Pregnancy Week 11: Symptoms Experienced, Fetus Growth, and Hormonal Changes
At 11 weeks of pregnancy, both the baby and the mother undergo significant changes. The baby rapidly develops, while the mother experiences a variety of physical symptoms due to ongoing hormonal shifts.
The baby, now roughly the size of a fig, measures approximately 3.8 cm in length and weighs around 7 grams. Facial features become more defined, with buds on the sides of the head beginning to look like ears. Fingers and toes are fully separated, and tiny fingernails are starting to form. The baby’s organs are all in place and most are already functioning. Remarkably, the baby is becoming more active, starting to stretch and wiggle inside the uterus[1][3][5].
For the mother, nausea and vomiting, often referred to as morning sickness, are common, though this often begins to ease towards the end of the first trimester. Fatigue, due to hormonal changes and increased bodily effort to support pregnancy, is also prevalent. Frequent urination, caused by the growing uterus pressing on the bladder, is another common symptom. Breast changes, including tenderness, swelling, and heaviness, are also normal. Bloating, gas, and constipation, due to slowed digestion from hormonal effects, are also experienced. Food cravings and aversions, mood swings, increased vaginal discharge, heartburn and indigestion, and visible veins may also appear[1][2][3].
Hormonal changes during the 11th week continue to support the pregnancy. Elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen maintain the uterine lining and promote fetal growth. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle, slowing digestion, which leads to symptoms like bloating and heartburn. These hormones influence breast tissue growth and changes to prepare for breastfeeding. The hormonal fluctuations also cause mood swings and fatigue and increase blood volume, which may make veins more visible and cause sensations of feeling hotter or colder than usual[1][3].
Lifestyle changes are necessary during pregnancy and after delivery. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and all toxic substances, discussing medications with a doctor, maintaining a healthy diet, taking prenatal vitamins, getting regular exercise, and avoiding certain foods and beverages like raw or undercooked fish, unpasteurized cheese, and caffeine in excess are all crucial.
Several tests are offered during pregnancy to screen for genetic abnormalities. The Sequential integrated screen identifies 92 percent of Down syndrome pregnancies, the Serum integrated screen identifies 88 percent, and the Quad marker screen identifies 79 percent[6]. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another test offered during pregnancy weeks 10-12, used to evaluate for genetic abnormalities such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and certain chromosomal disorders[7].
It's essential to cook fish thoroughly and avoid raw or undercooked fish, smoked or pickled fish, and foods containing raw eggs. Caffeine can be consumed during pregnancy, but it should be done in moderation, with daily consumption at or below 200 milligrams[8].
In summary, by 11 weeks, the baby is rapidly growing and developing distinctly human features, while the mother experiences a complex mix of physical symptoms driven by ongoing hormonal shifts as the body adapts to pregnancy. Most first-trimester symptoms begin to improve as you approach the 12th week, marking the transition to the second trimester[1][3][5].
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Week 11 - Your baby's development. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/week-by-week-calendars/week-11/prc-20212112 [2] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). First trimester symptoms. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/first-trimester-symptoms/ [3] What to Expect. (2021). Week 11: Your baby's development. Retrieved from https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-11/ [4] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Prenatal Care: Recommendations for Patient-Centered Care. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/09/prenatal-care-recommendations-for-patient-centered-care [5] The National Health Service. (2021). Your baby at 11 weeks of pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-weeks-11-12/ [6] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/04/screening-for-fetal-chromosomal-abnormalities [7] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021). Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cvscellfree/index.htm [8] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Caffeine and pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care/caffeine-pregnancy/
In the 11th week of pregnancy, the baby rapidly grows and develops, with organs already functioning. The baby's facial features become more defined, and fingernails start to form. Remarkably, the baby is becoming more active inside the uterus.
The mother, on the other hand, continues to experience various physical symptoms due to ongoing hormonal shifts, such as nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination, among others.
To ensure both the baby's and mother's health, it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol and toxic substances, maintaining a balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting regular exercise.
Several tests are offered during pregnancy to screen for genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, using methods like the Sequential integrated screen, Serum integrated screen, and Quad marker screen. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another test offered during pregnancy weeks 10-12.
