Week 10: NIPT Results & Telling People
Results are coming in — and the secret is getting harder to keep
If you did NIPT, results should be arriving this week or next. This is also when a lot of couples start selectively telling close family and friends — even if the 'official' announcement waits until week 12 or 13. Nausea is still rough but should start improving soon.
What's happening this week
The fetus is about the size of a strawberry. All vital organs are formed and starting to function. Fingers and toes have separated. Bones are beginning to harden. She may notice her clothes getting tighter even though she's not visibly showing yet.
Your checklist
0 of 5 completeIf results are normal (low risk), great — breathe. If something flagged, don't panic. NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnosis. Your OB will walk you through next steps, which may include genetic counseling or diagnostic testing like amniocentesis.
NIPT results include the sex if you opted in. Decide together before opening the results whether you want to know or be surprised. If you're doing a gender reveal, have someone else open the envelope.
There's no rule that says you have to wait until 12 weeks. Tell the people you'd want support from if something went wrong. That's usually parents and best friends.
This sounds insanely early, but daycare waitlists in most cities are 6–12 months long. If you'll need childcare, start calling now. Get on lists. You can always decline later.
Nausea typically peaks between weeks 8–10 and starts improving by week 12. Keep up the small meals, hydration, and ginger. The finish line for the worst of it is in sight.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Can you walk us through our NIPT results?
- If something is flagged, what are the next steps?
- When will the first-trimester symptoms start improving?
- Should we schedule any additional tests?
Recommended products
Pregnancy Announcement Book for Grandparents
A keepsake book designed for telling grandparents the big news — includes a reveal moment and space for their reaction. A more memorable way to announce than a phone call.
Week 10 is often when NIPT results arrive, making it one of the most emotionally charged weeks of the first trimester. For dads, the key role here is being present for the conversation — whether results are routine or require follow-up. If NIPT indicates low risk across all screened conditions, you can exhale. If something is flagged, remember that NIPT has a false positive rate, especially for rarer conditions. Your OB will likely refer you to a genetic counselor who can explain the results in detail and discuss diagnostic options.
This is also the week many couples begin telling close family. The traditional 12-week rule exists because miscarriage risk drops significantly after the first trimester. But many couples tell their inner circle earlier — the people they'd lean on regardless of outcome. There's no wrong answer here, just make sure you and your wife are aligned on who knows and when.
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