Day 75 of 280, first trimester
You are 10 weeks and 5 days
Healthy teeth and gums are essential in pregnancy, so brush thoroughly and see your dentist regularly.
205 days until your due date
Look after your teeth and gums. Progesterone softens gum tissue, making it more likely to bleed when brushed and to become infected. Unfortunately, gum disease is linked to premature birth: bacteria from periodontal disease release toxins into your blood that reach the placenta and can affect the baby's growth, and the infection can trigger inflammatory chemicals that make the cervix open and start contractions.
To keep your mouth healthy, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and see your dentist for regular cleanings. If you need antibiotics for an infection, remind your dentist you're pregnant so they prescribe safe ones.
If your dentist needs to X-ray your mouth, they'll protect your baby by covering your abdomen with a lead apron.
As a matter of fact
A tooth for every child?
A US study found that people with one child were missing two or three teeth on average, and those with four or more children were missing four to eight.
So the old wives' tale "You'll lose a tooth for every child" may have some truth in it, possibly because pregnancy hormones can cause gum disease.
Explainer
Brush and floss
Brush your teeth regularly, or even more often than usual, and floss well to reduce the risk of gum infection.
Ask a Doctor
Why do I have more vaginal discharge since getting pregnant?
In pregnancy, rising estrogen makes the muscle layer of the vagina thicken and its lining cells multiply, preparing it for childbirth. The extra cells cause more discharge, called leucorrhea.
If you feel sore or itchy, or the discharge isn't creamy or white, or it smells, your doctor will take a swab to rule out infection. Infections such as yeast cause abnormal discharge; they're common in pregnancy and easy to treat.
Even if you've treated yeast infections yourself before, call your doctor this time. She'll probably recommend a vaginal treatment, but if you have bacterial vaginosis, you may need oral medication.
Appointments and key dates around now
- Booking appointmentUsually between 8 and 12 weeks
Read the full 10 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.