Congratulations! It's now the 11th week of your pregnancy, and your little one has officially graduated to the status of "fetus." This is a big step in his prenatal development. Now that all of your baby's major organs have started forming, his growth will be all about maturing and putting on pounds.
Your Baby's Development
At 11 weeks, your little one is just over an inch and a half long. According to Pregnancy.org, he or she is also experiencing some major developmental accomplishments:
By 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. Keep these tips in mind if you travel:
- Always check with your doctor or midwife first. 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 may be 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.
If you need help downloading the pregnancy calendar, check out these helpful tips.
Looking Forward
Although you're still in the first trimester, you may find that you're starting to notice less morning sickness and fatigue. These unpleasant symptoms will continue to fade in the weeks to come.
