Week 11: Time is flying!
Image: @twolesbiansinlove
Welcome to week 11 of the Happy Parents Happy Baby guide to pregnancy, birth and beyond.
This week we'll be covering:
We hope you enjoy it!
Preparing for your dating scan
The dating scan is the first routine scan of pregnancy and will perhaps be the first time you have seen your baby, unless you’ve had an earlier scan for any reason.
It is normally offered between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy and is most commonly done during the 12th week. It’s referred to as the dating scan as this is when the sonographer will see how far along your pregnancy is and they will also do a detailed check of your baby’s development. It is often carried out alongside a blood test and together these tests form part of the screening programme for conditions such as Down’s syndrome.
What are they checking for?
How many weeks pregnant you are and to calculate your due date.
How many babies you’re pregnant with.
Whether your baby is developing as expected.
Where your placenta is located and how it is functioning.
How will it be done?
A sonographer will put some gel on your tummy and use an ultrasound probe to get 2D images of your baby on their screen. You may see them taking lots of measurements and notes but please don’t worry, this is normal. They will explain their findings and also give you photos to take home with you.
What is the screening test?
The screening test for Down’s, Edward’s and Patau’s syndromes is offered at this time in combination with the 12-week scan. If you agree to have the testing then during the scan they will measure the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck (called the nuchal translucency) and you will also have a blood test taken after the scan. This is called combined screening, it must be done before 14 weeks of pregnancy and the results are sent to you as a risk ratio.
If you’re having your scan after week 14 then you’ll be offered a slightly different test to screen for these syndromes.
Your baby’s development in week 11
Size of a plum
Around 41mm long
Your baby’s head now makes up about one third of the length of their body, which is also starting to straighten out.
The bones of their face are also now fully formed and they have tiny eyes and eyelids, but they won’t open their eyes for a few more months. The fingers and toes are now starting to separate and even have tiny nails on them!
Week 11 Checklist
You might like to:
Consider a baby moon. You don’t need us to tell you that life as you know it is going to change somewhat in the coming months! Most people find that the second trimester is the part of pregnancy where they have the most energy and as you are almost there, why not make the most of it and plan a trip?
Keep your skin moisturised. Your skin is probably feeling a bit drier and more sensitive than usual. You might have noticed pigment changes too. Slather on a pregnancy safe moisturiser to keep your skin soft.
Cut yourself some slack. The first trimester can be exhausting, so don’t feel bad if you need to delay other plans and rest instead, most people find their energy returns in the second trimester.
Spotlight on: Dizziness
Each week we'll be delving into the common symptoms of early pregnancy and bringing you top tips for managing them from our team of specialists and parent community.
I keep getting lightheaded…
Why? It’s the hormones, of course! As soon as you get pregnant your body has a lot more work to do. It is pumping more blood around and before long, carrying a bit more weight too. Fainting happens when not enough blood, and subsequently oxygen, is going to your brain.
You might feel faint or dizzy if you stand up too quickly or if you get out of a hot bath. You may also feel faint if you have low blood pressure or if you’re suffering with morning sickness.
It can also happen if you’re too hot or dehydrated.
Top tips for coping with dizziness:
Keep your blood sugar levels stable by eating regular meals and healthy snacks in between. Also drink plenty of water.
Try to get up more slowly and sit or lie down on your side when you are feeling dizzy and wait for it to pass.
Speak to your GP or midwife if symptoms persist.
Birth story of the week
This week we catch up with Ashley from our Stratford course who shares the positive birth of her baby Elara.
“I had a really lovely home birth. I was in labour for 12 hours with my mum, my husband and two midwives. We tried to birth in the birthing pool but it slowed down the progress so I birthed right outside of it in our living room.
“The first moment that I saw my baby I was in love! She was such a squishy little thing and I was in awe to meet her.
“I would definitely recommend the Happy Parents Happy Baby course. It's really informative and helpful to have real people standing in front of you to ask questions and give guidance. Real faces are always more assuring than googling things. I also really love the friends we have made from the course. We still meet up and chat with them!”
Welcome to the world Elara!
Treat of the week
This Chillys water bottle is the perfect daily companion to keep you cool and hydrated. Its stainless steel design can keep your drink cooler for longer, leaving you feeling more refreshed each time you use it.
Great for when you’re feeling those warm pregnancy hormones!
Products are based on suggestions from our specialists and community of parents. We may earn commission from shopping links.
Join our community
Happy Parents Happy Baby is here to support you through every step of your pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.
Connect with other parents-to-be and learn everything you need to know, by joining our award-winning antenatal classes.
That's all for now...
Thank you so much for joining us!
Have a great week.
Team HPHB x
Information you
can trust
Our articles are based on the latest-evidence based guidelines and scientific research and are written by our team of medical experts.
Coming up
next week
Everything you need to know about antenatal classes
Spotlight on: frequent urination
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