Pregnancy Week 11

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing quickly. By the end of this week, they may measure around 4–5cm from head to bottom - still small enough to fit comfortably across your palm.

Your baby’s head is still large compared with the rest of the body, but the body is gradually catching up. Over the coming weeks, growth will become more focused on length, weight and maturing the organs and body systems already in place.

This week, tiny details are beginning to appear. Fingernails, toenails and hair follicles are starting to form. Your baby’s bones and muscles are also developing quickly, and their posture is becoming a little more upright.

Your baby is moving too, although you still will not feel it yet. The movements are too small and cushioned by the uterus and amniotic fluid. Later in pregnancy, those tiny movements will become the kicks, rolls and nudges you can actually feel.

The amniotic fluid around your baby is increasing and being refreshed regularly. It helps cushion your baby, gives them room to move, and supports their development.

At 11 weeks pregnant, your uterus is continuing to grow and is now around the size of a small grapefruit. You may still not have an obvious bump, but your lower abdomen might feel fuller or more bloated than usual.

For some people, nausea and food aversions begin to ease as the first trimester moves towards its end. For others, sickness is still very much hanging around. If food is difficult at the moment, try to focus on what you can manage rather than chasing a perfect pregnancy diet.

You might also notice changes in your skin. Moles, freckles, birthmarks, recent scars or areas of darker pigmentation may look more noticeable. Your nipples and areolas may darken too. These changes are linked to pregnancy hormones and are usually harmless, though it is still sensible to get any mole checked if it changes shape, bleeds, itches, becomes uneven, or worries you.

Your breasts may still feel tender, fuller or heavier. A comfortable, supportive bra can make a real difference now, even if you are not ready for maternity bras yet.

Week 11 can feel like you are edging closer to a new phase. Your scan may be coming up soon, and you might be starting to imagine what life will feel like once you have a little more information.

You might feel excited, relieved, impatient or nervous. If you have kept the pregnancy private so far, you may also be thinking about when to tell family, friends or work. That can feel lovely, daunting, or both.

If symptoms are easing, you might feel more human again, or you might worry because the symptoms that reassured you have changed. If symptoms are still strong, you might feel frustrated that everyone says the second trimester is coming but you are not there yet.

If your dating scan is coming up, start thinking about the practical details as well as the questions. You may want to check what screening tests are offered, whether you can bring someone with you, how you will receive results, and what happens afterwards.

Scan-week practicalities:

If you are starting to think about sharing the news, remember that there is no single correct moment. Some people wait until after the scan, some tell a few trusted people earlier, and some need support before they are ready for a wider announcement.