11th week of pregnancy

In the 11th week of pregnancy, all the major organs of the fetus are already formed – the most critical phase of early pregnancy is thus behind you! Now, the senses of your baby are developing primarily, and the placenta is also starting its work, beginning to supply your baby with all the essential nutrients for its development.

How big is your baby in the 11th week of pregnancy?

In the 11th week of pregnancy, the fetus is about 4 centimeters long, roughly the size of a strawberry.

11th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

Unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue decrease for many expectant mothers this week. Instead, other symptoms may occur: Due to the increased blood volume in your body, you are probably feeling warmer than usual. Another "side effect" you might notice is a constant, unpleasant taste in your mouth. It is believed that hormonal changes are also the trigger here. Chewing sugar-free gum, peppermint candies, and drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate this.

The placenta

This week is the milestone: The placenta is developed enough to take over the supply of your baby and from now on, it provides oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, and water via the . Until now, the yolk sac has performed this function. It is now receding until, after the 12th week of pregnancy, it is only rarely visible on ultrasound. In addition to nourishing the fetus, the placenta also performs a filtering function: Through the so-called placental barrier, a membrane located within the placenta, your baby is protected from viruses and bacteria, for example. Harmful substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and some medications can pass through the membrane freely and harm your baby. Therefore, it is important during your pregnancy not only to abstain from cigarettes and alcohol but also to discuss with your doctor which medications you can continue to take safely and which ones you should now avoid or replace.

The placenta thus plays an indispensable role in pregnancy – reason enough to take a closer look at it. Did you know, for example, that the placenta is the only organ that is expelled from the body after its use? More fascinating facts about the mother’s cake can be found in the article "".

11th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

In the uterus, there are about 60 milliliters of amniotic fluid in the 11th week of pregnancy, in which the fetus swims well protected and moves more and more. The mouth and nose of the fetus are now connected. Its tongue is growing, and more and more taste buds are forming on it. Your baby is slowly beginning to perceive first taste impressions through the amniotic fluid. Its other senses are also undergoing impressive development this week: The ears are now almost in their final position on the head, and the inner and middle ear are gradually maturing. The retina of the eyes also begins to develop.

The skin of your baby is becoming thicker and less transparent this week. The first hair follicles are forming, as well as nails on fingers and toes. With the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and intestines, the most important organs are developed enough by the 11th week of pregnancy to perform their functions, and from now on, they will only grow for the rest of the pregnancy.

The reproductive organs are already developing this week. However, you will have to wait a little longer to find out whether you are expecting a girl or a boy: the reproductive organs are not yet visible on ultrasound in the 11th week of pregnancy. Additionally, in the German Genetic Diagnostics Act noted that your gynecologist only determines your gender from the 14th.
be informed about the pregnancy week. This is to prevent sex-selective abortions based on the child's gender.

This is now important

• Your blood pressure may still be higher or lower than usual. If you feel dizzy more often now, be sure to stand up slowly and avoid sudden movements.

• This week often features the second prenatal check-up . During the
  ultrasound, your doctor can now determine if you are expecting multiples. If it wasn't detected during the first examination, you will also receive your maternity record during the second check-up. In the article “ The Maternity Record – How to Understand It “, you will find a practical overview of the most important information, terms, and abbreviations of the document.

• When the initial fatigue gradually subsides, your urge to move may increase! Regular exercise is good for you and now, since your growing belly is not yet an obstacle, it is wonderfully possible. An option to incorporate movement into your daily routine throughout pregnancy is yoga. If you want to learn more about the benefits of holistic exercises, take a look once in the article ". Some exercises you can do in all trimesters are shown to you by LILLYDOO yoga instructor Denise in the video."

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which also in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts are being created. Nevertheless, the ones listed here can still
Never replace personal consultation with your doctor or midwife with advice. Always contact your healthcare professional for questions and professional care.