Many women, being in an interesting position, notice that at 11-12 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the fetus increases, which accordingly affects the growth of the tummy. The eleventh week of pregnancy is marked by the end of the first trimester. At this time, the future mother feels better, annoying toxicosis gradually disappears, and the baby begins to delight with its rapid development. Every day, various changes occur with the fetus in the womb. Since that time, the district doctor in the antenatal clinic sends the pregnant woman to the first prenatal screening. What can be seen on ultrasound and what should be the approximate size of the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation, we will tell in this article.
What's happening?
At this time, the fetus continues to grow rapidly: its internal organs are improved, and the bent body gradually begins to straighten. The size of the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation is 42-49 mm. Its “tail” practically disappears, the head grows stronger and slightly moves away from the body, and the legs catch up with the upper limbs in development. At this time, the child grows very quickly, but nevertheless, the expectant mother still does not feel his movements. The completion of the placenta is also approaching the end of the first trimester: it contains a dense network of blood vessels, with the help of which the baby receives oxygen and all nutrients from her mother. The fruit at 11 weeks of gestation looks like a fruit, the size of which corresponds to the fig, and weighs about 7 grams. It is with these healthy and delicious berries that the baby is compared at this time in terms of height and weight.
Baby development
Many expectant mothers are interested in the question: what is the size of the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation? The most accurate figures can be voiced by a doctor on an ultrasound scan. At the 11th week of pregnancy, the baby has grown significantly and has increasingly clear human features. Despite the fact that his head is still significantly large, the body becomes the most proportional. The rather big size of the head is connected with the fact that at this moment the brain begins to actively develop, which belongs to the central nervous system.
Muscular system
Despite the fact that the size of the fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy does not reach impressive figures, it already has a muscular system. In addition to the fact that at this time the baby knows how to raise its head, it can also make sucking movements and make faces. Also at this time, the development of the receptor apparatus occurs: the baby senses the movement of amniotic fluid and the touch of its legs and arms. Gradually, a grasping reflex begins to develop, this suggests that soon the child will be able to grab the umbilical cord with his hands. The movements of the baby become the most distinct. He already quite quickly knows how to move in the intrauterine space. In the next video, you can not only observe the development and size of the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation, but also notice how much the motor activity of the baby has increased.
Sensory organs
At the current stage, the eyes of the fetus are already completely closed for centuries, also at this time the iris is laid, which will subsequently determine the color. As a rule, many newborns have bright eyes, and only after some time their final color forms. Auricles are still low, but they will take their place closer to next week, and soon the child will be able to hear. The skin of the fetus over the entire area of the head and body becomes sensitive, so that it can touch. And also this week, taste buds are actively developing and the vocal chords begin to form, which is the only powerful weapon of the baby immediately after birth. At this time, the baby already reacts to external stimuli. For example, his mother’s cough or some shaking may bother him.
Internal organs
The intestines and liver are actively formed, its size in the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation is approximately ten percent of the weight of the baby. Its main task at the moment is not in digestive function, but in hematopoiesis. Despite the small size of the fetus, at 11-12 weeks of gestation, its kidneys begin to produce urine, and this process can be observed during ultrasound examination. The baby’s heart already functions as in an adult, and in the process of organ formation a network of blood vessels also appears. At the end of the 11th week of pregnancy, the respiratory system is also rapidly developing: tracheas, main bronchi, and their branches are formed. The musculoskeletal system continues to form, due to which small joints gradually appear.
Genitals
At this time, the genitals of the unborn child begin to form, but it's too early to talk about his gender. At this time, the male glands of the boys actively produce testosterone, and in the maternal body the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin reaches its maximum.
What can be seen on ultrasound?
As a rule, it is at this time that the doctor prescribes the passage of the first ultrasound examination, where the mother is given the opportunity to get to know her baby better and hear his heartbeat. The date of the ultrasound can be either at the beginning of the current week, or at the end. For example, many women undergo the first screening at 11 weeks and 4 days of pregnancy. The size of the fetus at this time will not exceed 49 mm. Every expectant mother is interested to know how her baby is developing, and many questions have accumulated for the first ultrasound. On an ultrasound scan, the doctor can voice a pregnant woman at 11 weeks of gestation, the size of the fetus, the development and structure of its internal organs. At the current time, the baby can show the diagnostician how skillfully he can move his legs and arms. The development of bone and muscle tissue is in full swing, which is why fetal movements are becoming more energetic every day. At the gestational age of 11 weeks, the size of the fetus is already inspiring respect: its weight is about 9 grams, and its height is 50 mm. Unfortunately, ultrasound is not able to convey all the incredible transformations of the baby. But then parents can see a tiny creature with moving arms and a large head. You can notice that in the next photo the size of the fetus at 11 obstetric weeks of pregnancy is not at all large, but all human signs and traits are already being traced.
On an ultrasound examination, you can hear the baby's heartbeat, which should be reduced with a frequency of 120-160 beats per minute. The heart has four chambers, but the hole between the right and left parts of the heart is still preserved.
Mom's Feelings
At the current stage of pregnancy, many mothers may notice that they begin to undergo toxicosis: dizziness, nausea, and increased fatigue appear much less often. In addition, the hormonal background is stabilized, which indicates a significant reduction in mood swings.
Discharge
By this time, discharge may increase. Do not worry if they become somewhat more plentiful. But in case of a change in color, as well as the appearance of bloody or brown discharge against a background of abdominal pain, it is imperative to visit a doctor. If the color of the discharge changed to white or yellowish, in addition, an unpleasant odor appeared, this may be a sign of genital tract infection. During pregnancy, the immune system weakens, and in this regard, inflammatory processes develop much more often and chronic diseases worsen. In this case, it is also important to consult your doctor.
Breast augmentation
By the 11th week of pregnancy, the breast will increase by at least one size. In addition, its sensitivity will increase. Doctors warn expectant mothers about the possible discharge of fluid from the nipples, which is the norm, so no measures should be taken in this regard. In the case when colostrum (this is the name of this liquid, which will be released right up to the very birth) stains clothes, you can purchase special pads for the chest.
Drowsiness and mood swings
Despite the fact that in the current period the hormonal background is normalized and improved, nevertheless, a woman may notice typical forgetfulness and distraction behind herself. But this is not a big deal, as expectant mothers tend to immerse themselves in themselves, and anticipation from the joys of motherhood only contributes to an easy alienation from the outside world.
External manifestations
Since the size of the fetus is small at 11 obstetric weeks of pregnancy, the tummy of the pregnant woman is still invisible to others. At this time, it is worth picking up loose clothes that do not press on the tummy. Many mothers may already note that the lower abdomen becomes more rounded, which indicates the rapid development of the fetus. At 11 weeks gestation, the size of the uterus can be compared to the size of a fist.
With twin pregnancy
As a rule, in the first trimester, multiple pregnancy does not have obvious differences. The future mother can also be overtaken by toxicosis, and by the 11-12th week its signs can fade away, which will affect the improvement of overall well-being. It is worth noting that during a twin pregnancy by the current term, the tummy rapidly begins to increase. This is due to the fact that the uterus rises above the pubic bones. Sealing can be easily felt if you lie on your back and relax.
Possible abdominal pain
Many mothers at this stage of pregnancy complain of frequent occurrence of abdominal pain due to an increased tone of the uterus. If the tension in the lower abdomen passes after rest, then there is no reason for panic. But in the event that after a load or even at rest there was a strong and prolonged pain, it is urgent to consult a doctor.
Proper nutrition
Many women at this time may be bothered by constipation. There are several reasons for this ailment: this may be due to a change in the hormonal background, with a sedentary lifestyle, as well as psychological problems. Proper nutrition will help get rid of this problem. First of all, it should be aimed at providing crumbs with all the necessary substances. The menu of a pregnant woman must be varied with protein products (dietary meat, fish, cottage cheese, kefir, milk). Do not forget about the benefits of vegetable proteins, so you should include asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lentils and beans in the diet. The last two products must be consumed in small quantities, as they can cause flatulence. The pregnant woman’s daily diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh. By subjecting the products to heat treatment, it is possible to deprive them of their beneficial properties; only boiling or steaming is allowed. Food should be varied. The diet must include berries, fruits and vegetables of various colors - they contain various trace elements, vitamins and antioxidants.
Elimination of the disease
In order to avoid constipation, it is important for a pregnant woman to adhere to the following basic principles of nutrition:
- At least two liters of water should be drunk per day. This volume does not include tea, juice and other drinks.
- Servings should be small and meals frequent and fractional. For example, experts advise organizing five meals and not allow long breaks between meals, more than four hours.
- Many doctors advise pregnant women to limit their intake of such fast carbohydrates as white bread, pasta, sweets. The above products worsen the intestines, cause fermentation and help to add a few extra pounds.
- To speed up the work of the intestines, these products allow: kiwi, dried apricots, prunes, bananas. High fiber and potassium levels help activate intestinal motility.
- Due to a lack of calcium in the body of expectant mothers, painful leg cramps can disturb. The best treatment will be taking special medications. Before use, you should consult your doctor in order to find the right ones.