Welcome to week 11. You’re nearly through the first trimester, which many people say is the most difficult. Things usually get easier in the second trimester, beginning at week 13. At just over 1.5 inches long, your mini-me is as big as a lime and weighs 1.5 ounces.

 

Week 11 Pregnancy Symptoms

Fatigue

If you’re still battling fatigue, you should feel better within a few weeks. In the meantime, here are some tips that may help you refresh and recharge: 

Try to figure out if there’s a pattern to your fatigue. Do you feel sleepy at certain times or after eating certain foods? You may also feel tired after meetings or activities. Knowing your pattern can help you schedule rest breaks throughout the day so you don’t feel wiped out.

Skip the coffee to avoid the caffeine rush and crash. Instead, refresh with a nutritious whole-grain snack like these delicious raspberry bars or dark chocolate granola bites. For a healthy escape, grab your headphones and listen to some healing music.

Why Are My Veins So Blue?

If you’re suddenly wondering “Why are my veins so visible?” or “Is blood blue?” don’t be alarmed. There isn’t a single drop of blue blood running through your veins, even though you may start to notice some blue lines along your legs, hands, stomach, and breasts. 

Blue veins are an optical illusion, according to an explanation in Applied Optics. Essentially, veins appear blue because of how our eyes absorb light and see color under layers of skin. 

Your veins are likely more prominent because of the nearly 50% increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy. To help your baby grow and develop, your body circulates about 2.5 extra pints of nutrient-rich blood throughout pregnancy.

Dizziness

Since your body’s working overtime to grow a baby and circulate significantly more blood, you may sometimes feel faint. That’s because more blood can slow circulation, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. A word to the wise: staying hydrated can help prevent dizziness. That’s why we encourage you to take water everywhere you go, especially when the weather’s warm.

Fainting while pregnant happens. If you have a dizzy spell, sit or lie down immediately. Putting your head between your knees is also recommended if your bump allows it. If the lightheadedness doesn’t pass, try lying on your side. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or for someone to sit with you until you feel better. 

Nausea often accompanies fainting. If you experience nausea or dizziness while driving, put your blinkers on, pull over, and wait until you recover before resuming your journey. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency stash of water, saltine crackers or pretzels, and an electrolyte drink in your car.

Can you drink Pedialyte while pregnant? According to Registered Dietician Samantha Broghammer, “Overall, Pedialyte is completely safe to drink, even during pregnancy.” 

But wait, isn’t that for kids? People of all ages can benefit from an electrolyte drink. Pedialyte is used in hospitals throughout the United States to treat dehydration, and it’s been the “secret weapon” of professional athletes and trainers for years.

Baby on Board

All of your baby’s systems, organs, and bones are developing in leaps and bounds. This week, the complex respiratory system (which began developing in week 4) begins preliminary breathing movements that can often be seen during an ultrasound.

In Development: Gymnastics Skills!

After bending their elbows last week, your baby is now starting to move their tiny body around in your womb. Your future gymnast is practicing stretches, somersaults, and forward rolls, and they’re straightening their torso every day – but since your baby is still so small, you probably won’t feel any of it. Most people don’t feel movements until after week 16, so you’ll likely have to be patient for another 5 or more weeks.

What to Wear This Week

Even though you’re probably not breastfeeding (unless you’re nursing another child while pregnant), both nursing bras and sleep bras provide a safe haven for breasts when they’re sore, tender, and bigger. The right bra with a perfect fit can make a world of difference. 

Kindred Bravely’s Organic Cotton Nursing & Sleep Bra is known for making moms-to-be feel good, and the delightful colorways make them happy too. Plus, this GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certified bra is sustainably sourced.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice that has been medically reviewed. Please reach out to your doctor or midwife with any questions.