Welcome to the 11th week of pregnancy! You are almost done with the first trimester, which means that the risk of miscarriage will decrease significantly over the course of the next few weeks. If you have already had an ultrasound to date your pregnancy and confirm a heartbeat, you have even a smaller chance of losing the baby to miscarriage at this point. So, now would be a good time to relax and think about how you are going to break the news to friends and loved ones (if you haven’t done so already!)
What you may be experiencing
Many moms will begin to see a decrease in some of the first trimester symptoms- so while you may still have breast tenderness, morning sickness, decrease in energy level, and headaches- hopefully they are on the way out. For a lucky few, they may just be beginning- which is normal as well.
If headaches are particularly bothersome, consult your doctor on what they recommend for pain relief. Most will allow Tylenol (acetaminophen) for any aches and pains you have throughout your pregnancy. If the pain is severe or lasts for several days, or is coupled with other symptoms notify your doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of something more serious.
You may also want to discuss other over the counter medication options with your doctor- so that you know what you can take when constipation, nausea, and other symptoms occur.
Your Baby
Your baby now measures in at around 50mm- from crown to rump. It will begin to look more and more like a newborn, as the head growth rate slows down a bit allowing the rest of the body to catch up. While it will not be able to open its eyes for a few more months, the irises are beginning to form beneath its eyelids. Hair, fingernails, and toenails are beginning to develop as well- adding to the details that you will fall in love with when your little one comes into the world. Now the liver, intestines, brain, and lungs are all functioning on their own- and will continue to mature in the months ahead.
Concerns or Points of Interest
Almost every mom-to-be worries about their weight gain at one point or another. If you have already begun to gain, it is important to get things under control early on. Discuss with your doctor the recommended weight gain for your particular frame. Typical weight gain can range from 15-35 pounds depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. Overweight moms may be able to safely gain less and still deliver a healthy baby at term.