The 11^th week of pregnancy

How far has your baby developed in the 11^th week?

The baby has passed the embryonic phase by the 10^th week of gestation and is now called a foetus. The organs are now visibly growing and maturing.

The baby is now about the size of a fig, which means it is about 4-6 cm long and weighs between 7 and 9 grams. You can already see the arms and legs on the ultrasound. Your baby's movements are not yet noticeable because it is too small.

What's happening with your baby

The external sexual characteristics are forming, but they are not usually visible on the ultrasound at this stage. In week 11, the baby is already growing fingernails. The cartilage that was used to form the skeleton develops into bone. The foetus can also swallow amniotic fluid and pee out fluid. It can even clench its hand into a fist at this early stage!

What you should consider in the 11^th week of pregnancy

You have probably now checked in with your midwife and/or doctor and will likely have been offered an ultrasound scan. Your first visit to the midwife/doctor will be the longest one, where they will spend time with you discussing many things, asking questions, and giving you lots of information about the pregnancy.

Throughout pregnancy, try and eat a healthy diet as much as possible. Your midwife/doctor will be able to discuss this further with you. For some women the midwife/doctor may recommend taking supplements to help boost certain vitamins or minerals which your body may be lacking at this stage.

Exercise and being outside in the fresh air is also important; light exercise such as walking with friends is not only good exercise but also grateful stress relief and an opportunity for connection during this period in your life when many changes are occurring. If you have any concerns about the exercise you are currently doing, you can always discuss this further with your midwife/doctor.

Note:

*The data on height and weight are average values that cannot be applied to individual cases. Every baby develops individually.