Pregnancy Week 11
What to expect when you're 11 weeks pregnant
Baby development at 11 weeks pregnant
At eleven weeks pregnant, you may notice that it’s not just your baby growing! You may find that your nails are growing a bit quicker than usual and your hair needs a trim sooner than your next scheduled appointment. Your baby bump may now be visible to people other than yourself.
Your fetus at eleven weeks will measure about 1.6 inches (40.64 millimeters), which is just about the size of a fig.
At this point in your pregnancy, a lot of details are developing. Your baby’s taste buds are forming, they can now open and close their eyelids, and the eyes, mouth and nose are starting to take shape. Reproductive organs are also beginning to develop, but it's still a bit too early to tell whether you’re having a boy or a girl.
Pregnancy symptoms at 11 weeks
You may notice that the symptoms of morning sickness are starting to subside, and now you might be experiencing food cravings or aversions. Try your best to maintain a balanced diet for you and baby. We know it's hard, especially if you experience an aversion to healthy foods. Opt for fruit and smoothies, or keep saltines on hand just in case.
- Leg cramps: Tight and painful cramps in your legs can happen at any time. Evenings tend to be when most women experience these cramps, which can interfere with sleep. Be sure to drink plenty of water and spend some time stretching. Adding a magnesium supplement can also help ease the pain of leg cramps.
- Skin darkening: Hormonal changes can cause certain areas of your body to darken. The most common is a dark line down the center of your stomach, known as the linea nigra. Some women can experience what is known as a pregnancy mask, which is when the skin on your upper lip and around your eyes darkens after exposure to the sun.
- Runny nose: An increase in estrogen can cause your nasal passage to swell, making your nose feel a little stuffy.
- Mood swings: As your body experiences many sudden changes in quick succession, a few mood swings are to be expected. Growing a baby can take a physical and emotional toll. Be sure to get plenty of rest and take time for yourself whenever possible.
- Weight gain: On average, women gain between 1 to 4 pounds during their first trimester of pregnancy. Each woman’s body is different, however, and you have plenty of time to achieve the ideal pregnancy weight.
- Increased vaginal discharge: You may experience a thick, milky white discharge during your first trimester due to increased hormones.
- Frequent urination: As your pregnancy progresses, your bladder will continue to have less and less room; this can increase the frequency of urges to use the restroom.
- Fatigue: Your level of fatigue is likely to vary throughout your pregnancy. Take advantage of bursts of energy, but don’t beat yourself up when you’re feeling tired. If your body is signaling it’s time for a rest, take one!
Pregnancy checklist at 11 weeks pregnant
Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, you will be getting your first trimester screen. This will include a nuchal translucency screening and a blood test. A nuchal translucency screening helps detect chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus, while the blood test will help gauge your risk of carrying a baby with Down syndrome or trisomy 18 (also known as Edwards syndrome).
Reminders for
Week 11
- Find a prenatal yoga class. Remaining active during pregnancy is good for you and the baby. Prenatal yoga is highly recommended to help calm the mind and move in ways that are safe during pregnancy.
- Pamper yourself. Whether it is retail therapy, taking a nap or finding some time to curl up with a good book, self-care is an important part of maintaining a physically and emotionally healthy pregnancy.
- Get a prenatal massage. These special pregnancy massages involve gentle pressure that can help with blood flow, back pain and stress. They can even help improve your mood.
- Find a place to register. Have you started stocking up on baby items yet? Now is a good time to think about where you want to register and build a list of items you are going to need when your baby arrives.
Explore pregnancy by week
Week 10 | Week 12
