Pregnancy Week 11
Discover how your baby is developing in week 11 and why you may be experiencing migraines, pelvic pain, and aversions to foods you used to enjoy.
How Big is Baby?
Your baby is about the size of a fig. From now through week 20 of your pregnancy, he'll increase 30-fold in weight and triple in length.
Baby's Length: 1.61in.
Baby's Weight: 0.25oz.
Mom's Changing Body
Have you started to show yet? If this is your first pregnancy, you may just feel bloated, kind of like after a big meal. But some women have a little baby-belly pooch by the end of the first trimester. After all, your uterus is now the size of a grapefruit. At your next exam, your doctor will be able to feel the top of it.
Baby's Development
Did you know your baby can breathe underwater? She's doing it right now. At weeks 10 and 11, the fetus will start to inhale and exhale small amounts of amniotic fluid, which helps your baby's lungs to grow and develop. Also this week, your baby's ears are scooting up to the sides of his head. Sure, your baby's head is still disproportionally large compared to the rest of his body, but this will even out as he continues to grow and develop in the womb.
Weekly Tip
Hello, cleavage! Spurred by the hormones progesterone and estrogen, your breasts (and the milk-producing glands inside them) may soon strain the buttons of your blouse. In fact, it may soon be time to shop for new bras. If you plan to breastfeed, we suggest heading straight to the nursing section. You'll need the easy access after the baby arrives, so you'll get more wear out nursing bras than you would regular maternity bras.
Week 11 Ultrasound
Baby-to-be is lying on her back with her head on the left side of the image and her legs pointing up. From this image, you can see that her neck is growing, separating her large head from the rest of her body. Her head still makes up more than 50% of her body size, which is normal. Facial bones are again seen as bright white areas in the profile.
Credit:
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine - AIUM.org
What Week 11 of Your Pregnancy Is Really Like
Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
Pregnancy: The Ultimate Relationship Test?
At 11 weeks, you and your partner are still fairly new to this whole pregnancy thing. And it can take some adjusting. (You won't be the only one with major mood swings over these next few months.) If you're in a relationship, you might be wondering how having a baby will impact your partnership: Will it make it stronger? Will it be a test of your commitment? The truth is, probably both. The tricky thing is a strong, healthy relationship will be more important than ever once a new human being comes along, but it certainly won't always come easy. So now is the time to be proactive about how you're feeling as a duo and try to keep your pack in a happy place—through all the hormones and emotions.
This Week's To-Do List
This Week’s FAQs
Must-Reads
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Flu in Pregnancy: What to Do If You Get Sick
Having the flu and being pregnant at the same time is something no one wants to experience. But it happens. Here's what to do if you get the flu during your pregnancy. -
7 Things You Didn't Know About Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Think it's just "bad morning sickness?" Think again. From symptoms to medication options, here are some commonly misunderstood facts about this rare pregnancy disorder. -
Pregnancy Sex During Your First Trimester: Is It Safe?
Your sex life will likely ebb and flow during early pregnancy, and that first trimester is sure to be the most confusing when it comes to getting it on. Here's everything you need to know, plus an idea of what's to come down the road. -
NIPT: A Crash Course in Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Here's what you need to know about the noninvasive prenatal genetic screening test that has doctors, researchers, and parents excited. -
8 Secretly Healthy Desserts for Pregnancy Cravings
These sweet treats are loaded with delicious flavors and plenty of pregnancy-friendly nutrients to keep you and your growing baby healthy. Go ahead, Mama, indulge.
