Morning sickness is probably the most recognized pregnancy symptom during the first trimester, but it is not the only symptom you may be experiencing. Other symptoms you may have by week 11 include:
- brighter skin
- fuller hair and stronger nails
- blemishes
- unwanted hair growth
- heartburn
- sore or enlarged breasts
- nausea and/or vomiting
- fatigue
Heartburn
If you’ve made it this far without experiencing morning sickness, chances are you might be dealing with
heartburn instead. In one study, researchers found that 95 percent of women experienced nausea, vomiting, and/or heartburn during their pregnancy. They’re two of the most common pregnancy symptoms, but they’re also generally harmless to both mother and baby. While the third trimester of pregnancy tends to be the worst for heartburn because of the size of your uterus, some women do experience this nagging symptom throughout their pregnancy. If that’s you, your best bet at treatment may be preventing it before it starts. Try to eat smaller meals instead of one large meal. Avoid plopping down on the couch or lying down right after you eat. Or ask your doctor about the safe use of antacids if your heartburn is preventing you from eating anything.
Sore or enlarged breasts
Some women may welcome this change (hello, C cup!), but others may find it to be an annoying inconvenience, especially when your bras no longer fit and the slightest touch can cause you to wince with pain. You can thank hormones for this change. If your bras are uncomfortably tight, consider investing in a couple of stretchy sports bras or a bra extender. Bra extenders can help you get a little more use out of your bra while you wait for your cup size to finish expanding. If you decide to purchase a new bra, consider only buying one or two. Your breasts will most likely continue to grow. Look for a store that has sales associates trained in bra fittings. Maternity clothing stores are usually good at this, and the sales associates will be able to give you recommendations for how much larger your breasts are likely (but not guaranteed) to grow by the end of your pregnancy and even into nursing.