10 Weeks Pregnant: What to Do This Week
You are now in double digits — and your baby is growing rapidly. At 10 weeks, all of the major organs have begun to form and your baby is starting to look distinctly human. For many women, the end of the first trimester is now in sight, bringing with it the promise of (usually) easing symptoms and the reassurance of the 12-week scan. Here is what to focus on this week.
Table of Contents
Checklist
- **Continue folic acid (400mcg daily)** — the NHS recommends taking this until the end of week 12 at minimum; many women and their doctors choose to continue throughout pregnancy - **Continue vitamin D (10mcg daily)** — NHS guidance advises all pregnant women in the UK to take vitamin D year-round - **Confirm your 12-week scan appointment** — your dating scan should take place between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks; if you haven't had a date confirmed, contact your midwife or the antenatal unit - **Attend your booking appointment if not yet done** — if you haven't seen a midwife yet, contact your GP surgery to arrange this as soon as possible; the booking appointment involves blood tests, blood pressure checks, urine tests, and important health history - **Check your maternity leave eligibility** — use the GOV.UK maternity pay and leave calculator to understand your entitlement, so you can plan ahead - **Start researching antenatal classes** — NHS, NCT, and independent classes (including hypnobirthing) are popular and often fill up months in advance; week 10 is a good time to look at options - **Avoid alcohol, raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurised cheeses, and high-mercury fish** — follow current NHS food safety guidance throughout pregnancyTips for Week 10
**Think about telling more people.** Your 12-week scan is around two weeks away for most women at this stage. Many people choose this as the point at which they feel comfortable sharing more widely, but some tell closer friends or family before then — particularly if symptoms have been making things difficult and they need support. There is no obligation in either direction.Plan for your 12-week scan day. The dating scan is an exciting but sometimes nerve-wracking appointment. Check whether your partner or a support person can attend (NHS policies vary by trust). Bring a full bladder if advised — some scanning departments ask for this. Take the day off work if you can; it is worth giving yourself time to absorb the experience rather than rushing back.
Look into NIPT if you are considering it. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions including Down's syndrome. It is not currently offered routinely on the NHS, but it is available privately from around 10 weeks. If you are considering it, speak to your midwife or a private clinic about whether it is right for you, bearing in mind that it is a screening test, not a diagnostic one.
Maternity exemption certificate. Once you reach 10 weeks, you may be eligible for a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx), which entitles you to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born. Ask your midwife or GP to sign your form (FW8) at your booking appointment if they haven't done so already.
Looking After Yourself
For many women, symptoms are still intense at 10 weeks — nausea, exhaustion, and heightened emotions can all persist. Some women begin to notice a slight easing around weeks 10 to 12; others don't feel better until 14 or even 16 weeks. Both are within normal range.Eating little and often can help manage nausea better than larger meals. Even if your diet is not what you would like it to be right now — heavily reliant on toast or plain crackers — try not to worry too much. Your baby is getting what it needs. Focus on staying hydrated and eating whatever you can manage.
Emotional fluctuations are normal. Hormonal changes, anxiety about the scan, exhaustion, and the general upheaval of pregnancy can all affect your mood. If you are feeling low, speak to your midwife. Antenatal depression is more common than many people realise and there is genuine support available.
Keep moving if you can. Gentle exercise — walking, swimming, or pregnancy yoga — can help with fatigue, mood, and circulation. There is no need to push yourself; even short periods of movement count.
Watch for signs that need attention. Heavy bleeding, severe one-sided pain, a high fever, difficulty urinating, or persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping any fluids down all warrant a call to your midwife or NHS 111.
FAQ
### What should I prioritise at 10 weeks?Confirming your 12-week scan appointment is the most time-sensitive priority. Beyond that, continuing your daily supplements, attending your booking appointment if not yet done, and starting to think about maternity leave and antenatal classes will set you up well for the weeks ahead. Looking after your own wellbeing — rest, hydration, and emotional support — matters just as much as the admin.
When should I tell people I'm pregnant?
Most women in the UK wait until after their 12-week scan, when the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower and they have the reassurance of seeing their baby on screen. However, many people tell close family or trusted friends earlier than this, particularly if they need practical or emotional support. The right time is whenever feels right for you — there is no medical reason to wait, and no obligation to tell anyone before you are ready.
Is nausea still normal at 10 weeks?
Yes, entirely. Nausea and morning sickness (which can happen at any time of day) are driven by rising hCG levels, which typically peak around weeks 8 to 10 before gradually declining. Many women start to feel improvement from around week 12 onward, though for some it takes longer. If you are unable to keep fluids down or are losing weight, speak to your midwife or GP — hyperemesis gravidarum is a treatable condition and you don't have to manage it alone.
Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have concerns about your pregnancy or how you are feeling at this stage.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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