The first trimester is drawing to an end – however, there is still a wonderful amount of space in the amniotic sac, allowing your baby to do somersaults over and over again. Read on to find out why you can do a little jump for joy in the 11th week of pregnancy, and to learn more about how the fetus's development is progressing.
The face is now clearly visible and the baby likes to do somersaults – sometimes even during the ultrasound scan. These movements are also important stimulation for the baby’s brain development.
The neck has grown a little bit, allowing the baby to move its head better.2 Although the little one is looking a bit more human, the proportions are still not quite right because the head is huge in relation to the body (a ratio of roughly 1:1).
Your baby is now about the size of a small tomato.
The heart beats diligently and is finally in the "right" place in the chest. The skin is slowly becoming a little thicker, and tiny nails are growing on the fingers and toes. "Lanugo hair" is beginning to sprout all over the body. Together with a waxy "vernix" coating, it protects the fetus and keeps it warm in the amniotic fluid.
Hormones ensure that the corresponding sexual organs are now fully formed. In boys, the penis slowly becomes visible. However, it will be a few more weeks before the baby's sex can be determined in an ultrasound.
The fetus is around 1-2 inches long and weighs in at roughly 0.4 ounces.
Let's start with the good news: the risk of a miscarriage has reduced dramatically, and pregnancy complaints are also decreasing as your HCG levels drop. The majority of expectant mothers find that the most enjoyable part of the pregnancy is right around the corner.
But what if the good times haven't arrived just yet, and you're still being bothered by morning sickness? Apart from medication, there are also some alternative and natural remedies to relieve this, such as acupuncture and ginger preparations. However, you should always seek medical advice before trying something out.
The uterus has become a bit bigger again – which may press more heavily on your bladder, meaning that you have to visit the bathroom more often. You may also find that you are increasingly thirsty now, as your blood volume increases. This can cause heart palpitations and dizziness. Warmer hands and feet may also be a side effect of the improved blood circulation.
Why is gentle exercise good for you during pregnancy?
If you are feeling better than you did at the start of the pregnancy, you may now want to turn to exercise to counteract the unpleasant side effects. These include:
However, you should certainly avoid any high-risk or extreme sports. Marathons are not recommended, along with any sports that involve body contact or skiing, due to the risk of falling.
The sport that is best for you depends on your previous training regime, the course of your pregnancy, and certain physical factors (e.g., placenta previa, where the placenta is located in front of the cervix) – therefore discuss what is safe for you and your baby with a doctor beforehand.
The right preparation for working expectant moms
Are you working and planning to announce your pregnancy at 12 weeks? If so, now is a good time to think about what you plan to do about work once the baby arrives. To find out about the current maternity leave regulations and your rights and obligations as a pregnant woman in the workplace, you may want to get in touch with union representatives, trade associations, government departments, and other public officials in your area. Regional parenting forums and parent groups may also help you identify potential obstacles early on and provide you with additional resources that may be useful.
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