout the day, especially if nausea is affecting your appetite
- Rest when you need to — fatigue is often at its peak around this stage, and there is no virtue in pushing through exhaustion
- Keep meals manageable — small, frequent meals can be easier to tolerate than three large ones if nausea is an issue
- Note any concerning symptoms — heavy bleeding, severe pain, or an inability to keep fluids down should always be reported to your midwife or GP promptly
Appointments and Admin Checklist
- Confirm your booking appointment has taken place or is scheduled — this is usually done between weeks 8 and 10 and registers you formally with maternity services
- Check your dating scan is booked — typically offered between 10 and 14 weeks, most often around 11 to 13+6 weeks
- Research antenatal classes in your area, including NHS and independent options, so you can book ahead if places fill quickly
- Check your maternity pay and leave entitlement with your employer or through gov.uk, and note key notification deadlines
- Apply for your MATB1 certificate in good time — your midwife issues this from around 20 weeks, but it's worth understanding the process now
- Decide who to tell and when — many people choose to share their news after the 12-week scan, though this is entirely a personal choice
Practical and Financial Checklist
- Start a baby fund if that's helpful for your budgeting, even a small regular amount adds up over the coming months
- Hold off on major purchases — most people wait until after the 12-week scan before buying prams, cots, or nursery furniture, though there's no rule against researching options now
- Look into free NHS dental care — dental treatment is free throughout pregnancy and for a year after birth in the UK
- Check eligibility for Healthy Start if applicable, which provides help towards food and vitamins during pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do at 10 weeks?
Focus on the essentials: keep taking folic acid and vitamin D, confirm your booking appointment and dating scan are on track, and start researching antenatal classes and maternity pay entitlement. Beyond that, rest and self-care matter just as much as admin.
Should I start buying baby things at 10 weeks?
It's fine to browse and research, but most people hold off on actually buying prams, cots, or nursery items until after the 12-week scan. There's no medical reason to wait, but many find it emotionally easier once early scan results are through.
Do I need to tell my employer at 10 weeks?
Not necessarily — in the UK you're only legally required to notify your employer by the 15th week before your due date, though telling them earlier can help with adjustments to your role if needed. Check your specific maternity policy for any earlier internal deadlines.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your midwife or GP for guidance specific to your pregnancy.
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