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Pregnancy Week 11
Baby Growth at 11 Weeks Pregnant
Another week down, mama!
Your baby is now the size of a strawberry, measuring approximately 1.5 inches long and weighing around 0.25 ounces. At this stage, the baby's head accounts for about half of its total size, but don’t worry, as the body will catch up in the coming weeks.
Your baby’s facial features continue to develop during this time and their face becomes increasingly human-like. While the eyelids remain closed and fused, they will begin to separate and take shape after the 24th week. Additionally, little tooth buds are starting to develop in your baby's mouth.
The fingers and toes grow longer, more distinct and lose their webbing. However, even if your baby is kicking inside your womb, you won't feel anything for several more weeks. They’re also beginning to grow hair follicles all around their little body.
The baby's genitals are beginning to grow, and it's not yet possible to use ultrasound to determine the gender. If you do have an ultrasound, your baby’s first signs of breathing movement can be picked up!
You and Your Body at Pregnancy Week 11
It might still take some time before your belly starts showing that you are pregnant, if this is your first pregnancy. Sometimes women pregnant with a second child or twins show their baby bumps much earlier than they did during their first pregnancy.
No matter whether your belly changes or not, your breasts have obviously shown changes and they will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. During pregnancy, your breasts grow as the milk glands within them develop in preparation for breastfeeding.
Moreover, due to pregnancy hormone changes, your hair, fingernails, and toenails grow faster this week. On the other hand you may also suffer from other symptoms, like acne due to hormonal shifts.
Typical Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 11
At this point in your pregnancy, you may continue to experience the following physical symptoms.
- Leg cramps
- Linea Nigra
- Fatigue
- Morning Sickness and Nausea
- Vaginal Discharge
- Mood Swings
- Gas and Bloating
Tight, painful muscles interfere with your sleep at night. If you suffer from cramps at night, stretching and exercise helps reduce leg cramps. Mineral depletion also results in leg cramps, so make sure that you get enough essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your diet, and stay hydrated.
You may notice a dark line running vertically down the middle of your belly. This is known as the linea nigra or the "pregnancy line." Rest assured, this line will fade after your baby is born, so there's no need to worry. It's a common occurrence and not permanent.
There's nothing surprising about fatigue! Even if you get enough sleep, you'll still feel tired. Make sure you limit your caffeine intake (no more than 200mg is recommended) and if you do have any, it’s not later in the day. This also makes it harder to get to sleep, so skip the caffeine before 2pm. Consider taking your prenatal earlier in the day as the B-vitamins they contain are stimulating.
Those who are lucky might be able to control morning (more like all day) sickness and nausea, but most women continue to have trouble with both until they finish their first trimester. Fresh lemon in your water and ginger help to keep it at bay.
It's possible that your body produces more vaginal discharge. As long as it is odorless or has a very mild odor and is clear or white in color, this is normal. If you detect any changes, such as blood, itching, or a foul odor, see your doctor to rule out any concerns.
Your heightened hormone levels may be the reason for your recent mood swings. Try to avoid stress as much as possible, and make sure you get enough iron in your diet. Yoga, simple meditations, listening to relaxing music may all help you feel better. Seek advice from your physician on how to manage your mood swings, especially if they're interfering with your daily life.
If you're having uncomfortable bloating, try to avoid foods that make you gassy such as beans, cabbage, fried food, and dairy filled desserts. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fiber-rich foods.
Pregnancy Week 11 Tips and Advice
Consume enough vitamin C. You need around 85 milligrams of vitamin C each day while pregnant to help your baby build healthy bones, skin and teeth. To increase your vitamin C consumption, try to eat more oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Pay attention to your body and avoid overexertion, but stay active! Try taking at least a short walk every day. If you want to continue exercising in a gym, be sure to consult your doctor first. Make sure you also get enough sleep, your body sure is doing a lot of work!
During your pregnancy, see your dentist at least once. Brush and floss twice a day, and take a calcium-fortified prenatal vitamin to keep your teeth strong. Due to the increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones, your gums may bleed more. If they do, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. If you do experience vomiting, it’s best to rinse with a mouthwash instead of brushing to avoid dental damage.
If you want to create a keepsake series of pictures during your pregnancy, 11 weeks is a perfect time to start because your bump will become more obvious in the coming weeks. Choose an outfit that you can wear throughout your pregnancy, such as jeans and a white top and take your pictures with a consistent background to watch your bump bloom!
Be sure you talk to your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking to make sure they're still safe to take.
Next week, you will see your doctor for your first prenatal visit if you haven’t already and you may hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time. Isn’t it exciting? Make sure you write down any questions you have prior to your appointment, since it can be easy to forget them while you are there. This way, you are less likely to leave with unanswered questions.
Sources:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/11-weeks-pregnant-4158930
https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/your-pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-9-12#091e9c5e801342ba-1-4
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299535
https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/pregnancy-calendar/11-weeks-pregnant
