Baby development at 11 weeks
Your infant’s tiny fingers and toes have now undergone distinct development, losing their webbing and elongating.
Organ functionality
As you approach the conclusion of the first trimester, all the crucial organs of your baby are in position, with many already functioning. The liver is actively producing red blood cells, the kidneys are generating urine, and the pancreas has initiated insulin production. The four chambers of your baby’s heart are fully formed, and its heartbeat is established.
Genital formation
Towards the end of this week, your baby’s genitals will commence their development. Although the external sex organs, such as the penis and scrotum in boys, and the clitoris and labia in girls, don’t exhibit differentiation until around the 11th week, it takes a few more weeks for the distinction between boys and girls to become easily observable on an ultrasound.
Your baby is about the size of a fig
Pregnancy symptoms during week 11
Constipation and flatulence
During pregnancy, constipation, gas, and bloating are prevalent, partly attributed to hormonal shifts that can slow down digestion. To promote regular bowel movements, ensure consistent water intake throughout the day, incorporate high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and engage in regular exercise.
Heartburn
The onset of heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is common in pregnancy, with a burning sensation often extending from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat. Many expectant women experience heartburn for the first time or find it exacerbated during pregnancy. To alleviate heartburn, avoid lying down immediately after meals, steer clear of fatty, spicy, fried, or highly seasoned foods, opt for smaller meals, and limit liquid intake during meals.
Mixed emotions
The profound life changes accompanying parenthood bring a range of emotions, from excitement to slight nervousness or anxiety on different days. Prioritize self-care by ensuring adequate rest, planning nutritious meals, engaging in safe exercise, and sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant. Taking care of yourself is synonymous with caring for your baby.
Fatigue
Pregnancy fatigue persists, but there may be a surge of energy in the second trimester. Sustain your strength by consuming nutritious pregnancy snacks, getting sufficient sleep by going to bed earlier, incorporating naps into your routine, and trimming unnecessary tasks and commitments.
Vaginal discharge
Elevated estrogen levels may result in increased vaginal discharge in your underwear. Healthy discharge is clear to milky-white with a mild scent. Consult your doctor or midwife if your discharge has an unpleasant odor, causes discomfort or itching, or appears gray, yellow, or green.
Food aversions
Food cravings and aversions are both normal during pregnancy, affecting approximately 60 percent of pregnant women due to hormonal changes and heightened smell sensitivity. While your appetite may be irregular until childbirth, food aversions, much like morning sickness, typically diminish in the second trimester.
Headaches
First-trimester headaches can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations, stress, congestion, allergies, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Some women experience migraines for the first time during pregnancy, although many prone to migraines find improvement. Safely manage and prevent pregnancy headaches by exercising, identifying triggers, and using acetaminophen with your healthcare provider’s approval.
Pregnancy checklist at 11 weeks pregnant
Explore pregnancy weight gain:
If nausea has affected your eating habits or if you haven’t gained much weight yet, don’t worry. Starting at a healthy weight, experts suggest gaining 1 to 5 pounds during the first trimester. Some women may exceed this range due to preferences for less-healthy foods. If you’re concerned, use our pregnancy weight gain calculator and consult with your doctor or midwife.
Establish a support network:
Connect with other moms and expectant moms who can provide advice and a deeper understanding of your experiences. Seek insights from moms you know and join online communities like your BabyCenter Birth Club. Attend prenatal yoga and parenting classes in your community for additional support.
Plan a babymoon:
Consider a babymoon, a final vacation during pregnancy. Whether staying close to home or exploring a bucket-list destination, many expecting moms prefer traveling during the second trimester when energy levels are highest. Learn more about babymoon destination ideas, do’s and don’ts, safety tips, and essential packing items.
Optimize doctor’s appointments:
As you’ll have numerous prenatal appointments, typically every four weeks in the first and second trimesters and more frequently in the third trimester, schedule your checkups for the morning or the first appointment after lunch to minimize wait times.
Prioritize calcium-rich foods:
Ensure sufficient calcium intake during pregnancy, vital for your baby’s bones, teeth, nerves, and muscles. While prenatal vitamins contribute, include calcium-rich foods such as milk, dairy products, canned fish, and calcium-fortified cereal, juice, soy milk, and bread. Consult your provider about adding a calcium supplement if needed.
Care for your skin:
Experience the pregnancy glow, which often appears later, and address skin issues such as acne, varicose veins, melasma, rashes, itching, or stretch marks. Hydrate, use sunscreen, and moisturize regularly to support your skin during pregnancy.
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