Your baby has moved from the embryo stage to the foetus stage and is about 5 centimetres long. All the organs will now begin to develop and mature.

Week 11

Mum

Your body now needs to circulate approximately 10 per cent more blood than it did before the pregnancy. The increased blood volume and the extra liquids processed to support the baby will make your kidneys work extra hard. The growing uterus will also put pressure on your bladder, waking you up several times a night to go to the toilet. (Although the baby is still shorter than your lipstick, the uterus is big enough to fill your pelvis.)

Dad

Incredible as it may sound, pregnancy is actually an opportunity for the two parents-to-be to become closer and more intimate as a couple. She may still be too tired for sex, but she will appreciate the emotional connection. Plus, the cuddles you give her now will be well invested, because during the second trimester, a pregnant woman’s interest in sex returns with a vengeance.

Baby

Your ears have finally migrated to their rightful position on either side of you little head – which is, by the way, the size of about half of your body length. Your bones are beginning to harden, your teeth are forming inside your gums, and you may already be showing whether you’re a boy or a girl. You are now the size of a fresh fig.

Things to keep in mind 

  • Find pregnancy-safe ways to have a total ‘treat yourself’ day! Your skin is glowing and your hair and nails are looking strong and healthy thanks to all of those pregnancy hormones – enjoy it as much as possible.
  • Keep adding to your list of questions for your next prenatal visit.
  • Start looking into how parental leave will work for you.
  • Discuss childcare after parental leave is over with your partner.

Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.

WELCOME

Lernart Nilsson's foetus series featured in our week by week, is considered the greatest photography of the 20th Century. You may be surprised at the incredible detail seen in his photos.

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