Congratulations! You’ve reached the 11 week mark in your pregnancy. At 11 weeks, you’re nearing the end of your first trimester. This is an exciting time full of changes for both you and your growing baby. This article covers everything you need to know about what to expect when you are 11 weeks pregnant.

Key Takeaways When 11 Weeks Pregnant

• Your baby is now the size of a fig or lime and making lots of developmental progress
• Common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination continue
• Your baby’s facial features and limbs are forming, and their movements are strengthening
• You may start showing a small pregnancy bump around this time
• Your healthcare provider performs important prenatal tests at your 11 week appointment
• You can bond with your baby by talking and singing to them, even though they can’t hear yet

Baby Development at 11 Weeks

At 11 weeks gestation, your baby is going through a growth spurt and rapidly developing. Here’s an overview of how your baby is developing at this stage:

• Size: Your baby is now about 1.6 inches long from crown to rump, roughly the size of a fig or lime. Their weight has doubled from the previous week to about .25 ounces.
• Appearance: Your baby’s head is nearly half the size of their entire body. Their facial features are forming, with the eyes set apart and obvious earlobes. The nose, lips, and chin are also visible. Your baby’s limbs are longer and more defined, with elbows and wrists apparent. The fingers and toes are no longer webbed.
• Organs: All of your baby’s vital organs are now present, including the kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver. Their heart is fully divided into four chambers and beating at a rate around 150 beats per minute.
• Movement: Your baby can now make small movements of their arms, legs, fingers, and toes. They are practicing flexing their limbs, though you won’t be able to feel their movements yet.
• ** Bones and Teeth:** Your baby’s bones are continuing to harden. Their teeth buds are forming under the gums.
• Hearing and Senses: The earlobes allow sound to travel to their inner ear, but their hearing isn’t fully developed yet. Their other senses of touch, smell, and taste are also developing.

Overall, your baby is starting to look much more like a tiny human at 11 weeks!

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 11 Weeks

Many of the unpleasant first trimester symptoms continue into week 11 of pregnancy:

• Nausea: Morning sickness and nausea typically peak around week 11 before improving in upcoming weeks. Take it easy and eat small, frequent meals.
• Fatigue: Your progesterone levels remain high, which can leave you feeling tired. Listen to your body and get extra rest.
• Frequent urination: As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on your bladder, causing more frequent bathroom trips. Stay well hydrated.
• Bloating: Hormonal changes slow your digestion, leading to bloating and gas. Eat slowly and avoid gas-causing foods.
• Food aversions: You may still find certain smells or foods unappealing. Choose foods that sound good.
• Headaches: Changing hormone levels can trigger headaches. Apply a cold compress and ask your doctor about safe headache medications.
• Constipation: Progesterone relaxes your intestinal muscles causing constipation. Exercise, drink fluids, and eat high-fiber foods.
• Mood swings: Your shifting hormones may leave you feeling emotional. Give yourself grace during mood swings.
• Cramping: As your uterus expands, mild cramping can occur. Call your doctor if it’s severe.

While annoying, these symptoms show your pregnancy is progressing! Always reach out to your doctor with any concerning symptoms.

11 Weeks Pregnant Belly

Around 11 weeks pregnant, your waistline may start expanding as your uterus grows. Don’t be dismayed by a small pregnancy bump!

Each woman shows at different times based on factors like:

• Your pre-pregnancy weight and shape
• Strength of core muscles
• The position of your uterus
• Genetics

Even first-time mothers often don’t show until 12-16 weeks. And if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may show sooner.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and dress for your changing body. Avoid anything too restrictive around your waist.

Prenatal Appointment at 11 Weeks

Your 11 week prenatal visit is full of important appointments and tests to monitor your health and your baby’s development. Here’s what to expect:

• Physical exam: Your doctor performs a full physical exam checking your blood pressure, weight, breasts, and uterus size.
• Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam checks for any cervical changes. This may include a Pap smear.
• Blood and urine tests: Bloodwork checks your iron levels and immunities. A urine test checks for gestational diabetes risk.
• NT ultrasound: An ultrasound confirms your due date and checks your baby’s development. The nuchal translucency screening assess chromosomal conditions risk.
• Next steps: Your doctor reviews upcoming tests like genetic carrier screening and the quad marker screen.
• Any questions: Your provider answers any questions you have about diet, exercise, symptoms, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask anything!

Make sure you communicate any symptoms or concerns at this visit. Track your baby’s progress with new ultrasound pictures!

11 Weeks Pregnant Diet

Your pregnancy diet is more important than ever as your baby rapidly develops. Follow these healthy eating tips for 11 weeks pregnant:

• Eat the rainbow: Eat plenty of fruits and veggies in a variety of colors for key vitamins and minerals. Good choices are leafy greens, bell peppers, berries, citrus, melons, etc.
• Choose lean proteins: Protein nourishes you and baby. Choose options like eggs, lean meats, nuts, beans, tofu, etc.
• Include whole grains: Whole grains provide filling fiber. Opt for bread, cereal, pasta, rice and more made with 100% whole grains.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine. Some sparkling water or milk are refreshing choices too.
• Take your prenatal vitamin: Your OB likely prescribed a prenatal vitamin with 400-800 mcg of essential folic acid. Take this daily.
• Watch portions: You only need around 300 extra calories daily in your second and third trimesters. Avoid overeating.

Focus on a balanced plate following healthy pregnancy eating guidelines. This ensures you and your growing baby get the nutrients you need.

Exercise at 11 Weeks Pregnant

Moderate exercise is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Aim for 150 minutes per week of light activity. Great options include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Low-impact aerobics
• Light strength training

Focus on slow, controlled movements. Avoid any high risk sports, overheating, or exercises on your back after the first trimester. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.

Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine while pregnant. They may recommend limiting your activity if you have pregnancy complications. Otherwise, keep moving with your OB’s approval!

11 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound

One of the most exciting parts of your 11 week prenatal appointment is getting to see your developing baby on ultrasound!

During this ultrasound, the technician confirms your due date by measuring your baby from crown to rump. They also check that your baby is growing on track without any abnormalities.

The NT or nuchal translucency ultrasound is also typically performed around 11-14 weeks. This measures the fold at the back of your baby’s neck to assess risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions.

Don’t worry if your baby is moving around and hard to see! Their constant motion is a great sign. Let the technician get all their important measurements.

NIPT Blood Testing

Another optional screening at this stage is non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This is a simple blood test that can detect Down syndrome with 99% accuracy and other chromosomal issues.

Pros of this test are that it carries no risk to your baby and provides an early assessment well before other screens. Cons are that it’s not covered by all insurance and only screens for a limited number of chromosomal issues.

Discuss with your doctor if NIPT or other genetic screening makes sense for your pregnancy. The quad marker screen and anatomy scan also provide insights later on.

Bonding with Your Baby at 11 Weeks

Here are some fun ways to start bonding with your growing baby at 11 weeks pregnant:

• Talk or sing to them: Your baby can’t hear you yet but responding to your voice promotes bonding.
• Play music: Play relaxing or upbeat music and visualize your baby moving to the rhythms.
• Read stories: Read children’s books and nursery rhymes to them each day. Get dad involved too!
• Give them a nickname: Give your baby an endearing nickname to make them feel more real.
• Touch your belly: Gently rub your belly to stimulate sensations of touch.
• Go to appointments: Bring your partner to prenatal visits so you experience each milestone together.
• Envision the future: Daydream about who your baby will become and imagine them at various ages.

Strengthening your bond early promotes attachment and confidence as a parent. Have fun getting to know your little one!

When to Call Your Doctor at 11 Weeks Pregnant

Always communicate with your healthcare provider if anything concerns you during your pregnancy. Reach out right away if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding with cramping
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever -Persistent vomiting
  -Regular contractions before 37 weeks -Sudden gush of fluid from vagina -Reduced fetal movement after week 25

Other symptoms warranting a call include vision issues, rapid weight gain or swelling, and headaches. It’s better to have symptoms evaluated than wait.

Frequently Asked Questions About 11 Weeks Pregnant

What if I’m not showing at 11 weeks?

It’s completely normal not to show until the end of your first trimester or later! Every woman grows at her own pace. Focus on your baby’s health, not bump size.

Do pregnancy symptoms start improving soon?

Fortunately, the fatigue, nausea, and food aversions you’ve been battling often start improving around weeks 11-14 as your hormone levels plateau.

How much weight should I gain so far?

Aim to gain just 1-4 lbs in your first trimester. Steady, slow weight gain is ideal for your health and your baby’s.

Can I fly at 11 weeks pregnant?

Air travel is generally safe before 36 weeks pregnant. Stay hydrated, wear compression socks, and get up and move on long flights to reduce risks. Always check with your doctor first.

When will I feel the baby move for the first time?

Most women feel the first flutters of movement between 16-22 weeks with their first pregnancy, or a bit sooner if it’s not your first. Get ready for those magical kicks!

The Takeaway on 11 Weeks Pregnant

You’re nearing the end of your first trimester at 11 weeks pregnant! Your baby’s facial features are forming, their limbs are moving, and their organs are developing right on schedule. While pregnancy symptoms continue, know the fatigue and nausea improve soon. Bond with your baby and prepare for an exciting ultrasound at your 11 week appointment!