You are now 11 weeks pregnant and will of course, have so many questions that you would like answers to.
You'll be glad to know that your baby has reached an exciting developmental milestone, and knowing how little bubba's health and growth is doing is really important.
From what's going on inside your body, to your baby’s development, advice, symptoms and what to expect on your beautiful pregnancy journey, here you will find it out.
What does my baby look like?
According to the NHS: "Your baby, or foetus, is now around 41mm long from head to bottom, which is about the size of a fig. The head is still supersized, but the body is growing quickly."
"The fingers and toes are separating out. There are tiny fingernails and miniature ears."
"Although your baby is kicking around inside your womb, you probably won't feel anything for several weeks." says the NHS.
What is my body doing at eleven weeks pregnant?
Hopefully, that morning sickness will be starting to die down and you’ll be getting your appetite back. Whilst the saying goes ‘eating for two’, don’t go overboard. Stick to a healthy diet of nutritious meals and avoid too much junk.
Even if you’re still not showing that pregnancy bump (everyone will start to show at different times) you might find your jeans are feeling a little tighter this week. Of course, this is to be expected now you’re pregnant, but being bloated and indigestion is a common symptom thanks to those wonderful pregnancy hormones.
What is my baby doing at eleven weeks?
The NHS also say that at eleven weeks: "Your baby grows quickly and the placenta is rapidly developing – and will be fully formed at about 12 weeks, And while the bones of the face are formed now, their eyelids are closed and will not open for a few months yet. The ear buds developing on the sides of your baby's head look more like ears as they grow. While your baby's head makes up one-third of its length, but the body is growing fast – it's straightening, with their fingers and toes separating."
11 weeks pregnant ultrasound:
At 11 weeks pregnant, an ultrasound can provide a lot of valuable information about the development of the baby. Here's what you can generally expect to see and learn from an 11-week ultrasound:
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Fetal Development: At this stage, the baby is about the size of a fig, measuring approximately 1.6 inches long. You can typically see the baby's head, body, arms, and legs more clearly. The fingers and toes are starting to develop.
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Heartbeat: The baby's heartbeat can be detected and is usually around 110-160 beats per minute.
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Movement: The baby may start to make small movements, although it might not be strong enough for you to feel yet.
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Placenta and Umbilical Cord: The ultrasound will show the placenta and umbilical cord, ensuring they are developing normally.
According to Emiliana Hall, the founder of The Mindful Birth Group®: "At the 11th week of pregnancy, you are coming towards the end of the first trimester. It is at this time that you would normally have your first NHS scan. You may be feeling all kinds of emotions about this milestone."
11 weeks pregnant symptoms:
At 11 weeks pregnant, many women experience a variety of symptoms due to hormonal changes and the body adjusting to pregnancy. Here are some common symptoms you might experience at this stage, says Emilana.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Often referred to as morning sickness, though it can occur at any time of the day. It usually starts to improve by the end of the first trimester.
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Fatigue: Hormonal changes and the body working harder to support the pregnancy can make you feel more tired than usual.
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Frequent Urination: The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
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Breast Changes: Breasts may feel tender, swollen, or heavier due to hormonal changes and preparation for breastfeeding.
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Bloating and Gas: Hormonal changes can slow down the digestive system, leading to bloating and gas.
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Food Cravings and Aversions: You might have strong cravings for certain foods and aversions to others.
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Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can affect your emotions, making you feel more moody or irritable.
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Increased Vaginal Discharge: A thin, milky white discharge (leukorrhea) is normal and helps prevent infections.
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Heartburn and Indigestion: The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, causing acid reflux.
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Constipation: Hormones can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation.
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Visible Veins: Increased blood flow can make the veins more noticeable, particularly on the breasts and abdomen.
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Weight Gain: Although it's usually minimal in the first trimester, some weight gain is normal as your body starts to support the growing baby.
If you experience severe symptoms or have concerns, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure everything is progressing normally with your pregnancy, explains Emiliana.
11 weeks pregnant tips:
1. Physical changes and symptoms:
"As your baby continues to grow and develop, you might experience some common symptoms at 11 weeks. Nausea and fatigue, (sometimes very extreme fatigue) which are typical in the first trimester, may still be present. However, many people find relief from these symptoms as they approach the end of this trimester.", says Emiliana.
"It's crucial to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Consider incorporating small, frequent meals to help alleviate any nausea."
2. Mindful and emotional well-being:
"Pregnancy is not just a physical journey; it's a mental and emotional one too. Take time for self-care and think about how day-to-day stress can be minimised as much as possible. It wouldn’t be realistic to completely avoid stress, but what can you step away from, even temporarily, to support your emotional wellbeing? Consider exploring mindfulness techniques or meditation to help you connect with your changing body and reduce any anxiety."
"Joining a supportive community, whether in-person or online, can provide a space to share experiences and gain valuable insights. The PregnaHub® is an excellent resource, offering relaxation sessions, pregnancy pilates, yoga and a moderated community to connect with other expectant parents."
3. Antenatal education:
"At 11 weeks, you're at a good point to start thinking about antenatal education. Consider delving into topics like birthing options and postpartum care. It may feel like a long time away, but often this information is totally new and so giving yourself time to learn and digest it throughout your pregnancy can be extremely helpful. Knowledge is empowering and can help you approach the upcoming months with confidence."
4. Partner involvement:
"Encourage open communication about expectations, fears, and excitement with whoever is going to be supporting you throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal recovery period. This could be your romantic partner, a friend, family member or doula. Attend antenatal classes together to strengthen your bond and prepare for the journey ahead."
5. Looking forward:
"As you navigate the 11th week of pregnancy and beyond, remember that every journey is unique. Embrace the changes and reach out for support whenever you need to."
About the expert:
Emiliana Hall is the founder of The Mindful Birth Group which provides award-winning Mindful Natal® courses and the PregnaHub® online platform, as well as an accredited Teacher Training program and Midwife CPD courses. She is also an experienced Birth and Postnatal Doula. Emiliana's vision is to make vital antenatal and postnatal education and ongoing support accessible to everyone in the UK.
Stephanie Spencer is the Deputy Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.