At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is now about the size of a fig and growing rapidly. In fact, all their organs are in place and most of them are already functioning as they would for the rest of their life! Your little one is slightly more than 3.8cm tall from head to bottom, weighing about seven grams. Key developments this week include the formation of tiny tooth buds and fully separated fingers and toes. Your baby is also starting to stretch and wiggle, though it will still be a while before you feel those movements
As you approach the end of the first trimester, you may notice some symptoms easing, like nausea, while others, like fatigue, might persist. Let’s explore what’s happening with your baby, your body, and practical tips for this exciting stage of pregnancy.
Your baby at 11 weeks
Their body has largely taken shape by now, and they’re starting to look like a ‘real’ baby. Also, not only are the baby’s fingers and toes separating and looking like real baby parts, but the fingernail and toenail beds are also beginning to develop. All their vital organs are in place, and most of them are already functional.
By the end of the week, the genitals will be almost fully developed and you should be able to tell if it’s a boy or girl in a few weeks. If she is a girl, her ovaries are already developing.
Plus, tooth buds are also starting to develop under the gums, regardless of the fact that their first tooth won’t begin to show until about four to seven months after birth.
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Your body at 11 weeks pregnant
You might have a little bump, but it will go unnoticed by a lot of people. Your muscles will have stretched out a bit and you may, therefore, experience a bit of pain. Also, your waist will start to thicken slightly.
Here are some other things you may notice:
- Increased vaginal discharge: You may notice that the amount of discharge you produce has increased. As long as it is white and odourless, it is completely normal. If not, or if you notice that it is accompanied by blood, you may need to see a doctor right away.
- Leg cramps: Your legs may feel tight and painful, especially at night. Always stretch your legs regularly as a form of exercise to help with this. You may also need to include Calcium and Magnesium supplements in your diet.
- Breast tenderness: Your breasts may feel very sensitive, especially around the nipples. This is all part of your body’s preparation process for the baby.
- Frequent urination: The hCG hormone is responsible for increasing blood flow to the kidneys and the area around the pelvis. This will make you feel the need to pee often.
- Nausea and vomiting: By the 11th week, you still have about two or three weeks of morning sickness to go. It usually goes away on its own between weeks 12 and 14.
- Cravings and aversions: These might stick with you throughout your pregnancy, or the cravings and aversions could go away on their own in a few weeks. Every pregnancy is different.
- Dizziness: Your body is in overdrive growing a little human. If you are not producing enough blood to circulate throughout your entire system, you may feel weak once in a while. You may notice bouts of dizziness or faintness after standing for a long time or performing some strenuous activities. You should be able to quickly fix this by lying down and raising your feet above your heart level.
- Bloating: Progesterone causes the gastrointestinal tract to relax, making you feel inflated and bloated. It’s all part of the journey.
- Cramping: You may feel a bit of pain in your abdomen and around your bump. This feels a lot like period pains and can be managed in pretty much the same way, for example by using hot-water bottles.
- Various changes on your skin: Your skin may start developing dark patches, called chloasma or pregnancy mask. Your face may also become greasier and spottier than before. This should all go away in a few months.
- Stuffy nose: At around week 11, most women start feeling stuffy, like their noses are blocked. You can manage the stuffiness using plain saline nasal drops. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before using any medicated product.
Taking care of yourself during this time
If you’re dealing with anxiety and depression, yoga is a great potential solution to explore. Prenatal yoga will help you relax, which is exactly what you need when you have a baby growing inside you. However, if the anxiety and depression persist, consult your healthcare provider.
If you’re feeling congested or your nasal passages feel dry, sleeping with a humidifier in your room can help to lessen congestion and rehydrate your nasal passages.
Try to avoid stress-inducing situations as much as you can.
FAQs: 11 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Growth & What to Expect
How big is my baby at 11 weeks?
At around 11 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a fig, measuring about 4 cm in length. Though still small, rapid development is taking place each day.
What developments are happening at this stage?
Key features like fingers, toes, and facial details become more refined. The baby’s head is still quite large compared to the body, and the ears are moving into their final position.
What pregnancy symptoms might I notice now?
Many women still experience morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Some may also notice mood swings, headaches, or an increased sense of smell.
Is morning sickness common at 11 weeks?
Yes, morning sickness can continue around this time and often starts to ease by the end of the first trimester. If it becomes severe or you cannot keep fluids down, consult your healthcare provider.
Can I have an ultrasound at 11 weeks?
Some women have a screening ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks, which can help assess the baby’s development and check for certain conditions. Your doctor will advise you on the timing.
Should I worry if I have occasional cramps?
Mild cramping can be normal as your uterus grows, but always contact your doctor if cramps are severe, persistent, or accompanied by heavy bleeding or other concerning symptoms.
Is it normal to feel less tired as I approach the end of the first trimester?
Yes, many women find their energy levels improve towards the end of the first trimester as hormones begin to stabilise. However, it’s also normal to still feel fatigued.
How should I manage my diet at 11 weeks pregnant?
Continue focusing on balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy (or suitable alternatives). Avoid high-mercury fish, undercooked meats, and unpasteurised products, and stay hydrated.
When can I start telling people I’m pregnant?
It’s a personal decision. Some prefer to wait until after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage decreases, while others share the news earlier. Do what feels right for you.
Is it okay to exercise at 11 weeks?
In most cases, moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga is safe. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no individual risks or restrictions for you.
What if my pregnancy symptoms come and go?
Symptoms can vary daily. Some women have days with fewer symptoms as they near the second trimester. If you’re concerned about a sudden change or have other unusual signs, speak to your doctor.
When should I schedule my next prenatal appointment?
Prenatal appointments typically occur every four weeks in the first trimester. If you haven’t scheduled your next visit, contact your healthcare provider to arrange any necessary scans or tests.
At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly! Learn about baby development, common symptoms, and how to care for yourself during this exciting time.
