Week 11 of Pregnancy: What Does My Baby Look Like? Avoiding Forbidden Foods

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting: While many women begin to feel relief, others still experience them.
• Fatigue and sleepiness: The increase in progesterone continues to affect your energy.
• Increased appetite: If nausea decreases, you may feel hungrier.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Due to increased blood flow.
• Constipation: Because of progesterone, which slows digestion.
• Gas and abdominal bloating: Your digestive system is still working more slowly.
• Sensitive or bleeding gums: Increased blood flow can make them more delicate.
• Increased need to urinate: Your uterus continues to grow and press on the bladder.
• Skin changes: Some pregnant women notice a facial “glow,” while others may develop dark spots.
• Mood swings: Hormones can make you feel more emotional.
• Larger, more sensitive breasts: They are preparing for breastfeeding.

Embryo size

It measures between 4 and 6 cm long (about the size of a fig or a small lemon). It weighs around 7 to 10 grams.

Main Changes in the Baby:

• Rapid growth: This week, the baby has almost doubled in size compared to previous weeks.
  More defined face: The eyes move closer to the center of the face, the ears are in their final position, and the nose and upper lip are well formed.
• More active movements: Although you still cannot feel them, the baby can already kick, turn, and move their hands.
• Separated fingers: Until now, the fingers were joined by membranes, but they have now separated completely.
  Nail formation: Fingernails and toenails begin to develop.
• Stronger bones: The skeleton is ossifying, meaning the soft cartilage begins to harden into bone.
• Digestive system functioning: The intestines begin to move into the abdominal cavity, and the liver is already producing red blood cells.
• Diaphragm development: The baby may start to hiccup, although you may not notice it yet.
• Urine production: The kidneys begin to function and eliminate waste through the amniotic fluid.

What should you do?

• Medical Care
  Prenatal checkup: If you have not done so yet, schedule a visit with your doctor for pregnancy monitoring.
• Nuchal translucency ultrasound: Between weeks 11 and 14, this ultrasound is performed to detect possible chromosomal abnormalities.
• Blood and urine tests: To check your glucose and iron levels and rule out infections.
• Nutrition and Lifestyle
  Healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  Folic acid, iron, and calcium: Continue taking the recommended prenatal supplements.
• Hydration: Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
  Avoid risky foods: Do not consume raw meats, unpasteurized dairy, or fish high in mercury.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco: They are harmful to the baby’s development.
  Well-being and Physical Activity
• Adequate rest: Sleep at least 7–9 hours and avoid stress.
• Moderate exercise: Walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga helps improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects: It can affect your back and cause discomfort.
  Comfortable clothing: Wear loose clothing and a suitable bra for greater comfort.
• Emotional Changes Listen to your body: It is normal to feel more sensitive or have mood swings.
  Talk with your partner and loved ones: Sharing how you feel helps you have a calmer pregnancy.
  Get informed: Reading about pregnancy and the baby’s development will help you feel more prepared.