Congratulations, mama! You’ve made it to the 11th week of your pregnancy, and baby is growing quickly. Here’s what you can expect during this exciting time.
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Size and Development
At 11 weeks, baby is about the size of a lime, measuring around 1.6 inches long and weighing around 0.25 ounces. While still very small, baby is growing and developing every day. Here are some of the major milestones happening this week:
- The fingers and toes are fully separated
- The jawbone is now formed
- The intestines start to move from the umbilical cord to the baby’s abdomen
- Brain development continues, including the formation of neural connections
- The eyelids are fully formed, but will remain shut until around 27 weeks
Mom’s Body Changes
As baby grows and develops, you may notice some changes in your own body as well. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Your uterus is continuing to expand, which may cause some discomfort or mild cramping
- You may experience some vaginal discharge or spotting, which is usually nothing to worry about but should be reported to your doctor
- You may start to notice some changes in your skin, such as acne or darkening of the areolas
- You may also notice an increase in your appetite, which is normal as baby requires more nutrients to grow
What to Do
During this stage of your pregnancy, it’s important to continue taking care of yourself and your growing baby. Here are a few things you can do:
- Continue taking prenatal vitamins to ensure baby is getting all the nutrients they need
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein
- Stay active with gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and communicate any concerns with your doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about 11 weeks baby development:
- Can I tell the gender of my baby yet? Not yet – it’s still too early for most ultrasounds to detect the gender.
- When will I start to show? Every pregnancy is different, but most women start to show around 12-16 weeks.
- Is it safe to travel during pregnancy? It depends on your individual situation – be sure to check with your doctor before making any travel plans.
- When will I feel baby move? Most women start to feel baby’s movements between 16-25 weeks.
- Can I dye my hair during pregnancy? While there is no conclusive evidence that hair dye is harmful, it’s best to wait until after the first trimester to be safe.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique and it’s important to trust your instincts and communicate any concerns with your doctor. Enjoy this exciting time and take care of yourself and your growing little one!