Pregnancy Week 11

What’s your baby up to?

This week, your baby is about the size of a plum, measuring about 4cm from crown to rump and weighing around 7g.

He or she looks as human as can be: facial features are more distinct with all the bones of the face now present, ears are now shaped, jawline is formed, and there are hair follicles all over the body.

Your baby is moving quite a lot: opening and closing the hands, moving, spinning, kicking; but you can’t feel these movements just yet.

Your baby is swallowing and excreting amniotic fluid, his kidneys are producing urine by now.

Your baby’s genitals are more developed, but are not yet distinguishable on ultrasound. The lungs continue to mature and his liver is making red blood cells.

How are you doing?

Hi there mom-to-be! How are you feeling this week? Most women begin to feel better as the end of the first trimester inches closer; while some other women experience morning sickness well into the 2nd trimester. Hopefully, you will feel much better in a few weeks. Your uterus is expanding, and your waist continues to thicken, so your bump is just beginning to show.

Also as morning sickness wanes, you may notice you have an increased appetite. Be sure to keep your diet healthy, and avoid overeating.

“Baby brain” or “pregnancy brain” is another common symptom of pregnancy. Your memory may no longer be as sharp as it used to be. It’s very normal. It will help to always have a pen and paper handy for writing things down as you think about them, or you will forget.

Tiredness, sleepiness, constipation are all symptoms you are all too familiar with, no thanks to pregnancy hormones.

What should you do this week?

Have you started attending antenatal classes? They are especially good and informative for first time moms and a great way to meet other moms. Find out when your hospital holds theirs and join in.

Now that your bump is just beginning to show, it means your skin will start stretching. Stretch marks are better prevented than cured. It’s ideal to start applying your moisturisers, especially shea butter (ori) and coconut oil as early in the pregnancy as possible. This keeps your skin moisturized, and could prevent the appearance of stretch marks, or keep them to the barest minimum. If you do get stretch marks, don’t stress too much, they will fade after pregnancy, but will not completely disappear.

Have you been recording all your symptoms? It’s nice and cute to keep a pregnancy journal, where you can note all you are going through- your thoughts, worries, symptoms and milestones. You can show it to your kids when they grow up, or just keep it as a reminder of how amazing and strong you are. Also, noting down your symptoms will help you remember what to ask your doctor at your antenatal appointments.

Keep up with your gentle exercise routine; take your prenatal vitamins; eat healthy foods, and wear a supportive bra for your growing breasts.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.