Fetal size at 11 weeks pregnant: development and sensations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

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 marks the end of the first trimester. At this time, the expectant mother feels better, annoying toxicosis gradually disappears, and the baby begins to delight with her rapid development. Every day, the fetus in the womb undergoes various changes. Starting from this time, the local doctor in the antenatal clinic directs the pregnant woman to the first prenatal screening. About what can be seen on an ultrasound examination and what should be the approximate size of the fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy, we will tell in this article.

What's going on?

At this time, the fetus continues to grow rapidly: its internal organs are improving, and the bent bodystarts to straighten out. The size of the fetus at 11 weeks of gestation is 42-49 mm. Its "tail" practically disappears, the head becomes stronger and slightly moves away from the body, and the legs catch up with the development of the upper limbs. At this time, the child grows very quickly, but nevertheless, the expectant mother still does not feel his movement. By the end of the first trimester, the formation of the placenta is also coming to an end: it contains a dense network of blood vessels, through which the baby receives oxygen and all the nutrients from the mother. The fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy looks like a fruit, the size of which corresponds to a fig, and the weight is about 7 grams. It is with these he althy and tasty berries that the baby is compared at this time in terms of the ratio of height and weight.

Baby development

Many future mothers are interested in the question: what is the size of the fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy? The most accurate numbers can be voiced by the doctor on an ultrasound examination. At the 11th week of pregnancy, the baby has grown significantly and has more and more distinct human features. Despite the fact that his head is still significantly large, the body becomes the most proportional. The rather large size of the head is due to the fact that at this moment the brain, which belongs to the central nervous system, begins to actively develop.

Muscular system

Despite the fact that the size of the fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy does not reach impressive figures, the muscular system is already forming in it. In addition to the fact that at this time the baby knows how to raise his head, it can alsomake sucking movements and make faces. Also at this time, the development of the receptor apparatus occurs: the baby feels the movement of the amniotic fluid and the touch of its legs and arms. Gradually, a grasping reflex begins to develop, which indicates that soon the child will be able to take hold of the umbilical cord with his hands. The movements of the baby become the most distinct. He already knows how to move quite quickly in the intrauterine space. In the next video, you can not only observe the development and size of the fetus at the 11th week of pregnancy, but also notice how much the baby's motor activity has increased.

Sense Organs

At the current term, the eyes of the fetus are already completely closed by the eyelids, also at this time the iris is laid, which will subsequently determine the color. As a rule, many newborns have light eyes, and only after some time their final color is formed. The 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 vocal cords are beginning to form, which is the only powerful weapon of the child immediately after birth. At this time, the baby is already reacting to external stimuli. For example, he may be worried about his mother's cough or some kind of shaking.

Internal organs

The intestines and liver are actively formed, its size in the fetus isThe 11th week of pregnancy is approximately ten percent of the baby's weight. Its main task at the moment is not in the digestive function, but in hematopoiesis. Despite the small size of the fetus, at 11-12 weeks of pregnancy, its kidneys begin to produce urine, and this process can be observed during an ultrasound examination. The heart of the crumbs already functions, as in an adult, and in the process of formation of organs, a network of blood vessels also appears. At the end of the 11th week of pregnancy, the respiratory system also develops rapidly: the trachea, main bronchi, and their branches are formed. The musculoskeletal system continues to form, due to which small joints gradually appear.

Genital organs

At this time, the genitals of the unborn child begin to form, but it is too early to talk about his gender. At this time, the gonads of boys actively produce testosterone, and in the mother's body, the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin reaches a maximum.

What can you see on an ultrasound?

As a rule, it is at this time that the doctor prescribes the first ultrasound examination, where the mother is given the opportunity to get to know her baby better and hear his heartbeat. The ultrasound date can be either at the beginning of the current week or at the end. For example, many women have their first screening at 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant. The size of the fetus at this time will not exceed 49 mm. Every expectant mother is interested to know how her baby develops, and a lot of questions have accumulated by the first ultrasound. On theultrasound examination, the doctor can sound to a pregnant woman at the 11th week of pregnancy the size of the fetus, the development and structure of its internal organs. At the current time, the baby can show the diagnostician how deftly he can move his legs and arms. The development of bone and muscle tissue is in full swing, which is why the movements of the fetus become more and more energetic every day. At a gestational age of 11 weeks, the size of the fetus already inspires 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 movable arms and a large head. You can see that in the next photo, the size of the fetus at the 11th obstetric week of pregnancy is not at all large, but all human signs and features are already traced.

On an ultrasound, you can hear the baby's heartbeat, which should be reduced at a frequency of 120-160 beats per minute. The heart has four chambers, but the opening between the right and left sides of the heart still remains.

Mom feeling

At the current stage of pregnancy, many mothers may notice that they begin to pass toxicosis: dizziness, nausea and increased fatigue appear much less often. In addition, the hormonal background stabilizes, which indicates a significant reduction in mood swings.

Selections

By this time, discharges may increase. Don't worry if they become somewhatmore abundant. But in case of a change in color, as well as the appearance of bloody or brown discharge against the background of abdominal pain, it is imperative to visit a doctor. If the color of the discharge has changed to white or yellowish, in addition, an unpleasant odor has appeared, this may be a sign of a genital tract infection. During pregnancy, the immune system weakens, and in connection with this, inflammatory processes develop much more often and chronic diseases worsen. In this case, it is also important to contact your doctor.

Breast Augmentation

By the 11th week of pregnancy, the breast will increase by at least one size. In addition, its sensitivity will also increase. Doctors warn expectant mothers about the possible release of fluid from the nipples, which is the norm, so no measures should be taken about this. In the case when colostrum (this is the name of this liquid that will be released until the very birth) stains clothes, you can purchase special breast pads.

Drowsiness and mood swings

Despite the fact that at the current time the hormonal background is normalizing and improving, nevertheless, a woman may notice typical forgetfulness and absent-mindedness. But there is nothing to worry about, as future mothers tend to immerse themselves in themselves, and anticipation of the joys of motherhood only contributes to an easy detachment from the outside world.

Appearances

Since the size of the fetus is small at the 11th obstetric week of pregnancy, the tummy of a pregnant woman is still invisiblesurrounding. At this time, it is worth picking up loose clothes that do not press on the tummy. Many mothers can already note that the lower abdomen is becoming more rounded, which indicates the rapid development of the fetus. At 11 weeks pregnant, the size of the uterus can be compared to the size of a fist.

Twin Pregnancy

As a rule, in the first trimester, multiple pregnancy does not have obvious differences. The expectant mother can also be overtaken by toxicosis, and by the 11-12th week, its signs can fade away, which will affect the improvement in overall well-being. It is worth noting that during pregnancy with twins, the tummy rapidly begins to increase by the current date. This is due to the fact that the uterus rises above the pubic bones. The lump can be easily felt by lying on your back and relaxing.

Possible abdominal pain

Many mothers at this stage of pregnancy complain of frequent abdominal pain due to increased uterine tone. If the tension in the lower abdomen passes after rest, then there is no reason to panic. But in the event that severe and prolonged pain occurs after exercise or even at rest, you should urgently consult a doctor.

Proper nutrition

Many women at this time may be bothered by constipation. There are several reasons for this disease: it may be due to changes in hormonal levels, a sedentary lifestyle, as well as psychological problems. Proper nutrition will help to get rid of this problem. First of all, it should be aimed at providing the crumbs with allthe necessary substances. The menu of a pregnant woman must be diversified 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 your diet. The last two products must be consumed in small quantities, as they can cause flatulence. The daily diet of a pregnant woman should be rich in vegetables and fruits, preferably fresh. Subjecting products to heat treatment, you can deprive them of their useful properties, only boiling or steaming is allowed. Food should be varied. The diet should include berries, fruits and vegetables of various colors - they contain various trace elements, vitamins and antioxidants.

Elimination of the disease

To avoid constipation, it is important for a pregnant woman to adhere to the following basic nutritional principles:

• Drink at least two liters of water per day. This amount does not include tea, juice and other drinks.
• Portions should be small, and meals should be frequent and fractional. For example, experts advise organizing five meals and avoiding long breaks between meals, more than four hours.
• Many doctors advise pregnant women to limit their intake of fast carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, sweets. The above foods impair bowel function, cause fermentation and help put on a few extra pounds.
• Speed up the work of the intestines allow such products: kiwi,dried apricots, prunes, bananas. The high content of fiber and potassium help activate intestinal motility.
• Due to the lack of calcium in the body, expectant mothers may be disturbed by painful leg muscle spasms. The best treatment would be to take special medications. Before use, you should consult with your doctor in order to find the right ones.