11 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and What to Do

Your baby this week

Fingers and toes have separated, and tiny nails are starting to grow. Your baby kicks and stretches, but is still far too small for you to feel it.

Week 11 opens the window for first-trimester screening, which runs to 13 weeks 6 days. The ultrasound measures crown-rump length and the fluid at the back of the neck (nuchal translucency), and checks early anatomy. Combined screening adds a blood test, and together they produce a risk estimate. A higher-risk result isn't a diagnosis: it means you'll be offered more testing, and a genetic counselor can help you decide. Your baby's head is still about half the body length, but the body is catching up fast. The diaphragm has formed, and your baby makes tiny hiccup-like movements you can't feel yet. If nausea is easing, it's a good moment to build regular, balanced meals back into your day.

By the numbers

Week 11 covers days 77 to 83 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 28% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 203 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 0.4 oz (10 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 9 weeks old.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.

Your body

Heartburn and constipation are common because pregnancy hormones slow digestion. Plenty of fluids, fiber and a daily walk can help.

Tests and to-dos this week

If you're doing the first-trimester screen, this is the window for the nuchal translucency ultrasound. Ask your provider how and when you'll get the results.

• First-trimester labs · weeks 6–13 · test

  Blood type and Rh factor, antibody screen, blood count, and infection screening including syphilis (ACOG recommends syphilis testing at the first visit, in the third trimester and at delivery).

• First-trimester screening (blood test + NT ultrasound) · weeks 10–13 · test

  Optional genetic screening, usually done together between 10 and 13 weeks.

Coming up: Quad screen (optional) (from week 15). Full prenatal visit schedule

Tips for the first trimester

• Take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day; your provider may advise a higher dose if neural tube defects run in your family.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy.
• For nausea, try small, frequent meals and sipping fluids; call your provider if you can't keep anything down.
• Check every medicine and supplement you take with your provider or pharmacist before continuing.

Last week and next week

Last week (10): The embryo stage is wrapping up, so your baby is now called a fetus.

Next week (12): Your baby's organs and muscles are in place and now mainly need to grow and mature.

Frequently asked questions