11 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Eleven weeks pregnant and the fingers and toes are no longer webbed — your baby is becoming more distinctly human with every passing day. You're in the final stretch of the first trimester.
Baby at Week 11: Size of a fig
Baby's Development at 11 Weeks
The fingers and toes have separated and tiny fingernails and toenails are beginning to form. Baby can open and close their fists, and hiccupping may begin — a reflex that will continue throughout pregnancy. The head is still disproportionately large at about half the total body length, but the body is starting to catch up. External genitalia are developing, though it's still too early to tell on ultrasound. The irises of the eyes are forming.
Your Body at 11 Weeks Pregnant
Most people notice symptoms beginning to ease around weeks 11–12, though some have nausea well into the second trimester. The uterus is rising out of the pelvis and can sometimes be felt just above the pubic bone. Skin changes continue — darkening of the areolas and the appearance of the linea nigra (a dark line down the abdomen) are common. Increased vaginal discharge, which should be clear or white, is normal.
Tips for Week 11
- The first-trimester combined screening (blood test + nuchal translucency ultrasound) is done around weeks 11–14 — confirm your appointment.
- Start moisturising the belly, hips, and breasts to support skin elasticity as you grow.
- Think about whether you want to find out the sex at the 20-week scan or keep it a surprise.
- Begin researching maternity leave entitlements and when you need to notify your employer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do people usually announce pregnancy?
Most people wait until after the first-trimester scan, usually around 12–14 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage drops significantly. The 12-week scan gives many couples the reassurance they need to share the news. There's no right or wrong time — it's entirely your decision.
What is the nuchal translucency scan?
The nuchal translucency (NT) scan measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck. A larger measurement can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. It's done between weeks 11 and 14 and is usually combined with a blood test (the combined first-trimester screen) for the most accurate result.
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