Week 11 of Pregnancy: Body Changes and Baby Development Milestones

At week 11 of pregnancy, you’re nearing the end of your first trimester with all its ups and downs. The morning sickness is likely coming down and you might start feeling more energetic. Embrace it!

If you haven’t yet, it’s time for your first antenatal clinic. This visit is usually comprehensive and involves an assessment of your health status, laboratory tests, taking your family health history, and likely, an ultrasound scan, to lay a proper foundation for a healthy pregnancy. 

Beyond the clinical assessment, Malaica Maternity Hospital strives to empower your pregnancy journey via community support from an online group of expectant moms, 24/7 emergency line to a nurse midwife, and a virtual psychologist. 

Baby’s Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 11

From head to rump your baby at 11 weeks pregnant, now measures about 4 cm long and as big as your thumb. He may not look very big but he can stretch his tiny hands and even move around. You will however not be able to feel this moving for a number of weeks. 

Your little one is slowly taking the form of a human but his body proportions are still quite different than those of an adult. At 11 weeks, his head is the same size as the rest of his body.

His ears are now almost fully formed and he has open nasal passages on his face in place of a small nose that will start growing soon. Soon, he will be able to close his hands into a fist.

Previous Week: Body Changes and Baby Growth Milestones at Pregnancy Week 10

Signs and Body Changes at Week 11 of Pregnancy

It is a relief that the nausea and the feelings of queasiness are slowly going away for most women. Your energy levels are also higher than they were last week. You are however still struggling with constipation and heartburn. Try and take a break to relax by walking or visiting a local spa to keep your mind off it and get a special pregnancy massage.

You may not be vomiting in the mornings but you still have excessive saliva in your mouth and that urge to continually spit it out. Pregnancy hormones are to blame for this uncomfortable buildup of saliva. The good news is that this is completely normal. The bad news is that there is nothing that you can do to stop it. You just need to wait for this one out for a few more weeks. You can however make it a bit better by chewing on sugarless gum. Some pregnant women find minty gum works for them. Also, keep your oral health in check.

If you look at your naked tummy, you will notice that a dark line running from the belly button to your pubic area is forming. This vertical line is known as linea nigra and may measure up to 1 cm wide. Linea nigra results from an increase in the hormones that produce melanin-making cells during pregnancy and the line should fade a few weeks after delivery. 

You may also have started showing the weight gain and this can be worrying for some women. Keep your focus on the little human growing within you. It might also be an ideal time to start shopping for maternity fashion wear that keeps you comfortable but is also cute and stylish. 

Next Week: Body Changes and Baby Development Milestones at Pregnancy Week 12

Week 11 of pregnancy tip: Your breasts are feeling extra sensitive this week. This can affect intimacy during pregnancy and may be something that you may need to talk through with your significant other. He may not understand why you do not want to cuddle and may misinterpret it for rejection.

Talk to Malaica About Your First ANC Clinic

The best way to ensure proper maternity care is starting it early and as recommended. If you’re still exploring your antenatal care options, Malaica has a personalized and holistic program for you and your little one. At week 11 of pregnancy and during your first antenatal clinic, you’ll meet the team, made up of a nutritionist, OB/GYN, psychologist, and midwife who will be by your side from now till after delivery. 

Learn how we can empower your pregnancy journey by booking an appointment or sending us a message at +254 746 610643. You can also visit us at 240 General Mathenge Gardens in Westlands for your first antenatal clinic.