10 weeks and 3 days pregnant

This coloured 2D ultrasound scan shows a baby lying on his back with his head to the right. This is the ideal position when measuring the crown (head) to rump (bottom) length to accurately date the pregnancy: it simply measures in a straight line.

You may begin to get a few discomforts around your pelvis as your body begins to accommodate your growing uterus.

Having a few niggly aches and pains during pregnancy is nothing to be concerned about. They occur because the ligaments and muscles of your pelvis are stretching to fit your ever-growing uterus. This can cause some discomfort but should be manageable.

If the pain you’re experiencing does become crampy, like period pain, and there is any bleeding, or if the pain becomes very severe and constant, then you should go to the doctor or hospital to be checked over. You will be checked to rule out a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

I’m allergic to dairy products. What can I eat to make sure my baby gets the nutrients these provide?

Dairy products are an excellent source of protein, calcium (which is required for the development of your baby’s teeth and bones), some B vitamins, and a little iron. Full-fat milk contains vitamins A, D, and E. Eat foods that provide the same nutrients:

• For calcium: leafy green vegetables, particularly broccoli and kale; fish with soft, edible bones, such as salmon (tinned is fine), whitebait, and sardines; calcium-fortified soya milk.

• For vitamin A: brightly coloured vegetables, meats, eggs, and liver. Although most nutritionists do not recommend liver during pregnancy, if you aren’t getting much vitamin A in your diet, a little will do no harm.

• For vitamin D: eggs. Vitamin D is also found in most fish.

• For vitamin E: soya, vegetable oils, leafy green vegetables, and eggs. As long as you’re getting plenty of these key nutrients from other sources, your baby’s health will not be adversely affected.

Whether you’re going on holiday or on a business trip, it’s important to be prepared:

• Check you’re fit to travel – speak to your midwife or doctor.

• Find out whether you need any vaccinations and discuss these with your doctor. It’s advisable to avoid travelling to areas where there is a high risk of disease while you’re pregnant if at all possible.

• Get travel insurance and make sure it covers you during pregnancy.

• Carry your antenatal notes with you at all times and stay within reach of medical help.

• Don’t stay seated for long periods in transit and stay hydrated. Wear support socks to reduce the risk of DVT.

• Wear adequate sun protection if you’re going to a hot climate.

• Be careful about what you eat, and drink bottled water.