What's happening with your baby at 11 weeks
Your baby is now around 4 centimeters long, crown to rump, and weighs about 7 grams — roughly the size of a fig. The head still makes up close to half the body length, but the proportions are starting to even out week by week.
Fingers and toes have separated and tiny nail beds are forming. The outline of ears is visible on each side of the head, and tooth buds are developing under the gums.
Genitals are starting to develop, but they aren't distinguishable as male or female on ultrasound yet — that usually becomes clearer closer to 14 weeks. Your baby's heart is beating at around 120 to 160 beats per minute, and if you have a scan this week, that flicker is often the highlight.
What does 11 weeks pregnant feel like?
Many people are still deep in first-trimester symptoms at 11 weeks — nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts are all still common. Some notice these easing slightly as week 11 goes on, though for others the improvement doesn't come until week 13 or 14, and that's normal too.
Your uterus is now roughly the size of a grapefruit and may be starting to push gently on your bladder, which can mean more frequent trips to the bathroom. Bloating is also common — clothes can feel snug even though there's not yet a visible bump.
Mood swings, food aversions, and vivid dreams are all reported often at this stage. None of these are a sign anything is wrong; they're a reflection of the significant hormonal shifts still happening.
What tests are done at 11 weeks pregnant?
Weeks 11 to 14 is the window for first trimester screening, which usually combines a blood test with a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound measuring fluid at the back of the baby's neck. It's an optional screening test — not a diagnosis — that estimates the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.
If you're planning non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), it can typically be done from around 10 weeks and is often booked around this time too. Your provider can walk you through which combination of tests makes sense for your history and preferences.
None of these tests are required, and choosing not to have them is a completely reasonable decision. Talk to your midwife or doctor about what each test can and can't tell you before deciding.
What to do at 11 weeks pregnant
If you haven't already, book or confirm your dating scan and first trimester screening appointment — this window closes at 14 weeks, so it's worth getting on the calendar now. Keep taking your prenatal vitamin, including folic acid and iron.
Start thinking about maternity clothes or simply sizing up if your regular clothes feel tight; there's no need to wait for a visible bump. Staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals can help if nausea is still a factor.
This is also a reasonable week to start researching providers for ongoing care if you haven't settled on one, and to jot down questions for your next appointment.