Dyanne HarveyTable of Contents
There’s no doubt that your baby is growing like a champ, but you’re not too far behind.
Week 11 surrounds some interesting TMI details, so let’s not delay any further!
How Big is Baby at 11 Weeks?
About the size of a brussels sprout or a fig, your baby’s crown-to-rump length is 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches (4.4 to 6 cm). He/she weighs close to 0.3 ounce (8 g).
Within the next three weeks, your baby will double in length. For now, though, the head makes up about half of your baby’s entire length.
Tips for A Healthy Pregnancy at 11 Weeks
Safe Travel – Unless your doctor has already declared your pregnancy high risk, you should be in the clear for travel at this point.
Before buying tickets, it’s not a bad idea to check your plans through your doctor. It might actually be more comfortable for you to travel now opposed to later in your pregnancy.
Whether by car, train, or airplane, remember to get up to move around every hour. Wear loose-fitting clothing and don’t overextend yourself.
Seat Belt – Some women are unsure of how to wear their seatbelt or even concerned about wearing it. The truth remains that wearing your seatbelt dramatically decreases the likelihood of injury during an accident.
Even while you’re sporting a small bump, wear your seatbelt properly. Position the lap belt under your abdomen, and your shoulder strap should rest comfortably between your breasts. Statistics have proven that seatbelts save lives, so please buckle up for your baby, mama.
Food Poisoning – While you’re pregnant, you are more at risk of food poisoning than you were before pregnancy.
The reason is that now the things you allow into your body you inevitably allow into your baby’s body. Some things to avoid to prevent food poisoning include raw oysters or clams, sushi, meat spreads or patés.
Be cautious at potlucks where the food tends to sit out for longer periods of time. Take the liberty to be picky with your food intake. After all, your baby is counting on you.
Hair Treatments – If you’re like most women then you’ve probably had your hair treated at some point. Hair treatments might include color, relaxers/perms, bleaching, or curling.
Let’s face it, having your hair done is great! Although there aren’t mounds of research on the subject, what does exist suggests that hair treatments are largely safe.
Though, many experts advise moms to wait until the second or third trimester or after pregnancy altogether. The strong smell might be difficult to handle if you’re experiencing morning sickness.
Furthermore, there are other alternatives if you want to err on the side of caution. Vegetable oil dyes (henna) are a popular choice among expecting mothers.
How Many Months is 11 Weeks?
You are officially two months and two weeks pregnant, mama!
Your baby is growing at a rapid rate now, but you might be growing a little more slowly.
The good news is that you’ve almost been pregnant for an entire trimester. Only a few more weeks until the first trimester is in the books.
Ultrasound at 11 Weeks
Like mentioned before, the head makes up about half of your baby’s entire length. It is starting to uncurl from the body more than before. As the neck develops and gets longer, the chin seems to lift up from the chest.
One especially sweet formation is that fingernails now appear on your baby’s hands. Toenails will soon follow.
Although you might not know your baby’s gender for a while longer, he/she is slowly transforming into one gender or the other.
External male or female genitalia is more distinguished and will continue to develop in the coming months.
11 Weeks Pregnant: Your Belly
While it’s true that your baby is the growing champ at this point, you’re not too far behind.
Now is the time to consider how amazing your body truly is. Within the matter of a few months, it will grow and expand to bring another life into this world.
Wrap your head around that idea for a moment and let it sink in. The newfound gratefulness for your motherly figure might make it easier to accept and embrace.
Your pelvis is nearly filled up with your growing uterus now. In fact, you are probably curving out now, and your belly is becoming more firm when pressed on. The firmness that you’re feeling is your uterus.
It’s likely that you’re feeling movement inside, but blame it on gas.
Your baby is still too tiny for you to feel her/him move. Though, feeling those first baby flutters are right around the corner.
11 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms & Changes in Your Body
Nail Growth – Much like hair growth, many expecting moms experience increased nail growth on their fingers and toes.
Though, it’s equally as common to have brittle nails, too. Remember that both symptoms are completely normal.
It can be frustrating learning how to adapt to these new and often unexpected symptoms but remember that most of them are reserved for the few months in life that you get to be pregnant. In other words, go with the flow.
Pregnancy Brain – Don’t let anyone tell you that pregnancy brain isn’t a real thing. No, mama, “momnesia” is a very real thing.
The reason that this brain fog descends upon your during pregnancy is mostly because hormones like to play dirty tricks. Research has shown that expecting moms carrying girls tend to be more forget than those carrying boys.
What you need to know about it is that it’s completely normal. A few practical ways to battle this fog is simply to write things down as soon as they come to you and depend heavily on technology for reminders.
Probably the best advice is to spritz all your “momnesia” moments with a dash of comedy. Time to put that growing belly to good use and release a big ole belly laugh, mama!
Gas – Whether you are a 100% refined lady and never let a fluff slip out or if you enjoy farting competitions with your friends, pregnancy might change your opinion on all things gas.
Because the hormone progesterone is measuring in at epic levels in your pregnant body, all your muscles are more relaxed. This includes your digestive tract.
A relaxed digestive tract means slower digestion, which can quickly turn into gas, bloating, burping, etc.
Help your gut out by cutting back on foods that cause gas like some fiber-rich foods, dairy, and fructose. Much like with pregnancy brain, have a good laugh about it all.
Vaginal Discharge – Although it’s typically an unwelcome symptom, it’s not at all uncommon to experience extra vaginal leakage during pregnancy.
And further still, this is so normal that many expecting moms resort to wearing panty liners. Of course, you want to stay away from tampons as they can introduce unwanted bacteria into your vagina.
The scoop on vaginal discharge is that it’s normal to have. Discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. If you experience any bleeding, discolored or odd-smelling discharge, or discharge accompanied by pain then call your doctor.
11 Weeks Pregnant: With Twins
Your little swell is likely a full-on baby bump at this point. Twins and multiples have a way of taking up a lot more space!
They also zap your energy and beef up your appetite, too. Pay special attention to how you feel and what your body is telling you.
Those motherly instincts tend to kick in at just the right time, so offer a listening ear to your incredible body.
- Invest in a quality sleep bra to offer your breasts some comfort.
- Begin your baby registry.
- Pamper your feet with comfy shoes, foot soaks, lotion, and foot massages.
- Look into taking a “babymoon.”
- Start shopping for maternity clothes.
Jennifer Brown
Mom Tricks
MomTricks Team
Lo Mansfield, MSN, RN
Sarah Bailey-Martin
Natalia Guilmino