Pregnancy calendar - week #11

Pregnant mothers - week #11

Want fries with that?

You've heard the old adage: When you're pregnant, you're eating for two. In very technical terms, yes, we suppose you are, considering there's a living, breathing, human being growing inside your body. But considering your wee babe now weighs about the same as a scoop of espresso (or 7 grams), justifying those 4 chocolate chunk cookies is a little bit harder.

We must tell you though, that gaining weight during pregnancy shouldn't be your concern. The best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to eat as healthily as possible. You should be getting between 300 and 500 extra calories a day (and we'd love to see those extra calories spent on a healthy smoothie opposed to a greasy bag of chips.)

You can expect to start gaining between 1 and 2 pounds a week for awhile, as your baby grows. It's a good idea to keep track of how much you're gaining, as it's a good indication of whether you're over or underfeeding yourself and the baby.

Once again, make sure you're getting enough protein (found in beans, soy milk, cheese, and chicken--yum!) Also, keep eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Be creative; you don't have to gnaw away on raw carrots to fill your vitamin requirements. Try baked spiced apples, guacamole, baked sweet potato fries, or peaches & cream.

Baby and fetal development - week #11

They grow up so fast!

Just when you and little Miss (or Mr.) embryo started getting along so well, you get a fetus. That's right, mom and dad, baby is officially of fetus status. What does that mean? The most critical part of development is over, and baby is stronger, and less vulnerable to environmental factors. We've got a fighter on our hands!

Up until now, the focus has been all about the development of organs and systems: head, heart, limbs, and digestive track. But from week 11 up until week 20, the bulk of the developing will be in size. In the next 9 weeks, the fetus will grow 6 inches.

Also, the placenta is now more responsible for nourishing the fetus. Blood vessles in the placenta are growing in number and size to provide more nutrients.

Also in week 11:

• Facial development continues
• Ears move from the front of the head, back to their final position
• Reproductive organs are rapidly developing (although male and female organs still look similar at this point)

Pregnant dads - week #11

More support for being supportive!

We know you're trying hard to be supportive. Although you're not carrying the baby, these 9 months are still trying for you. Continue supporting your baby-carrying counterpart and she'll definitely be grateful. Yeahbaby.com has put together a guide to helping mom during pregnancy that you should definitely check out.