Overview of Week 11 of pregnancy
During week 11 of pregnancy:
- Your baby is 1.6 inches long
- You are in trimester one
- 29 more weeks to go
- Your baby is now a fetus
Your baby is no longer an embryo, but now a fetus! They are becoming more and more baby-like each day and all the organs and body parts have started being developed now.
You are nearing the end of the first trimester so it is time to start thinking about how you want to announce your pregnancy. Most women wait until the end of the first trimester when the chances of miscarriage have drastically reduced to announce their pregnancies.
How many months pregnant is 11 weeks?
At 11 weeks pregnant, you are around 2 and a half months pregnant. You are in your first trimester, although you are nearing its end. You have 6.5 months left of pregnancy.
How big is baby at 11 weeks pregnant?
This week, your baby is the size of a lime. It measures around 1.6 inches long, from crown to rump. Your baby will continue to be measured from crown to rump until the second trimester when it will become easier to measure the leg length.
Baby development during week 11 of pregnancy
Fingers & Toes
Your fetus’ hands and feet are less webbed now since the fingers and toes are separating. Nailbeds are also forming on both fingers and toes. However, there are still a few weeks before the actual nails start to develop.
Hair
Little hair follicles are starting to form not only on your baby’s head but all over its body.
Face
Your baby’s face is starting to look more and more baby-like. The ears are almost formed into their final shapes and have also moved closer to their final positions on each side of the head. The nose now has little nasal passages at the tip. In the mouth, a tongue is formed.
Genitals
The external sex organs are starting to form; however, it will be a few more weeks until boys and girls can be differentiated on an ultrasound. If you have a girl, the ovaries are also starting to develop.
Pregnancy Week 11 Symptoms
Nausea
The good news is that your morning sickness should be residing by now. This symptom usually only lasts until the end of the first trimester; however, some women may experience morning sickness throughout the whole pregnancy.
More than 50% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs anytime throughout the day. It is caused by the sudden increase in pregnancy hormones in your body and can be triggered by certain foods, smells, or even for no reason at all.
Weight gain
You may not have a noticeable baby bump yet, but your clothes may start to feel a little tight all of a sudden. Weight gain is totally acceptable and even encouraged throughout pregnancy. You are now growing a baby, and with that comes increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and a growing placenta; all of which will contribute to the weight you will be gaining. Most women should expect to gain 25-35 pounds, or even more, during pregnancy.
Visible veins
Around week 10 of pregnancy, you may start to notice more visible veins on your breasts, chest, belly, and legs. These veins will appear more blue-ish or purple and are caused by the increased blood volume throughout your body. Usually, after pregnancy, your veins will return to normal and will no longer be as visible.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones may allow the muscles in the esophagus to relax more frequently, allowing stomach acids to push back up into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn or acid reflux. Unfortunately, this is one of those pregnancy symptoms that will come and go all throughout your pregnancy. Over-the-counter medications, such as Tums or Rolaids, can help to reduce any discomfort. If any pain persists, it is best to talk to your doctor about other medications that may be available.
Pregnancy week 11 tips
Continue taking a multivitamin
Making sure you have sufficient vitamin intake is important in the beginning stages of baby development. Most importantly is folate intake. Adequate folate levels can decrease your growing baby’s chances of developmental defects. Remember to take your prenatal vitamin daily and continue to do so until the end of pregnancy, or longer if you decide to breastfeed.
Take pictures
You may not have a baby bump yet, but I recommend you start taking progress pictures now. These pictures will be a good memory to look back on and it is a fun way to show your belly growing throughout your pregnancy.
Buy maternity clothing
You may have noticed your pants are feeling a bit snug lately. It may be a good time to go shopping for some maternity clothing that will fit you for the next 7 months. There are plenty of specialty stores dedicated to just maternity items, or you can also find maternity sections in many department stores. Thrift stores often have some really good finds as well. It may also be beneficial to buy some maternity tops that will easily be able to convert to nursing shirts when the baby arrives, if you decide to breastfeed.
Start budgeting
This is a good time to take a good look at your finances and start to budget. You’ll want to save enough money to buy essential baby items, like diapers and wipes, as well as bigger ticket items such as a crib. Take a moment and sit down with your partner and really take a look at your finances and decide where you can cut back a bit.
Plan your announcement
Most women choose to announce their pregnancy right around the second-trimester mark. You may have already told your close friends and family but now is time to think about how you will tell your extended family, co-workers, and acquaintances. You may want to take a cute photo and post it on social media for all to see, or maybe you want to tell everyone in person.
Plan a babymoon
A babymoon could be the last kid-free vacation you may be able to take for a while. Whether it is a quick weekend getaway in the next town over or an international beach trip, a babymoon is a great way to relax and spend some quality time with your partner before your new family member makes their appearance.
