Week by Week Pregnancy: 11 Week Pregnant

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 41 mm from head to bottom and is roughly the size of a fig. The body is growing rapidly, while the fingers and toes are becoming more clearly separated. Tiny fingernails are beginning to develop, the ears continue to take shape and your baby is making small movements inside the womb.

As you move towards the end of the first trimester, your body is changing too. Your womb continues to grow, your circulation is adapting to pregnancy and the placenta is taking on an increasingly important role in supporting your baby. Early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, tiredness, dizziness, indigestion and mood changes may still continue.

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Contents

• What Does 11 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• Your Baby’s Development at 11 Weeks
• How Are the Fingers and Toes Developing?
• How Are the Nails and Ears Developing?
• Does Your Baby Move at 11 Weeks?
• What Is the Placenta Doing at 11 Weeks?
• What’s Happening in Your Body?
• What Can You See on an Ultrasound at 11 Weeks?
• 11 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
• Frequently Asked Questions

11 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance

Key point this week
At 11 weeks, your baby’s body is growing quickly. The fingers and toes are becoming more clearly separated, tiny nails are developing and the ears continue to take shape. Your baby can move, although it is still too early for you to feel these movements.

What Does 11 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 11 weeks pregnant, you are approaching the end of the first trimester. Your baby is now around 4 cm long from head to bottom. The head is still large in proportion to the rest of the body, but the body continues to lengthen and develop.

The brain and nervous system continue to develop rapidly, while the face, arms, legs, hands and feet become increasingly defined. The major organ systems continue their growth and maturation throughout pregnancy.

One of the noticeable developmental changes around this stage is that the fingers and toes are becoming more clearly separated. Tiny nails begin to develop, while the external parts of the ears continue to take shape.

Your Baby’s Development at 11 Weeks

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby measures around 41 mm from head to bottom. The head remains relatively large compared with the body, but the torso is growing quickly and your baby’s overall shape is becoming increasingly recognisable.

The arms and legs continue to develop. The fingers and toes are becoming more clearly separated, while tiny nails are beginning to form. The external parts of the ears also continue to develop.

As the muscles and nervous system develop, your baby can make small movements inside the womb. These movements are still far too small for you to feel.

Did you know?
Although your baby is only about the size of a fig, the fingers and toes are becoming more distinct and tiny nails are beginning to develop.

How Are the Fingers and Toes Developing?

At 11 weeks, the hands and feet are becoming increasingly detailed. The fingers and toes are separating more clearly, giving the hands and feet a more defined appearance.

Development is taking place beneath the surface too. Bones, joints, muscles and the nervous system continue to develop together, allowing your baby to make small movements with the arms and legs.

These are not deliberate, controlled movements in the way an older baby moves. They reflect the continuing development of the nervous and muscular systems and will become increasingly coordinated as pregnancy progresses.

How Are the Nails and Ears Developing?

At 11 weeks, tiny nails are beginning to develop on your baby’s fingers and toes. As the digits become more clearly separated, the fine details of the hands and feet continue to emerge.

The external parts of the ears also continue to develop. Together with the ongoing development of the eyes, nose and mouth, these changes help the face become increasingly recognisable.

These structures are still at an early stage. The nails, ears and facial features will continue to grow and mature throughout the rest of pregnancy.

Development is far from finished
Although many of your baby’s features are becoming easier to recognise at 11 weeks, development is still continuing rapidly. The organs, bones, muscles, nervous system and facial structures will keep growing and maturing throughout pregnancy.

Does Your Baby Move at 11 Weeks?

Yes. Your baby can make small movements at 11 weeks pregnant. Developing muscles, joints and the nervous system allow the arms, legs and body to move inside the womb.

Some of these movements may be visible during an ultrasound scan. However, your baby is still very small, so you should not expect to feel these movements yet. Feeling your baby move normally happens much later in pregnancy.

Seeing movement on an ultrasound is not the same as feeling it.
Your baby may appear surprisingly active during an ultrasound scan at 11 weeks, but the movements are still too small for you to feel.

What Is the Placenta Doing at 11 Weeks?

During early pregnancy, structures including the yolk sac help support the developing baby. As the first trimester progresses, the placenta takes on an increasingly important role in supplying your baby with oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products.

The placenta forms the vital connection between your circulation and your developing baby. It supports the transfer of oxygen and nutrients while helping waste products from your baby pass back into your circulation for removal.

The placenta also produces hormones that help support pregnancy. Your body is continuing to adapt to pregnancy during this period, so symptoms such as tiredness and emotional changes may still be noticeable.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Your womb continues to grow at 11 weeks, and you may begin to notice subtle changes around your waist or abdomen. Some people still have no visible pregnancy bump at this stage, while bloating can make the abdomen look or feel fuller.

Your circulation is also adapting to the demands of pregnancy. These physiological changes can contribute to symptoms such as feeling warmer than usual or experiencing occasional dizziness.

Morning sickness, tiredness, breast tenderness, indigestion, heartburn, sensitivity to smells, headaches and mood changes can all continue at 11 weeks. For some people, early pregnancy symptoms may gradually begin to ease as the end of the first trimester approaches.

Want to follow how your baby develops throughout pregnancy?
Explore our Baby Development in the Womb guide for an overview of how your baby grows and changes throughout pregnancy.

Next in Part 2
We’ll look at what may be visible on an ultrasound scan at 11 weeks, crown-rump length (CRL), first-trimester screening, nuchal translucency, common pregnancy symptoms and nutrition.

What Can You See on an Ultrasound at 11 Weeks?

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby can usually be seen clearly on an ultrasound scan. The head and body are easier to distinguish, the arms and legs are more defined and small movements may be visible. Cardiac activity can also usually be assessed.

Your baby’s crown-rump length (CRL) can be measured at this stage. CRL measures from the top of the baby’s head to the bottom of the torso and is commonly used in early pregnancy to help estimate gestational age.

In the UK, this stage of pregnancy also falls within the period when your dating scan may take place. In England, the NHS dating scan is generally offered between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

You may see your baby moving on the screen.
Seeing movement during an ultrasound scan does not mean you should be able to feel it yet. At 11 weeks, your baby is still far too small for these movements to be felt.

How Big Is Your Baby at 11 Weeks Pregnant?

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 41 mm from head to bottom. This is roughly comparable to the size of a fig.

This measurement is known as the crown-rump length, or CRL. It measures from the top of the head to the bottom of the torso rather than from head to toe, so the legs are not included.

Your baby’s measurement does not need to match an online average exactly. Small differences are expected, and an ultrasound measurement should be interpreted alongside your pregnancy dates and other clinical information.

First-Trimester Screening at 11 Weeks Pregnant

At around 11 weeks, you may be offered screening for certain chromosomal conditions as part of your antenatal care. The exact tests, timing and pathways can vary across the UK and also depend on how many weeks pregnant you are when screening takes place.

In England, the combined screening test can be offered to assess the chance of the baby having Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome. It uses information from an ultrasound scan together with a maternal blood test.

Screening is not the same as diagnosis. A screening result estimates the chance of a condition being present. It does not tell you for certain whether your baby has or does not have that condition.

Screening is your choice.
Your midwife or maternity team should explain which screening tests are available, what they can and cannot tell you, and what the possible results may mean. You can decide whether or not you want to have them.

What Is Nuchal Translucency?

Nuchal translucency (NT) is an ultrasound measurement of the fluid-filled space at the back of your baby’s neck. When performed at the appropriate stage of pregnancy, this measurement can form part of first-trimester screening.

For combined screening, the NT measurement is considered alongside other information, including results from the maternal blood test. The resulting calculation estimates the chance of certain chromosomal conditions rather than providing a diagnosis.

Timing matters because the measurement needs to be taken within the appropriate stage of pregnancy and when your baby is within the required size range. If screening takes place later, a different screening pathway may be offered.

Screening result does not mean diagnosis
A higher-chance screening result does not mean that your baby definitely has a chromosomal condition. Your maternity team can explain the available next steps and any further testing you may wish to consider.

11 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

First-trimester symptoms can still be noticeable at 11 weeks pregnant. Morning sickness, tiredness, sore or tender breasts, needing to urinate more often, changes in taste or smell, bloating and indigestion can all continue.

You may also experience headaches, dizziness or mood changes. Pregnancy affects your hormones, circulation and digestive system, so several symptoms can occur at the same time.

For some people, symptoms such as morning sickness and tiredness begin to become less noticeable as the end of the first trimester approaches. For others, they continue for several more weeks.

Is Dizziness Normal at 11 Weeks Pregnant?

Feeling light-headed or dizzy can occur during pregnancy as your body adapts to hormonal and circulatory changes. You may notice it particularly when standing up quickly.

Getting up slowly, eating regularly and drinking enough fluids may help. If you begin to feel faint, sit or lie down somewhere safe until the feeling passes.

Speak to your GP, midwife or maternity service if dizziness is severe, keeps happening or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Fainting together with vaginal bleeding or significant abdominal pain requires prompt medical assessment.

Do not ignore severe dizziness or fainting.
Occasional mild light-headedness can occur during pregnancy, but severe dizziness or fainting alongside bleeding or significant abdominal pain should be medically assessed.

Nutrition and Folic Acid at 11 Weeks Pregnant

A varied, balanced diet remains important as you approach the end of the first trimester. If morning sickness or indigestion makes larger meals difficult, smaller meals spread throughout the day may be easier to manage.

In the UK, most pregnant women are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day until the end of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some people are advised to take a higher dose because of particular medical conditions, medicines or other risk factors. A higher dose should be taken when recommended by a healthcare professional.

Continue to follow pregnancy food-safety guidance. Certain foods should be avoided or prepared carefully during pregnancy because they can increase the risk of infections or exposure to substances that may harm your baby.

Antenatal Care at 11 Weeks Pregnant

By 11 weeks, you should usually have contacted your maternity service and your antenatal care should be under way. Your booking appointment covers areas such as your health, previous pregnancies, medicines, family history and factors that could affect your pregnancy.

Your dating scan may also be approaching or may already have been arranged. In England, it is generally offered between 10 and 14 weeks and can help estimate how many weeks pregnant you are and your estimated due date.

This is also an important time to understand the screening choices available to you. Your midwife or maternity team can explain what each test looks for, when it can be performed and what different results could mean.

Next in Part 3
We’ll cover what can be normal at 11 weeks pregnant, when to seek medical advice, common myths, your week 11 checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Is Considered Normal at 11 Weeks Pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms can vary considerably from person to person at 11 weeks. Morning sickness, tiredness and breast tenderness may still be noticeable, while for some people these symptoms begin to ease as the end of the first trimester approaches.

Mild abdominal or pelvic discomfort, bloating and indigestion can occur as your body adapts to pregnancy. Your baby is already making small movements inside the womb, but it is still too early for you to feel them.

Remember
Your baby may be moving at 11 weeks even though you cannot feel these movements yet. The presence or intensity of pregnancy symptoms is also not a reliable way to assess how your baby is developing.

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 11 Weeks?

As you approach the end of the first trimester, continue with healthy pregnancy habits and keep up with your antenatal appointments. This is also an important period for your dating scan and any screening options you choose to have.

• Continue taking folic acid as recommended.
• Aim for a varied, balanced diet.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Try smaller, more frequent meals if morning sickness or indigestion is troublesome.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to your healthcare professional.
• Check with a GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbal remedies.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety advice.
• Stay physically active if you feel well and have not been advised otherwise.
• Keep track of upcoming antenatal appointments, scans and screening choices.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Some mild discomfort or spotting can occur in early pregnancy, but bleeding or pain may sometimes require medical assessment. Seek advice if symptoms are severe, getting worse or accompanied by other concerning signs.

Contact your GP, midwife, maternity service or NHS 111 as appropriate if you experience:

• heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding;
• severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain;
• significant pain low down on one side of your abdomen;
• shoulder-tip pain;
• fainting, severe dizziness or marked weakness;
• a high temperature;
• unusual or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge;
• vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down;
• very dark urine or passing much less urine than usual.

Seek urgent medical help when needed
Severe one-sided lower abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, severe dizziness or fainting requires urgent medical assessment. These symptoms can occur with an ectopic pregnancy.

Is It Normal for Pregnancy Symptoms to Ease at 11 Weeks?

Yes. Some early pregnancy symptoms can begin to change or become less noticeable as you approach the end of the first trimester. Morning sickness may be less intense on some days, for example, while tiredness or breast tenderness may also fluctuate.

A reduction in symptoms on its own does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Pregnancy experiences vary considerably, and symptoms can change from one day to the next.

However, seek medical advice if you are concerned, particularly if a change in symptoms occurs alongside heavy bleeding, significant abdominal pain, fainting or other worrying symptoms.

Common Myths About 11 Weeks Pregnant

Your Week 11 Checklist

• Continue taking folic acid as recommended.
• Check that your medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
• Follow a varied, balanced diet and pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Keep your antenatal appointments.
• Check when your dating scan is scheduled.
• Understand the screening options offered to you.
• Know the difference between screening and diagnostic testing.
• Know which symptoms require medical advice.

Key Takeaway

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 41 mm from head to bottom. The fingers and toes are becoming more clearly separated, tiny nails are beginning to develop and the ears continue to take shape. Your baby can make small movements, although you cannot feel them yet. This is also an important stage for your dating scan and first-trimester screening choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is your baby at 11 weeks pregnant?

At 11 weeks, your baby is around 41 mm from head to bottom, measured as crown-rump length (CRL). This is roughly the size of a fig. Individual measurements can vary.

Can you see a heartbeat at 11 weeks pregnant?

Cardiac activity can usually be seen on an ultrasound scan at 11 weeks. Ultrasound findings are interpreted alongside your baby’s measurements, gestational age and other clinical information.

Does your baby move at 11 weeks?

Yes. Your baby can make small movements at 11 weeks, and some of these may be visible during an ultrasound scan.

Can you feel your baby move at 11 weeks?

No. Although your baby is moving, it is still too early to feel these movements. Feeling your baby move normally happens later in pregnancy.

Should you have a bump at 11 weeks pregnant?

Not necessarily. Some people notice subtle changes around their waist, while others have no obvious pregnancy bump yet. Bloating can also make your abdomen appear or feel fuller.

Is it normal for morning sickness to ease at 11 weeks?

Yes. Morning sickness and other early pregnancy symptoms can begin to ease as the end of the first trimester approaches, although they may continue for several more weeks.

How many months is 11 weeks pregnant?

Eleven weeks pregnant is often described as being about two and a half months pregnant. Healthcare professionals usually use weeks rather than months because this gives a more precise way to track pregnancy.

Can nuchal translucency be measured at 11 weeks?

It may be possible when your pregnancy and your baby’s measurements are within the appropriate range. Nuchal translucency can form part of first-trimester screening and does not provide a diagnosis on its own.

Can you tell your baby’s sex at 11 weeks?

Your baby’s biological sex was determined at conception, but 11 weeks is generally too early to determine it reliably from an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound assessment becomes more reliable later in pregnancy.

What happens at 12 weeks pregnant?

Your baby continues to grow rapidly as you approach the end of the first trimester. Body structures become increasingly defined, while ultrasound and screening may also be an important part of antenatal care around this stage.

Related Guides

• 9 Weeks Pregnant
• 10 Weeks Pregnant
• Pregnancy Week Calculator
• Due Date Calculator
• Baby Development in the Womb

References

• NHS – 11 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Screening Tests in Pregnancy
• NHS – Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vomiting and Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vitamins, Supplements and Nutrition in Pregnancy
• NHS – Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• NHS – Your Antenatal Appointments
• RCOG – Bleeding and Pain in Early Pregnancy
• RCOG – Ectopic Pregnancy
• NICE – Antenatal Care

Medical information: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your GP, midwife or maternity service if you have concerns about your pregnancy or symptoms.