Being 11 weeks pregnant means that the first trimester is ending and the second trimester is beginning. Hence, most of the symptoms that mothers experience earlier in pregnancy such as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting are mostly gone and some mothers even feel more energetic and active. You should also expect to see other signs of pregnancy such as the baby bump becoming prominent and the mother getting to hear the heartbeat of her child.

What Are the Pregnancy Symptoms at 11 weeks?

A common symptom that develops during pregnancy is stress incontinence which is basically leakage of a little urine when a pregnant mother sneezes, laughs or coughs. This is due to the added pressure on the bladder when the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases as it does during a laugh or a sneeze. Normally this does not happen because the pelvic floor muscles squeeze to prevent it; however, during pregnancy these muscles are under a lot of pressure already and so they do not squeeze fully.

How Does Your Baby Grow?

At this point in the pregnancy, the baby is the size of a fig; although it is fully formed. The only task left for it is to grow bigger and stronger. Everything from the toe nails to the tooth buds is now formed; the fingers and toes have lost their webbed appearance and are fully separated. The bones are starting to harden with calcium deposition.

At this stage, the baby is very active, but his or her movements are still not felt by the mother; they will be felt in another month or so. The baby sometimes also hiccoughs during these weeks due to the development of the diaphragm, but these hiccoughs are also not felt by the mother.

You can watch this video and get more information about how your baby grows when you are 11 weeks pregnant:

How Does Your Life Change When You’re 11 Weeks Pregnant?

Every woman is different and may experience different symptoms. However, as mentioned before, the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness in most women are mostly abated. Despite this, other symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract make themselves known as constipation and heartburn.

These symptoms can be attributed to hormonal changes, mainly the surges in oestrogen and progesterone; they can slow down intestinal motility and digestion. These hormones also cause the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter to relax so that there is a regurgitation of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus. Lying down and overeating can make these symptoms worse.

The listlessness and lethargy of the first trimester is also gone with the advent of the eleventh week. Most women now feel active and energetic. Your appetite, however, may not have improved much but do not worry. It is not uncommon to gain as little as 2 to 5 pounds in the first trimester. With the start of the second trimester, the appetite will increase and a weight gain of almost one pound a week will be expected.

Foods Recommended for 11 Weeks Pregnancy

Foods	Descriptions
Avocados	Contains: Folic acid: needed to prevent deformities in the baby Vitamin B6: helps in brain growth of the baby Vitamin C: needed for the development of healthy gums and teeth Good fat: full of both healthy vitamins and good fat needed for the mother
Broccoli	Contains: Vitamin A: needed for healthy development of pigment in the eyes and skin Calcium: good for the bones and teeth of the baby Vitamin C Folic acid
Carrots	Carrots are rich in vitamin A and healthy fiber. This vitamin is needed for the proper development of eyes, bones and teeth. They also contain Vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
DHA eggs	These eggs are loaded with a healthy omega-3 fatty acid that helps in the development of brain and eyes of the baby. These eggs are full of nutrition and taste just like regular eggs.
Edamame	Edamame are cooked soybeans that are full of nutrients like vitamins A, B, proteins, calcium and folic acid. All these nutrients are essential for the fetal blood circulation and healthy bone development. They can also be tossed into soups or casseroles and serve as a substitute to beans.
Lentils	Lentils can help in intestinal motility and also provide nutrients such as folic acid, iron and vitamin B6.These nutrients can combat the danger of anemia and develop the baby’s blood cells at the same time.
Mangoes	Apart from being a perfect dessert, this fruit also helps combat constipation and is rich in vitamins A and C. Furthermore, this fruit is rich in potassium, so depleted electrolyte reserves can be replenished with this fruit.
Nuts	Nuts are highly recommended for a pregnant woman. Not only are they rich in essential fatty acids, but also with mineral and vitamins. They can be tossed easily in pastas, salads and baked items.
Oatmeal	Oatmeal forms a healthy breakfast. Full of fiber and iron and a lot of other minerals, they are a must for a pregnant mother. Apart from the breakfast bowl, they can also be added to cakes, muffins and cookies.
Red Pepper	Red peppers are a natural source of vitamins C and A which are needed for healthy bones, teeth and eyes. Red peppers are available with a number of foods and can be sliced or chopped easily for eating.
Spinach	Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of folic acid and vitamin C. Spinach is not only good for skin, but also relieves constipation and improves red cell production.
Yogurt	A cup of yogurt a day can be a delicious treat for a pregnant mother with all its nutrients and flavors. Yogurt contains folic acid, calcium and protein that can be blended with fruit, used in salad dressings or simply spooned up.

What Can You Do When You’re 11 Weeks Pregnant?

1. Watch the Weight

With the help of your doctor, you must optimize your weight. If you were underweight before, then you need to gain weight by eating healthy and nutritious food. If you are gaining weight rapidly, then modify your eating habits so that you eat the right food in the right amount. Remember you only need 300 calories more than your daily requirements.

2. Fight the Fatigue

At eleven weeks, it is pretty common for the mother to feel exhausted and tired. Some of the things an expecting mother can do to combat this fatigue are:

• Eating a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins and folic acid can help you keep your energy up.
• Rest: Small naps throughout the day can help relieve fatigue.
• Do not take extra work: Avoid doing extra work or taking commitment during this time.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help: Instead of tiring yourself out, it is better to ask for a little help; be it in the house or on the job, a little help can go a long way in fighting stress and fatigue.
• Exercise: regular exercises and yoga can help you feel rejuvenated and they also help during labor and birth.

3. Communicate with Other Moms

Other women who have given birth can be a source of support and comfort during your own pregnancy. They can give you advice and tips to help smoothen your pregnancy and provide a comforting shoulder. They understand what you are going through and can help you in your transition to motherhood. The best source is your own mother; in fact, you might find your bond with your mother strengthening and solidifying with advancing pregnancy.