Your baby’s development
Week 11During the next 3 weeks your baby willdouble in length.
Your babys external genitalia are beginning to show distinguishing features now,however development into either male or female will only be complete in the next3 weeks. You can view a video on genitalia formation in our pregnancy media section.
Babys eyes are still set wide apart at the moment, and this week the iris – thecolored part of the eye – will begin to develop. Over the next 2-3 days the eyeslids will meet and fuse closed – this is temporary though.
Your babys head now makes up more than half of his/her length, and by now the braininside that head will have the same structure as it will at birth. Your baby’s reflexesare also beginning to develop and at this early stage if your baby’s face is touchedit will open his/her mouth.
Some other organs which have been developing and are almost complete already include:The pancreas, thyroid and gall bladder.
Your baby’s intestines will also begin to move into the stomach from the umbilicalcord over the course of this week.
Your development
Some women may notice a change in hair, fingernails and toe nails during their pregnancy.Some for the best and unfortunately, some for the worst. Some woman even loose hairduring pregnancy. No mater what ever you may experience, it is not a permanent change,and things will return to normal shortly after the birth.
Your nutrition
Carbohydrates providethe primary source of energy for your developing baby and it also ensures that yourbody uses protein efficiently. Good sources of carbohydrates are:
- Tortillas
- Pasta, cereal and rice
- Bagels
- Bread or a roll.
- Avoid high altitude flights. (Non-stop overseas or cross country flights) flights.(Non-stop overseas or cross country flights)
- Wear loose fitting clothes, and avoid wearing pantyhose
- Drink lots of water
- Get up and move around at least 10 minutes every hour
- Try and get an isle seat
- When driving anywhere, wear your safety belt
Pregnancy Week 11
