At 11 weeks pregnant, you’re nearing the end of your first trimester, a period marked by exciting new changes.
While your baby is developing distinct physical features and essential organs, your body is also responding in new (and often bizzarre) ways.
This is a key time to be mindful of your nutrition and self-care as your baby reaches new milestones.
Here’s what you can expect for your baby’s development and changes in your own body at 11 weeks.
Your Baby at 11 Weeks of Pregnancy
You are now 11 weeks pregnant, and your baby is around 4.4 to 6 centimetres in length and weighs approximately 8 grams.
They are now about the size of a large lime.
With each week, your baby’s features are becoming more defined, and their organs are starting to function in increasingly complex ways.
Here’s the latest update for your baby’s growth and development at week 11:
- Growth: Your baby’s head is now roughly half their total length, a common characteristic at this stage as the brain grows rapidly. The neck has developed further, giving a more distinct separation between the head and body.
- Gender: External genitalia are beginning to take on features that distinguish male from female.
- Sex organs: If your baby is a girl, her ovaries are already fully formed. In boys, the testicles and scrotum are present, although clear differentiation into male or female will be complete by around week 14.
- Organ function: The liver, now responsible for producing red blood cells, accounts for around 10% of the baby’s total weight.
- Waste cycle: Your baby’s kidneys are also beginning to function, producing urine, which gradually contributes to the amniotic fluid. Waste products are transported through the placenta into your body’s circulation, where they are filtered out.
This week marks significant progress in the formation of vital systems that will continue to support your baby’s growth throughout pregnancy.
Your Body at 11 Weeks of Pregnancy
As your baby develops, your body is experiencing a range of changes in preparation for the months to come.
Your uterus has now grown to the size of a cantaloupe, but you’re still not showing a noticeable bump although you may be putting excess weight around your hips.
At 11 weeks pregnant, here’s what you may be experiencing during this stage of pregnancy:
- Breast size: Your breasts may also be enlarging in preparation for breastfeeding. You may need a larger bra.
- Blood volume: With your blood volume increasing, you may experience symptoms like a runny nose or bleeding gums due to greater blood flow to the mucous membranes. These symptoms often persist until after childbirth when blood volume levels return to normal.
- Pelvic aches: As your uterus expands, your pelvic bones are shifting to make room, which may cause mild aches or a sense of pelvic discomfort.
- Salivation: You might notice excessive saliva production, especially if you’re experiencing morning sickness.
- Acne: Some women may also develop pregnancy-related acne at this stage, so consult your doctor for safe skincare advice.
Pregnancy hormones affect different women in different ways. Some women enjoy thicker hair and stronger nails, while others may notice brittle nails, hair loss or dry skin.
If you experience these symptoms, you might be low in biotin.
Foods rich in biotin like eggs, oats, bananas, and milk, can help replenish this essential nutrient.
These changes can feel uncomfortable but are natural adjustments as your body creates a safe and nourishing environment for your baby.
Catching a Glimpse
At 11 weeks pregnant, your doctor may offer to give you an ultrasound. This is an exciting time for new mothers as it is the first time they’re seeing their baby.
However, it’s not just about giving you a glimpse of your little one.
An ultrasound can also detect multiple pregnancies, assess the health of your uterus and placenta, identify early signs of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and detect some birth defects.
While it’s still early to determine the baby’s gender, if the genitals are well-developed and positioned favourably, it may be possible to catch a glimpse.
‘Eating for Two‘
While it’s important to eat a balanced diet, remember that you don’t need to eat extra calories just yet. Not during your first trimester, at least.
Contrary to the saying ‘eating for two‘, it’s more about the quality of nutrients than the quantity of calories.
On the other hand, eating too little can also cause problems.
Some women may want to maintain their figure after childbirth so they ration out their diet.
Here’s an example of a meal that you can give you a rough idea (although your doctor would have probably briefed you on all of these during your first prenatal visit a few weeks ago):
- Complex Carbohydrates: 4–5 servings (e.g. ½ cup of brown rice)
- Fruits and Vegetables: 4–6 servings (e.g. one medium apple, ½ cup of broccoli)
- Protein: 4 servings (e.g. two whole eggs)
- Calcium-Rich Foods: 4 servings (e.g. one cup of low-fat yoghurt)
- High-Fat Items: 2 servings (e.g. two tablespoons of peanut butter)
As you can see, the amount of food is not drastically more than what you would normally have if you were not pregnant.
Slow But Steady
Week 11 is an exciting time as your baby’s organs begin to function independently and physical features become more distinct.
With the first trimester nearly behind you, each day brings you closer to the joy of meeting your baby.
Keep up the great work, and remember that all these changes are paving the way for a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby.
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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