Week 11

In week 11, baby is developing:

-  Muscles

-  A larger head

-  Taste buds and vocal cords

-  Hair follicles

-  Fingernails and toenails

-  Sexual organs (ovaries or testes)

This week, be sure to add to your healthy diet:

-  Amino acids

Amino acids  "are responsible for strength, repair and rebuilding inside your body. Your tissues, your cells, your enzymes and your brain all get their nourishment and protection from amino acids." Most functions of your body (and your growing baby's) rely on these. While your baby is developing muscles, it will require amino acids and protein.

The nature of amino acids make them impossible for the body to store or hold in reserve. That is why it is so important to make sure you are getting enough every day.

Some of the best sources of amino acids are foods you already eat! Meat, eggs and dairy are not only goldmines of amino acids, but they are great sources of protein as well. 

A NOTE ABOUT PREGNANCY WEIGHT GAIN

Gaining weight goes with pregnancy. It happens at different rates and at different times for every woman. Eating healthy and exercising will help protect your body from excessive weight gain.

DO NOT GO ON A DIET OR TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT WHILE PREGNANT. It may put your baby at risk.

Weight gain during pregnancy is different from usual weight gain. It has a purpose and the pounds are distributed to specific areas of the body. After the baby is born, most of this weight is gradually melted off because the body doesn't need it (for example: your extra blood supply).

Here is how an extra 30 pounds are typically distributed  by the 40th week:

• Baby: 7 1/2 pounds
• Amniotic fluid: 2 pounds
• Placenta: 1 1/2 pounds
• Uterus: 2 pounds
• Breasts: 2 pounds
• Body fluids: 4 pounds
• Blood: 4 pounds
• Maternal stores (like fat, protein, and nutrients): 7 pounds

More information on pregnancy weight gain