11 weeks pregnant

2 months to go! Hey mom-to-be, congratulations; you've almost made it to the end of the first trimester. At 11 weeks pregnant, baby size will be about a cute little Brussel sprout. You may notice some bodily changes as your baby is growing too fast. To know more about this week in detail, keep reading.

Your Baby at 11 Weeks

Your baby at 11 weeks pregnant is about 1 to 1.5 inches and weighs about 6 to 9 gms. As your little one is busy growing, here's a sneak peek into his development:

• Your baby's hands and feet have now grown, and his ears have developed too

• Tiny fingers and toes are developing on your little one's teeny-tiny hands and feet

• Also, those fingers and toes will soon have nails, as the fingernail and toenail beds begin to develop

• The nasal passages on the tip of your little one's nose have finally opened up

• Your baby has a tongue now, and the palate of his mouth has developed too

• There are hair follicles growing on your little one's crown and the rest of the body

• Your little one's reproductive organs have begun developing; however, it is too early to determine your baby's gender

• Your baby can move his arms and legs inside the womb, but you cannot feel them just yet

• If you have an 11 weeks pregnant ultrasound, you can notice the first signs of your little one breathing.

11 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms

Experiencing unusual food cravings? Finding yourself crying a minute and then laughing very hard the next? Don't worry; nothing is wrong with you. You are just experiencing pregnancy symptoms. Here's a brief understanding of what you might feel this week:

Breast growth

As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice your breasts growing. This is because the milk glands are preparing for breastfeeding. It is normal to gain up to a kg of breast tissue throughout your pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge

You may notice your body releasing more vaginal discharge that is clear or white and odourless. If you experience any changes like itchiness, foul odour, or blood, talk to your doctor to rule out anything serious.

Abdominal line

You may notice a long, dark line, called linea nigra or pregnancy line, tracing down the centre of your belly. But don't worry; it is just due to the changes in your hormone levels and will eventually fade away after your baby's birth.

Leg cramps

Tight, painful leg cramps may trouble you this week, especially during the night. This discomfort may interrupt your sleep. So, try stretching your legs or practising some basic, pregnancy-safe exercises. These cramps could also be due to mineral depletion. So, make sure you are taking enough calcium and magnesium in your diet. Staying hydrated can also help ease the cramps.

Fatigue

As the progesterone levels increase in your body, you may feel tired and sleepy. May sure to avoid caffeine and follow a relaxing bedtime routine to help combat pregnancy fatigue.

Mood swings

Again, your increased hormone levels can make you moody. Make sure your iron intake is enough. Try avoiding stress by practising yoga or simple meditations, listening to relaxing music, or indulging in your favourite hobby (that is pregnancy-safe) to help feel better. If you experience severe mood swings, talk to your doctor for advice.

Morning sickness

At 11 weeks pregnant, you might still be experiencing nausea and vomiting at any time of the day or night. Hang in there! It's just a matter of a couple of weeks, and your morning sickness will subside in the second trimester. Try eating smaller meals and keep saltines or bland crackers in handy.

Things to Consider at 11 Weeks Pregnant

Here are some things to consider at 11 weeks pregnant:

• Vitamin C: Your body requires about 80 to 85 mg of vitamin C every day to develop your baby's bone and teeth. Make sure to include vitamin C-rich foods like broccoli, tomato, oranges, strawberries and other citrus fruits in your diet. To know if you're getting enough vitamin C, check with your doctor.

• Announcement of the baby's arrival: Most expecting parents prefer sharing the news of their pregnancy with family, friends and colleagues by the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second. You can choose a fun and creative way to make the announcement.

• Find the hospital: Have you decided where you will be delivering your baby? Start researching about hospitals or nursing homes near your home. You can ask your doctor, family or friends for recommendations. Look for a hospital with good facilities, read their reviews or ask the parents in your network.

• Maternity and paternity leave: If you're a working would-be parent, talk to your employer about the maternity and paternity leaves. Ask about your eligibility, pay or other benefits at your workplace.

Precautions and Tips for 11 Weeks Pregnant

In the eleventh month of pregnancy, you might experience different symptoms than last week. Be it your body hair growth or brittle nails, we've got some handy tips and tricks for you:

• Prenatal yoga: A good prenatal yoga routine can help you relax and reduce your risks of depression and anxiety. This will also help you prepare for giving birth; plus, it also lowers the chances of premature delivery and postpartum blues.

• Wash your hands: In pregnancy, your immune system runs low, due to which you are more susceptible to flu, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. If you have frequent colds, your baby is at the risk of developing asthma. So, make sure you wash your hands often with water and soap to ward off the germs.

• Eat nuts: Nuts are high-protein snack full of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium, selenium, copper, and zinc. So, enjoy them in moderation, as they help in boosting a baby's brain development. Moreover, eating nuts lowers the risks of nut allergies in your baby.

• Dental hygiene: Keep your teeth clean and well-flossed to avoid inflamed gums or gingivitis, which is pretty common during pregnancy. Chew sugarless gums and snack on nuts and cheese to reduce plaque build-up.

• Combat dry skin: Keep your shower times short, avoid hot water, use a mild cleanser, place a warm-mist humidifier in your room, and moisturise your skin to soothe your dry skin.

• Not in the mood? Don't panic: Pregnancy hormones play different cards for different women. While some experience an increased sex drive, while others experience the complete opposite. So, remember, what is normal for you is normal.

• Hair removal: If you notice unwanted body hair, you can choose to remove them via shaving, waxing, or using topical hair removers. However, avoid permanent hair removal treatments.

• Nail care: Your nails might become brittle during pregnancy. So, it is better to keep well-trimmed. Avoid any chemical-laden nail polish and removers. Your nails will be back to normal once your baby arrives.

11 Weeks Pregnant: At Your Doctor's Office

Here's how your prenatal visit this week might go:

Prenatal genetic screening tests

Tests like the nuchal translucency test might continue this week. This is nothing but an ultrasound exam in which the fluid-filled space behind your baby's neck is measured. If the measurement is greater than normal, your baby might be at the risk of having a genetic disorder like Down syndrome. However, this is just a screening test, and out of range values do not necessarily mean your baby has a chromosomal issue. Your doctor will recommend more testing to evaluate the condition. It is always best to get this test done between 11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days, as a false positive can result if the timing is incorrect. This test also includes a blood test. However, not all expecting moms have to necessarily take both tests - it can either be a blood test, ultrasound, or both.

Ask your doctor

This prenatal visit might be shorter than the previous one. However, you can always use this time to ask your doctor all your pregnancy-related doubts and questions. Here's what you can ask:

• Will I be able to know my baby's gender during the ultrasound this week?

• Is there a chance of miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant?

• What all genetic tests are recommended for me this week?

• Do I have to get a chorionic villus sampling test done?

• Do I have to get nuchal translucency ultrasound done?

• Do I have to take an Rh test to know the blood compatibility with my baby? Does my partner need to get tested for the same?

Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

11 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Here's what you don't want to miss out on this week:

• Take a look at your insurance plan and talk to your doctor to know more about your prenatal coverage.

• Have you started with your baby registry? If not, now is the time. Although the baby shower plans are underway and you might have not shared the news yet, start creating your wish list so that you don't miss out on anything.

• Read up on pregnancy tips and detailed information on the upcoming trimesters. You can also learn more with our pregnancy guide.

Rest back mom-to-be! Your little one is growing to look a lot human-like with teeny-tiny features developing. Next week awaits you with new changes, so make sure you stay hydrated, eat and rest well.