10th Week Ultrasound: Baby Development, Abnormalities And More

• Why should you get an ultrasound done at 10 weeks?
• How to prepare for your 10th-week scan?
• The ultrasound procedure
• What is the duration of the procedure?
• What can you see in the 10th-week ultrasound?
• Is it normal if no movement is detected in the ultrasound?
• What if any other abnormalities are found in the 10th-week pregnancy scan?

In the tenth week of pregnancy, you are around two months and two weeks pregnant. As your baby continues to grow in many ways, it is time for yet another prenatal check-up that includes an ultrasound. To know what to expect during a week 10 ultrasound scan and understand the baby development at this stage, read this MomJunction post.

Why Should You Get An Ultrasound Done At 10 Weeks?

Your doctor might suggest an ultrasound in the 10th week, also called early viability or dating scan (1), to:

• Determine the gestational age and estimate due date
• Assess fetal development, if it is normal and healthy
• Check the fetal heartbeat and the functioning
• Examine the uterus, placenta, and cervix
• Check for multiple pregnancies
• Diagnose pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage (2)

The 10th-week scan is usually a trans-abdominal ultrasound.

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How To Prepare For Your 10th Week Scan?

To prepare for this scan, consume enough water to keep your bladder full. This is essential for getting a clear picture of the baby, uterus and cervical region. Drink water at least one hour before the scan for an accurate image (3).

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The Ultrasound Procedure

During an ultrasound, you will lie down with the abdomen exposed for the procedure. The sonographer will apply a special gel on the abdomen and pelvic region. Then a small wand, known as the transducer, is moved over the abdomen to capture the images on the screen. You will be asked to hold your breath while capturing the images.

Once the necessary pictures are taken, the sonographer wipes away the gel, and you may empty your bladder. In some cases, if the abdominal scan cannot give clear images, a transvaginal scan is suggested (2).

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What Is The Duration Of The Procedure?

The ultrasound procedure lasts around 20 to 30 minutes (4). Sometimes, it might take longer if the baby is in an unusual position, or very actively moving around. If the scan is not giving clear pictures, it may have to be done again.

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What Can You See In The 10th-Week Ultrasound?

You can see most of the developing fetal organs in a 10th-week ultrasound scan. You can see the (5):

• Baby’s movement
• Head that is half the size of the body
• Hands and feet along with fingers and toes
• Internal organs, as the fetal skin becomes transparent
• Heartbeat and you can also hear it
• A bulged forehead, as it accommodates the growing brain
• Body hair
• Fingers and toes
• Nose, ears and closed eyelids
• Complete skeletal system, spine structure and stretching of spinal nerves

Ideally, you should be able to see the baby move in the ultrasound this week, even though you may not feel it.

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Is It Normal If No Movement Is Detected In The Ultrasound?

Don’t worry if you cannot see the baby moving in the 10th-week scan. The movements are subtle at the beginning, which is why you might not feel them. As the pregnancy progresses and the baby grows, the movements become stronger and more evident. In some cases, your doctor may get another scan done in the same week.

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What If Any Other Abnormalities Are Found In The 10th-Week Pregnancy Scan?

If any other abnormalities are found in 10th-week ultrasound report, your doctor will suggest further tests such as blood tests, amniocentesis, and chorionic villi sampling (CVS). Based on the results, you will be referred to a specialist for a further course of action.

The baby’s gender can also be determined with the 10th-week ultrasound scan as sexual organs start developing by now. By this week, you and the baby are safe from any risks. It is also the time where both the mother and the baby will experience many changes. The ultrasound scan during this week, therefore, determines if the pregnancy and the fetus are healthy.

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How was your 10th-week ultrasound scan? What changes did you notice in the baby’s development? Write to us in the below comment section.

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