11 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & What to Expect

Dear Mom-to-be, kudos, you have made it to week 11 of your pregnancy, and you are now nearing a remarkable milestone, and you are moving towards the end of your first trimester. Your baby is no longer called an embryo; instead, it is now referred to as a foetus.

During the 11th week, you’ll observe noticeable changes for both you and your baby. Your baby started developing more defined facial features, tiny fingers, and toes, and is now growing rapidly. While you may not feel movement just yet, rest assured that your baby is becoming more active each day.

Are you curious to know how your baby looks now and what new changes are happening? In this blog, let’s explore the key developments, symptoms, and important insights for your 11th week of pregnancy!

Baby Development in the 11th Week of Pregnancy:

During this week, the embryo is referred to as a foetus, measuring 41mm (about 2 inches) from head to bottom—roughly the size of a fig. The weight is around 1/3 ounce (8 grams).

5 Key Developments in 11th Week of Pregnancy

• Facial Features: The face is broad, with widely spaced eyes, closed eyelids, and low-set ears that will shift into position as the pregnancy progresses.
• Limbs and Movement: Fingers and toes have completely separated, with tiny fingernails growing. The knees, elbows, and ankles are now functional, allowing small movements like opening and closing fists and mouth.
• Internal Development: The liver has started producing red blood cells, playing a crucial role in circulation.
• Bone Formation: The bones are beginning to stiffen, but the skin remains thin and translucent.
• Genital Development: By the end of this week, the outer genitals begin forming, but it’s too early to determine the sex.

Common Symptoms at 11 Weeks of Pregnancy:

At 11 weeks pregnant, your body continues to adapt to hormonal and physical changes, and you may experience a mix of early pregnancy symptoms along with new developments. Here are some common symptoms:

• Aches and pains around your bump
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Sore breasts
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Food cravings and aversions
• Heightened sense of smell
• White, milky vaginal discharge 
• Light spotting (consult your doctor if you notice bleeding)
• Cramping, similar to period pains
• Darkened skin or brown patches (chloasma or "mask of pregnancy")
• Oily, spot-prone skin
• Thicker, shinier hair
• Bloating

Common Body Changes During 11 Weeks Of Pregnancy:

Gaining weight throughout pregnancy is part of your healthy pregnancy. Most women should gain between 25 and 35 pounds (11.33 to 15.87 kg) during their pregnancy. However, whether you were underweight or overweight prior to conception, your healthcare professional may recommend a personalised weight gain plan to ensure a successful pregnancy for both you and your baby.

Recommended Weight Gain Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy

Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy, but it is not always healthy. Following recommended guidelines can help ensure a smooth and healthy journey for both you and your baby. Let's look at how much weight gain is ideal and why it matters.

Screening Tests in Early Pregnancy

Between the 11th and 13th weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may suggest a Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan. This non-invasive ultrasound scans the fluid behind the baby's neck to determine the risk of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities such Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
In addition to genetic screening, the NT scan provides an early glimpse at the baby's growing anatomy, allowing doctors to check for structural issues. While this test does not make a diagnosis, it helps determine whether the baby is at risk for any genetic disorders.

A first-trimester screening evaluates the risk of congenital conditions by integrating the NT scan with blood tests. This combination offers a more precise evaluation compared to the NT scan by itself, providing enhanced insights into the baby's health.

Warning Signs Of Your Pregnancy

It’s crucial to be aware of any unusual symptoms during pregnancy, as early recognition can help prevent potential complications. If you notice any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Unusual vaginal discharge or fluid leakage
• Severe lower abdominal pain or shoulder pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding heavier than spotting
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness

Conclusion:

As you enter the 11th week of pregnancy, you're approaching a significant milestone, the end of your first trimester. While you may not feel your baby’s movements just yet, remarkable growth is happening. Your little one is developing more defined features and becoming increasingly active.

Your symptoms may still be like previous weeks, but one noticeable change could be your weight gain as your body adapts to support your baby’s needs. Additionally, stay vigilant about any unusual symptoms. If you experience anything concerning, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for guidance. Every step you take now contributes to a healthier pregnancy and a thriving baby.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1) How Big Is An 11-Week Pregnant Foetus?

At 11 weeks, your baby is about 41mm long from head to bottom—roughly the size of a fig. The baby weighs around 8 grams and continues to grow rapidly, with more defined facial features, separated fingers and toes, and developing organs.

Q2) What Happens At 11 Weeks Pregnant?

At 11 weeks of pregnancy, your baby transitions from an embryo to a foetus and starts developing more defined features. The fingers and toes are fully separated, tiny fingernails begin to form, and the bones start hardening. Internally, the liver begins producing red blood cells, and the reproductive organs continue to develop, though it’s too early to determine the baby’s sex.