We all know that 9 months of pregnancy is divided into three trimesters (three months per trimester). And by the end of week 11 of pregnancy, you will be just a week away from completing your first trimester.
Wondering what the baby looks like at week 11? At week 11, the baby is nearly the size of a fig. The baby’s head is half its body length. The tiny fingers and toes loosen from the webbed structures, and facial features take shape this week.
The mom-to-be, on the other hand, is dealing with pregnancy symptoms. However, the overdrive pregnancy hormones start to settle now, and hopefully, the uneasy, uncomforting pregnancy symptoms may begin to ease from this week.
Through this article, know what more can you expect with the baby’s development and pregnancy symptoms at week 11 pregnant.
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In this Article
Baby’s Development @ Week 11 of Pregnancy
With the baby’s size of around 2 inches long, the baby weighs between 9-10 grams at week 11 of pregnancy. The baby’s head is straight and nearly half the size of the baby’s length. The other intricate developments seen this week include,
New Features, Fingers, and Toes Develop
While the fingers and toes shape from the duck feet-like webbed structure, the ears also form their C-shaped structure. Along with a prominent jawline, the hair follicles on the scalp and other body parts develop. Behind the lips are the tongue and palate developing, prepping for yawning, chewing, and swallowing activities.
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The Baby’s Position is Changing
The baby’s body is straightening with the torso increasing in length. The baby is comfortably moving, changing positions, swimming in the uterine cavity- in a way enjoying its space within while the mother is yet to feel those tiny movements.
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Mom-to-be @ Week 11 of Pregnancy
Pregnant mothers may feel relieved to know that, from now on, the pregnancy symptoms may recede. The overdriving pregnancy hormones are getting stabilized and ready to move into the next trimester of pregnancy. Then, what other pregnancy symptoms to-be-mothers experience this week?
- Aches and pain in the tummy region due to stretching of the tummy muscles.
- Morning sickness can tick off anytime during the day. Sometimes, nausea and vomiting stay throughout the pregnancy term.
- Soreness of breasts or oversensitive breasts
- Stomach issues- bloating, gas, heartburn, indigestion, or constipation.
- New likes and dislikes for foods- weird food cravings and aversions
- An elevated sense of smell
- Chloasma or ‘the mask of pregnancy’ where dark or brown patches of skin develop on the skin due to increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanin synthesis.
- Dizziness or faintness
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
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Things to Consider at Week 11 of Pregnancy
As the baby’s facial features and delicate organs grow, the pregnancy hormones stabilize, the pregnant mothers may need to consider the following things.
- Prenatal yoga sessions are a perfect way to energize. The yoga asanas can alleviate depression, anxiety, mood fluctuations, and disturbed sleep patterns.
- To beat pregnancy fatigue and help pump up energy levels, eat energy-boosting snacks, have small quantities of food with increased frequency, and have short naps whenever you feel tired.
- As the uterus grows, the digestive tract pushes upwards, causing stomach upsets, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid foods causing such discomfort.
- Pregnant women are likely to have gingivitis and inflamed gums. Avoid plaque formations on teeth by practicing healthy oral habits like cleansing the teeth regularly.
- Do not forget your daily recommended doses of prenatal vitamins. Vitamin C-rich foods can promote collagen production, wound healing, cartilage, muscles, and tissue build-up. Vitamin C is also associated with healthy birth weight and decreased risk of preterm membrane rupture.
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What is NT Screening?
The Nuchal Translucency screening or NT screening is a specialized ultrasound performed between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy. Here, the clear tissue (fluid) at the base of the fetus’ neck is measured. Excess fluid levels indicate chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
NT Screening is combined with the first trimester serum marker test or the dual marker test. After an unusual dual marker test, NT scan may be recommended. If NT Scan and dual marker test results seem positive, your doctor may recommend Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) or Prenatal cell-free DNA screening for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusion/ Take-Away
At week 11 of pregnancy, the baby’s fingers, toes, tongue, palate, jawline, and hair follicles seem to emerge. The to-be-mothers can have their pregnancy symptoms persisting while it recedes in a few. Your doctor can guide you through your requirement for prenatal and NT screening procedures. Consult a yoga expert for prenatal yoga sessions as the asanas can help you sail through a smooth pregnancy.
References
Overview | NHS
