Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your individual pregnancy.
Welcome to week 11 of your pregnancy! You’re nearing the end of your first trimester, and incredible development is happening inside. Your baby is now about the size of a lime, and their little body is becoming more refined each day. This week marks an exciting time when many babies start to hiccup for the first time—a sign of their developing nervous system.
Baby Development at 11 Weeks
At 11 weeks, your baby is approximately 1.6 inches long from crown to rump—about the size of a lime. Your baby’s fingers and toes are beginning to separate from the webbing that connected them, giving them a more distinct appearance. Fingerprints are already forming on those tiny fingertips, making your baby truly one-of-a-kind.
Tooth buds are forming in the gums. Facial features are becoming more refined, with the eyes moving closer together and the ears migrating toward their proper position. Your baby’s head is still large relative to the body, but the body is growing and catching up.
Your baby can now hiccup—involuntary contractions of the diaphragm that signal the nervous system is developing beautifully. Your baby is also becoming more active, making spontaneous movements throughout the day, though you won’t feel these for several more weeks. For more about when to expect movement, see our guide to baby movement during pregnancy.
Your Body This Week
You’re in the home stretch of your first trimester. By week 11, you’ve likely gained 3 to 5 pounds, though this varies widely. The pregnancy hormone hCG is still rising, which is why nausea may still be present—though for many, these symptoms are beginning to ease.
Your uterus has grown to about the size of a grapefruit and is rising further out of your pelvis. Your breasts are likely fuller and more tender as hormones prepare them for milk production.
Blood volume has already increased by about 10 percent, which is why some women experience headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Your heart is working harder to pump this increased blood volume, and your kidneys are working overtime. These changes are completely normal. For more on what to expect, see our first trimester guide.
Common Symptoms at 11 Weeks
Nausea and Morning Sickness: Many women find nausea peaks around week 8-10 and begins improving by week 11. Ginger supplements, vitamin B6, small frequent meals, and staying hydrated continue to help. See our morning sickness remedies guide.
Fatigue: Pregnancy hormones, increased blood volume, and metabolic demands leave many women exhausted. This is your body’s way of telling you it needs rest.
Frequent Urination: Increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and your growing uterus pressing on your bladder mean constant bathroom visits.
Constipation and Bloating: Progesterone slows your digestive system. Increasing fiber, staying hydrated, and gentle movement help.
Mood Changes: Hormonal fluctuations bring emotional ups and downs. If mood changes are severe or persistent, talk with your healthcare provider.
What to Do This Week
Schedule your first trimester screening. The nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound is done between weeks 11-14 and helps assess risk for genetic conditions. Discuss NIPT or other screening options with your provider.
Ensure you’re taking quality prenatal vitamins with folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA. See our prenatal vitamins guide.
Practice pelvic floor exercises. Gentle Kegels now can help prevent incontinence later in pregnancy and postpartum.
Review foods to avoid. Familiarize yourself with foods to avoid during pregnancy, including high-mercury fish, raw meats, and unpasteurized dairy.
Stay active. Pregnancy-safe exercises like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga support your energy and mood.
Nutrition Spotlight: Protein and Iron
At 11 weeks, you need about 300 extra calories per day—roughly a piece of toast with nut butter or Greek yogurt with berries.
Protein: Aim for 70-100 grams daily from lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy. Protein builds your baby’s muscles, organs, and tissues.
Iron: Your blood volume is expanding and your baby needs iron to develop. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, legumes, and dark leafy greens. Pair with vitamin C sources to enhance absorption. See our pregnancy weight gain guide for nutrition details.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, especially with cramping or tissue passage
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Inability to keep food or fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Severe headaches or visual changes
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Fever over 101°F
- Painful urination or unusual discharge
For detailed guidance, see our guide to when to call your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to still feel nauseous at 11 weeks?
Yes. Morning sickness typically peaks around weeks 8-10 and improves during the second trimester, but some women experience nausea throughout the first trimester and occasionally beyond. If nausea is severe, talk to your provider about treatment options.
Can I feel my baby moving at 11 weeks?
Most first-time mothers won’t feel fetal movement until 16-20 weeks. Your baby is moving now, but they’re still too small for you to feel. Women who’ve been pregnant before may feel movement slightly earlier.
What’s the difference between NT scan and NIPT?
The NT scan is an ultrasound measuring fluid behind your baby’s neck, done between weeks 11-14. NIPT is a blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in your blood and is more accurate. Both are screening tools, not diagnostic tests. Discuss options with your provider.
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