Pregnancy Calendar Week 11

Changes in Your Baby during Pregnancy Calendar Week 11

By pregnancy calendar week 11, your baby’s external genitalia have almost completely formed. Soon, an ultrasound might be able to tell if you are having a boy or a girl! At this time, you can also hear your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler.

While your baby looks more like a human being each day, there are still some important differences. Unlike an adult, your baby’s head is almost half the length of his/her entire body! His/her skin is also very transparent, although his/her fingernails have now appeared. Your baby’s bones are now beginning to harden.

Changes in Your Body

Once of the most pleasant side effects of pregnancy is an improved complexion. Increased blood flow and changing hormone levels work together to give your skin a smooth, plump appearance.

However, you may be experiencing leg cramps during pregnancy calendar week 11. Gentle stretching and the use of a heating pad should relieve your discomfort. Leg cramps are caused by the complex interplay of calcium and potassium in our diet. You should have added more calcium to your diet by now, and will probably have to add potassium as well. Try eating bananas and other potassium-rich foods to prevent leg cramps. Some experts also claim drinking a glass of milk before sleep may help prevent leg cramps.

Your expanding abdomen may cause back pain during your eleventh week of pregnancy. Many pregnant woman aggravate this condition by leaning back to compensate for the baby’s extra weight in front. To minimize backaches, use proper posture, wear supportive shoes, and bend at the knees to lift heavy objects.

Getting Away from it All

By pregnancy calendar week 11, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of parenthood. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can intensify these feelings. It’s completely normal to feel the urge to “get away from it all.”

If you enjoy traveling, there’s no need to put off taking a vacation. In fact, now is the perfect time to get away. Your early pregnancy symptoms are starting to disappear and your energy level is higher than it will be later in your pregnancy. Also, once your bundle of joy arrives, you’ll yearn for some quiet time alone with your partner!

Assuming you have no complications with your pregnancy, your doctor is unlikely to restrict your ability to travel. Travel limitations are typically for women with diabetes, high blood pressure, placental abnormalities, or a high risk of premature labor. Women who are carrying multiples are also asked to stay close to home during their pregnancies.

If you’re flying to your destination, ask the airline for a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing to provide the smoothest ride. Request that your healthcare provider refer you to an obstetrician who can offer any needed medical attention while you are away from home. Tuck a copy of your medical history and emergency contact information in your purse.

If you’re traveling by car, drink lots of water and schedule plenty of bathroom breaks. If you’re often hungry, bring a cooler filled with healthy snacks. Remember that your lap belt should be secured below your belly and across your hips. It should fit snugly over your pelvis. Wearing your belt across your belly could cause your placenta to separate from your uterus in the event of a crash.

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