Pregnancy & Baby 

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Pregnancy week 11

A week by week guide to what’s happening to you and your baby

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

You may be suffering from headaches as a result of increased hormones. Help to prevent headaches before they start by eating regularly and drinking plenty of fluids. Get adequate sleep and keep stress levels low. If you experience frequent headaches, if the headache is the by-product of a fever, or if it causes visual disturbances or puffiness in the hands and face, call your doctor immediately. To learn more about first-trimester appetite and nausea.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Your baby-to-be is almost two inches long and weighs about eight grams. The irises are now forming. In females, the clitoris and labia majora are complete. The liver, intestines, brain and lungs are beginning to function on their own. Now that most of the major organ work is done, your baby adds such details as hair, fingernails and toenails. While your baby's head is nearly as large as the rest of its body, head growth begins to slow during this period.

HEALTHY EATINGAt this time, you only need to increase consumption by 300 to 500 calories per day. Folic acid prevents spina bifida in your baby and also builds strong red blood cells. Vitamin C helps build bones and teeth and is present in citrus fruits and broccoli. Vitamin D helps build strong bones, teeth and tissue and is found in milk, eggs, sardines and salmon. Zinc boosts your baby's growth and guards against premature delivery - eat meat, seafood, dried beans and peas. Omega-3 fatty acids help develop and boost your baby's brain power. Get it from oily fish, almonds, walnuts, and sesame and sunflower seeds.

FACT OF THE WEEK

Go to the dentist. NHS treatment is free now that you are pregnant. It has been shown that premature birth may be linked with gum disease.

Find out what to expect in week 12 of your pregnancy.

For a list of all the pregnancy week by week articles click here

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