Slowly but surely, things are starting to happen

How is your baby growing?

In the 11th week of pregnancy, your baby's skin, which until now appeared transparent, becomes thicker and develops layers. A fine downy hair also forms, and the fingernails and toenails begin to grow. The external genitals are slowly becoming visible – but you will have to wait about 3 weeks before your gynecologist can tell you whether you are having a girl or a boy. Instead, your baby now has clearly recognizable eyes, ears, and lips.

Now that the muscles and nervous system are interacting, your baby can bend, stretch, kick, and make faces, and it takes full advantage of this: your baby is now doing intense 'gymnastics exercises.' These exercises are important training for the nerves and muscles, as each movement contributes to the stimulation and structure of the brain.

Despite your baby's intense activity, and even if you are expecting it, you will not yet feel the baby's movements.

How is your belly growing?

By the 11th week of pregnancy, you should have gained one to three kilograms, unless you have been feeling sick and have lost weight.

So far, it is mainly your uterus that has grown. During pregnancy, its volume will increase a hundredfold. You may have already noticed some growth because the uterus is pressing on the bladder. This is not the only reason why you probably need to go to the toilet more often. Often, expectant mothers in the 11th week of pregnancy are also more thirsty because their blood volume increases. If you notice that your hands and feet feel warmer, you tire more quickly, your heart beats a little faster, or you feel dizzy, these are completely normal symptoms. However, take care of yourself and talk to your doctor or midwife if you are unsure.

Get your blood flowing and exercise—it will do you and your baby good, even if you tire more quickly than before your pregnancy. Just walking for half an hour a day is enough. You don't need to stop exercising unless you do extreme sports. In that case, it's best to reduce the intensity. Gentle, low-impact activities are ideal, such as  

• Swimming
• Aquajogging/Aquafitness
• Tai-Chi
• Yoga
• Gymnastics
• Gentle cycling 

You can read here which sports are suitable during pregnancy.

What makes you grow as a family?

You are already in full 'mom mode,' but for your future dad/partner, everything is still quite abstract. Reassure him/her so that the baby becomes understandable for him/her too. Tell him/her how you feel, what you are feeling, and where you might need his/her help. That way, he/she will also be able to take on the role of dad.