11 Weeks Pregnant

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is already about 5 centimetres long and weighs about 9 grams. You might be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound this week, if you haven’t already – sometimes an ultrasound might pick up a heartbeat when you’re 6 weeks pregnant. Your baby now has a fine layer of skin, and her head is about half the size of her body − but don’t worry, her body will start to grow into proportion soon. You might be having some pregnancy cravings and aversions, so we’ve got some tips to help you handle 11 weeks pregnancy symptoms. Wondering what else is going on when you’re 11 weeks pregnant? Read on!

11 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Here is some of what your baby is up to when you’re 11 weeks pregnant:

• Audible heartbeat. Your little one's heart has been beating furiously for weeks, and while it can sometimes be heard from as early as when you’re 6 weeks pregnant via an ultrasound, it’s more likely to be picked up via a fetal Doppler heartbeat monitor around now. A baby’s heart beats twice as fast as yours, anywhere between 120 to 140 beats per minute. Not only that, the heart has become a proper four-chambered structure over the past month, although some of the dividing walls won't be complete until after your baby is born.

• Thin skin forms. During the past few weeks a fine layer of skin has been forming over your baby's body. Plus, a special layer starts to develop into what will become your baby’s fingernails and toenails 11th week of pregnancy.

• Head half the size of body. Your baby’s head is nearly half the length of her body. Don’t worry, though, in the coming weeks her little body will start to catch up.

• Facial features. At 11 weeks pregnant your baby's face is broad. Her eyes are widely separated, her eyelids fused shut, her ears are set low, and the buds that will become her future teeth start to appear.

• Red blood cells form. Red blood cells are beginning to form in your baby's liver. At this stage of life your baby’s liver is the main organ producing red blood cells, however, when you’re about 30 weeks pregnant your baby’s bone marrow will take over this function.

• Genitals form. By the end of 11th week of pregnancy, your baby's external genitalia will start developing into either a penis or a clitoris and labia majora.

• Backbone develops. Your baby’s backbone is soft and can now flex.

11 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

Here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at 11 weeks pregnant:

• Cravings. Some experts think that cravings are your body's way of telling you what it needs. Others disagree. While no one really knows why cravings occur during pregnancy, many moms-to-be experience them at some point during early pregnancy. The most popular cravings during pregnancy include chocolate, ice cream, candies, potato chips, spicy foods, fruits, lemon, pickles, and tamarind. Know more about common food cravings during pregnancy When your cravings get uncontrollable, these ideas might help:

  • Start your day with a nutritious breakfast, for example some fruit and a piece of wholegrain toast with an omelette, or a parantha filled with spinach, dal or beans. Never skip breakfast as this may aggravate the cravings.

  • Eat small portions six to seven times a day to keep your blood sugar level steady and help curb any sugar cravings.

  • Take a walk or do gentle pregnancy exercise. Read these quick tips on exercising during pregnancy before starting anything

  • Stock your kitchen with vegetables and fruits so you have a healthy alternative on hand when a craving strikes.

  • Keep a healthy pregnancy diet rich in protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin B. These foods will not only help you maintain healthy pregnancy diet but also provide enough nutrition to you and your baby

  • Understand your cravings and address non-healthy cravings with healthy foods. For example, a chocolate craving may indicate low levels of magnesium, so consume foods rich in magnesium like beans, nuts, or green vegetables instead.

  • Emotional support may help you fight off a craving. Talk to your partner or a friend, and try to avoid stress.

  • When you are craving something, drink water and practice deep breathing for 10 minutes as this distraction may help the craving go away.

  • When all else fails, give in to your craving in a small quantity. Having a little chocolate will not affect your baby.

  • Some moms-to-be crave a non-food item like dirt, chalk or clay. Don't panic if you do. Don't give in to the craving, instead tell your doctor as it could indicate a more serious vitamin or mineral deficiency that he can help treat.

• Aversions. You might experience some food and smell aversions. Maybe something you previously loved to eat may make you feel nauseous, or a smell may suddenly make you gag. Some pregnant women might experience not being able to stand something they once liked, like coffee or fish.

If you have any concerns about any of the cravings or aversions you're having, speak to your doctor.

11 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• Consume at least 85 milligrams of vitamin C every day

• Start learning about breastfeeding and other newborn care topics

• Start a baby registry. Get week-by-week expert tips on pregnancy to keep track of your baby’s development & to ensure well-being of both you & your baby during entire nine months journey!

• Sign up for weekly pregnancy tips