Essential Tips And Insights At Your 11 Weeks Of Pregnancy

You’re now 11 weeks pregnant, nearing the finish line of your first trimester! Whether this is your first adventure into motherhood or you’re adding to your growing family, each week is filled with new experiences, questions, and changes. Maybe you’re excitedly counting down to your 12-week scan, or perhaps you’re just trying to navigate the waves of nausea and exhaustion. Trust me, whatever you’re feeling, you are definitely not alone in this journey.

Right now, your baby is growing rapidly, and your body is working overtime to nourish this little miracle. From the sometimes perplexing early pregnancy symptoms to what your expanding belly might look like, plus what’s brewing at your ultrasound, we’re here to hold your hand every step of the way. With insights from Emiliana Hall, founder of The Mindful Birth Group®, you’ll feel well-prepared and informed as you continue on this exciting path.

At 11 weeks pregnant, you’re just shy of 3 months into this journey—about 2 months and 3 weeks to be precise. The second trimester is on the horizon, and many moms-to-be find that some of those pesky first-trimester symptoms begin to ease up around now.

Baby development at 11 weeks pregnant

Baby’s size and appearance

At this point, your baby measures about 41mm from head to bottom—roughly the size of a fig! While the head might seem a bit oversized compared to the body, that little body is on a major growth spurt to catch up. The fingers and toes are distinct now, and tiny fingernails are forming. Even those miniature ears are coming in, giving your baby an increasingly human-like appearance.

Baby’s movements

Your baby is becoming quite the mover, kicking and wriggling away inside your womb! However, don’t worry if you can’t feel those movements just yet; that will come in a few weeks, and the excitement of feeling those tiny kicks will be worth the wait.

Placenta development

The placenta is going through rapid growth and will be fully formed by week 12. It’s taking charge of supplying nutrients to your baby, but remember that it will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy. Lesley Bland, a registered midwife and consultant for My Expert Midwife, explains, “the placenta plays a crucial role, acting like a lifeline between you and your baby.”

Facial features

Your baby’s little face is coming together as facial bones are forming. While their eyelids are still tightly shut and will be for a while longer, the ear buds on either side of their head are developing and starting to resemble actual ears. It’s a wonderful moment, knowing your baby is growing more and more human.

Body growth

The baby’s head continues to make up about one-third of their length, but the rest of the body is straightening out and developing rapidly. The fingers and toes are now well-defined, no longer webbed—a clear sign of how much they’re growing each week!

11 weeks pregnant symptoms

As you reach the 11-week mark, many women notice a spectrum of symptoms driven by hormonal changes as your body adjusts to this exciting new chapter. Here are some common experiences you might encounter at this stage, as highlighted by Emiliana.

• Nausea and vomiting: Commonly referred to as morning sickness, it can pop up at any time of day. While it generally starts to improve as the first trimester wraps up, some women might still experience nausea throughout their pregnancy, as Lesley notes.

• Breast changes: You might notice your breasts feeling sensitive, swollen, or heavier, which is entirely normal as your hormones prepare your body for breastfeeding.
• Increased vaginal discharge: A normal part of pregnancy, a thin, milky white discharge (leukorrhea) helps protect against infections and should not be a cause for concern.
• Heartburn and indigestion: Thanks to the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve between your stomach and esophagus, you may find yourself experiencing some acid reflux.
• Constipation: Hormonal changes can slow down your digestive system, and constipation can sneak up on you as a result.
• Visible veins: Increased blood flow during this time might make the veins on your breasts and abdomen more noticeable, which is entirely normal as your body adapts.

Your body at 11 weeks pregnant

Hopefully, that morning sickness is starting to mellow out, allowing you to enjoy some of your favorite foods again. Still, remember the saying “eating for two” doesn’t mean indulging in everything in sight. It’s all about balancing those cravings with wholesome, nutritious meals to fuel your growing baby. Lesley advises, “During the first trimester, you don’t actually need any additional calories, so focus on what you eat, rather than how much.”

As you step into your 11th week of pregnancy, it’s likely that you’re starting to feel the subtle shifts in your body. Even if you haven’t yet burst into a noticeable baby bump, you may find that your favorite jeans feel a little less forgiving around the waist. This is completely normal—many women experience bloating and a bit of indigestion during this exciting yet sometimes discomforting phase, largely due to the surge of pregnancy hormones.

As you transition into the second trimester, one of the key nutritional recommendations is to start increasing your caloric intake slightly—about 200 to 250 extra calories per day. Think of it this way: that’s roughly equivalent to a couple of slices of wholemeal toast slathered with your favorite spread. It’s a small adjustment, but it’s vital for both your health and that of your growing baby.

If this is your first pregnancy, you might not be visibly “showing” just yet. The experience of watching your body transform is different for everyone, and there’s no need to compare yourself to others. What you likely will notice, however, is that your uterus is steadily growing and may soon rise above your pubic bone. Many women in this stage feel some bloating or snugness in their clothes, which can be an early indication that your body is adapting to nurture new life.

Looking After Yourself at 11 Weeks Pregnant

1. Physical Changes and Symptoms

As your baby grows, don’t be surprised if you still experience familiar symptoms like nausea and fatigue. For some, these feelings can be intense, though, thankfully, many find relief as they approach the end of this trimester. Staying hydrated and focusing on a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential. Consider nibbling on small, frequent meals to ward off that nauseous feeling. It’s about finding what helps you feel your best during this whirlwind of change.

2. Mindful and Emotional Well-Being

It’s crucial to remember that pregnancy is about much more than physical changes; it’s a whole emotional journey as well. The demands of daily life can seem overwhelming, but it’s okay to carve out time just for you. Think about ways to minimize stress; even small breaks can make a big difference. Exploring mindfulness techniques or meditation could help you connect with your body and reduce anxiety.

Joining a supportive community, whether in-person or online, can be a game changer. Spaces like PregnaHub® offer relaxation sessions, pregnancy Pilates, yoga, and a moderated community—all designed to help you connect and share experiences with fellow parents-to-be.

3. Antenatal Education

Now is a great time to start exploring antenatal education options. Even if it feels far away, delving into topics like birthing choices or postpartum care can provide significant comfort. Acquiring knowledge is empowering—it will help you feel more confident as you approach the upcoming months.

4. Partner Involvement

If you have a partner or a close support person, keep the lines of communication open about expectations, concerns, and excitement. Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a friend, discussing your journey together can really strengthen your bond. Attending antenatal classes as a team can also deepen your connection and help you both prepare for the adventures ahead.

5. Looking Forward

Every pregnancy journey is unique, and it’s essential to embrace the changes ahead while allowing yourself to seek help whenever needed. There will be ups and downs, but you are not alone on this path. Lean on your community and resources available to you, and remember: it’s perfectly okay to ask for support as you move forward.

Other Things to Consider at 11 Weeks Pregnant

While there’s so much to celebrate during this time, stay attuned to your body and emotional well-being. Each week brings new opportunities for growth, both for you and your baby. Continue to honor your own needs, and take this time to bond with your little one, even before they make their grand entrance into the world. Every step you take is a step toward a beautiful new chapter in your life.Your ultrasound

As you approach the end of your first trimester at 11 weeks pregnant, it’s normal to be filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Many expectant parents eagerly anticipate their first NHS scan, scheduled typically between 10 and 14 weeks—but often it lands around the 12-week mark. This pivotal moment can feel both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

During this scan, there’s a lot happening under that little heartbeat. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Fetal Development: At this stage, your baby is about the size of a fig, growing to roughly 1.6 inches long. You’ll be able to see clearer outlines of their head, body, arms, and legs, with tiny fingers and toes beginning to take shape.
• Heartbeat: According to Lesley, a respected midwife, your baby’s heart is beating between 140-175 beats per minute at this age. As the weeks go by, that rate will gradually slow down, landing in the range of 110-160 beats per minute by the time you’re nearing full term (after 37 weeks).
• Movement: While your baby is beginning to make small movements, you probably won’t feel them just yet. It won’t be long, though, before you start experiencing those kicks!