At eleven weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your first trimester! The morning sickness and tiredness should subside soon, and you will be rewarded with your first ultrasound if you haven’t already had one.
Here, you will see your baby’s development as their limbs grow longer and their facial features take shape. You can also hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time, an exciting moment for all parents!
But what else is happening in your body? What should you be doing to maintain your health? We have all of this and more coming up in our article below! Keep reading to learn about baby development at eleven weeks pregnant and what foods you should eat or avoid!
What Is Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect Pregnancy At 11 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- The baby is now roughly the size of a lime
- The baby will have defined facial features, fingernails, toenails, and long, thin limbs
- The baby’s sex can be determined this week through a blood test if you wish to have one
- The pregnancy hormone progesterone is increasing in your body, causing mood swings
- The start of a baby bump might be seen
- The first ultrasound might take place this week, confirming a healthy pregnancy
- The growing baby has a heartbeat that can be detected, but you won’t feel any of their movements yet
What Does It Mean To Be 11 Weeks Pregnant?
At eleven weeks pregnant, you are nearly three months pregnant. Your baby is growing and is now the size of a fig. Your muscles and ligaments stretch as your body grows, which can cause pain around your stomach. Speak to your doctor if this is quite painful.
At eleven weeks pregnant, you might have some blood tests to ensure your baby’s health and development, along with your health, is where it should be. Your symptoms can vary at eleven weeks pregnant, with some women still suffering from morning sickness and others finding their mood swings are easing.
Can You Detect Pregnancy At 11 Weeks?
Yes, pregnancy can be detected at eleven weeks! By now, you will have not had a period for nearly three months; it is time to take a pregnancy test if you have not already! An at-home pregnancy test can be used to confirm your pregnancy. To confirm a pregnancy, these measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine. hCG, known as the pregnancy hormone, increases drastically in your body during the first ten weeks of pregnancy. At eleven weeks, the elevated hormone levels tend to drop off slightly, but there is still enough to confirm a pregnancy!
A blood test performed by your healthcare provider can also confirm your pregnancy. This also measures the hCG levels in your blood to confirm a pregnancy. At this stage, you might also be referred for an ultrasound. Here, the sonographer will confirm there is a baby to be cooking and provide you with a rough due date based on the size and weight of your baby!
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you should get an ultrasound at eleven weeks pregnant. Most women will have their first ultrasound towards the end of their first trimester, including week eleven! Speak to your doctor if you have not yet had a date for your first ultrasound.
The first ultrasound is an exciting one! You will see your baby, and now it looks like a baby! There will be long, thin limbs, a well-formed face, toenails and fingernails, and tooth buds! Your baby’s eyelids and lenses are formed but will stay shut until around 28 weeks.
You will notice on an ultrasound that your baby’s head is larger than the rest of their body. This is normal; as the weeks progress, a growth spurt will even this out! Your baby is moving at eleven weeks, too, so you might see them move on the screen!
They are still incredibly small, measuring 41mm long from crown to rump. You will likely see the gestational sac and yolk sac during the ultrasound, too.
At the first ultrasound, your sonographer will date the pregnancy based on your baby’s growth to provide a rough due date. During the scan, they will also perform a nuchal translucency test (NT). This measures the fluid at the back of your baby’s neck and is part of a screening process for Down’s Syndrome. This test is usually performed between ten to fourteen weeks of a pregnancy during an ultrasound.
Are There Any Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
At week eleven, if you have not had your first prenatal appointment, you can expect lots of tests! Your doctor usually performs a blood test to check your blood group, test for anemia, and sexually transmitted diseases. You will also have a blood pressure test and your urine tested to check for your protein levels and signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Between ten and fourteen weeks pregnant, you can also have your baby screened for Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome, and other genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis. These tests can often reveal your baby’s sex, so let your doctor know if you want to keep this a surprise!
Genetic testing is optional, but your doctor might recommend it depending on your family’s medical history.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can detect a heartbeat at 11 weeks pregnant. An ultrasound will detect a heartbeat, and you can hear your baby’s heart beating for the first time!
The heart will beat fast, with a heart rate of 140 to 170 beats per minute. While it is fast at this point, it will slow down as your pregnancy progresses. Your sonographer will tell you your baby’s heart rate and if there is anything you need to be aware of.
What Are The Common Symptoms At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms at week 11 include aches and pains around your bump, nausea, and mood swings. These aches and pains result from your muscles and ligaments stretching; you should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about this or if the pain becomes severe.
Other common symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, and sore or tender breasts. The severity and frequency of these symptoms vary from woman to woman and can change daily.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will reach their peak at 11 weeks pregnant. Once they hit their peak, they will decline and level off.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at 11 weeks pregnant. You might notice pain across your abdomen that is attributed to your muscles and ligaments stretching as your belly grows.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness can still happen at 11 weeks pregnant. For many women, it improves this week and as they enter the second trimester.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender at 11 weeks pregnant. They might also feel sore, heavy, or as if they are full.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen at any point of your pregnancy, including week 11. You might also notice aversions to certain foods that make you nauseous.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
You can pass urine more frequently at 11 weeks pregnant. Some women do not experience it for another few weeks, with the urge to urinate more frequently worsening throughout pregnancy.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common at 11 weeks pregnant. You can feel tired or exhausted for the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Will I Feel Bloated At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Bloating is common at 11 weeks pregnant. Your stomach might feel hard, and your clothes might feel tighter across your stomach.
Will I Get A Headache At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common in your first trimester, including at 11 weeks pregnant. Women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy tend to suffer from headaches more during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common at 11 weeks pregnant. It can occur at any time of day and is attributed to the hormone changes in your body.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell can happen at 11 weeks pregnant. You might find that certain smells repulse you now to the point of nausea that did not before.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath typically does not happen until later in your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath at 11 weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea is normal during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Diarrhea might not be related to your pregnancy and could be a stomach bug, allergies, or food poisoning.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge is normal at 11 weeks pregnant. White, milky discharge is common at this stage. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned or if there is blood in your discharge.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can occur at 11 weeks pregnant. You might notice this with pains across your stomach as your muscles and ligaments stretch. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings are common at 11 weeks pregnant. The changing hormone levels can make you more irritable or tearful than usual.
Is Spotting Normal At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting is normal at 11 weeks pregnant. Light spotting is normal but speak to your doctor about this. Contact your doctor if the spotting lasts longer than twenty-four hours, the bleeding becomes heavy, or you are concerned about the bleeding.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 11 Weeks Pregnant?
- Dizziness
- Food aversions
- Drink aversions
- Darkened skin or brown patches on your face
- Spotty and oilier skin
- Shinier and thicker hair
How Big Is A Baby At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is about the size of a fight at 11 weeks. Your baby’s body is growing and measures 41mm from head to bottom. The head remains bigger than the body, but the body is catching up!
The fingers and toes are now separating and look less webbed. There are even fingernails now! Miniature ears are forming, and your baby is slowly starting to look like a baby.
Can You Feel The Baby At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
While your baby will be kicking and moving a lot this week, you will unlikely feel any of this. It will be several weeks before you start feeling your baby’s movements.
You might feel cramping or pain across your stomach, but this is likely to do with your stomach growing rather than your baby moving.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of A Miscarriage At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
The common symptoms of miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant include heavy bleeding and abdominal cramping. You might also notice tissue or fluid coming from your vagina.
The bleeding can start light and might be light red or brown, but will quickly become heavy. The abdominal cramps can feel like bad period pains, with some women confusing a miscarriage during the early weeks of pregnancy for a period.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you suspect you are having a miscarriage.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant are around 1.7%. According to the National Childbirth Trust, the chances of a miscarriage fall at 11 weeks and again at 12 weeks.
These figures are based on your average chance; other factors can impact your risk of a miscarriage. These include your age, medical history, and if you have had complications previously.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
You should take several precautions to maintain your health while pregnant; we have outlined them below for you to check out now.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should take prenatal vitamins to maintain your health and to help your baby develop. Folic acid should be taken daily in the first trimester of pregnancy, including week eleven. A multivitamin containing calcium and iron can also be taken.
Check the dosage of each vitamin to ensure that you are getting the recommended daily dose for this stage of your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you need further guidance or support with this.
Stop Smoking
You should stop smoking as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Smoking while pregnant can cause tissue damage to your baby’s brain and lungs, cause early labour, and increase your baby’s risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
Eat A Balanced Diet
To maintain your health during pregnancy, eat a healthy and balanced diet. You want to fuel your body the right way, providing you and your baby with the nutrients you need to thrive. A diet of lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is best.
Your doctor or dietician can support you here if needed.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty during your pregnancy will also help maintain your health. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has shown that staying hydrated through pregnancy helps to form the amniotic fluid around the foetus and helps nutrients circulate in the body. It also helps to aid digestion.
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve cups throughout your pregnancy.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
At 11 weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided:
- Raw sprouts
- Fish with a high mercury level
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Deli and processed meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Organ meat
- Unwashed fruit or vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy
- Soft cheeses
- Raw juices
- Processed foods
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid drinking any alcohol during your pregnancy. You should also limit your caffeine intake. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends consuming less than 200 milligrams a day of caffeine.
You should also avoid raw juices that are freshly squeezed.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements labelled unsuitable for a pregnant woman to consume. The label on your supplements will tell you whether they are safe to consume while pregnant. You should also avoid any supplements that your doctor has not approved of.
Let your doctor know what supplements you usually take, and do not continue to take them unless they say it is okay.
Can I Exercise While 11 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise while 11 weeks pregnant, but there are some exercises you should avoid. You should not participate in contact sports, exercises where you could fall, excessive bouncing, or any activities 2,500m above sea level.
You can continue with other exercises as normal, but as you will likely feel tired, you might find them harder than usual. Do not force yourself, it is better to complete a shorter workout than to burn yourself out. You can also opt for some gentler exercises, like walks or yoga. When attending fitness classes, let the instructor know you are pregnant so they can tailor the workout to you where needed.
Is It Safe To Travel When 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is considered safe to travel when you are 11 weeks pregnant, but there are some factors you need to consider. Speak to your doctor if you have high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis before flying. You should also check when travelling to another country if there are any vaccinations you need to have or if there are any advisories for pregnant women,
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided during your eleventh week of pregnancy.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to have sex when eleven weeks pregnant. Remember that unprotected sex leaves you vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, so use contraception where needed.
How Should I Sleep At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
At eleven weeks pregnant, you should sleep as normal. You might sleep more than usual or tire more during the day, but this is normal.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Any comfortable position is considered safe for sleeping at eleven weeks pregnant. We do recommend that you start practising side sleeping here. Side sleeping is the safest position as your pregnancy progresses, so it is worth getting in the habit of sleeping on your side now.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 11 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last period. This will have been almost three months ago now. You can use cycle tracking apps to find the date of your last period if you regularly use them.
Due dates are often based on the date of your last period and an average pregnancy lasting 40 weeks. To calculate your due date, take the first day of your last period and count forward 40 weeks or 280 days. This will give you an estimated due date to work with.
You can also get a due date from your doctor. They will use your ultrasound to measure the baby and offer a due date based on their progress. A due date from your doctor is often given if you can’t remember the date of your last period or if you have an irregular cycle.
Due dates are not entirely accurate, with many women giving birth before or after their due date. It is best to use them as a guide rather than a guaranteed date your baby will arrive.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 11 Weeks Pregnant?
At eleven weeks pregnant, your body is starting to bulge, with your ligaments and muscles stretching. This can be painful for some women! You can also expect your pregnancy hormones to level off, which can see the mood swings come to an end! You might notice the start of a baby bump forming, while others might still experience bloating.
Heartburn can start to wreak havoc on your days. Eating calcium rich foods can help a little here, as can smaller meals throughout the day and an antacid prescribed by your doctor. You can expect to feel tired, especially when your body switches from using the yolk sac to feed the baby to the placenta. You might also notice oilier and spottier skin and that you sweat more than usual. This is all normal and can be the signs of a healthy pregnancy!
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is busy at this stage! Not only is it starting to grow a pregnant belly, but it is now pumping 50% more blood than usual. The extra blood feeds your womb but can leave you feeling sweaty, hot, and dizzy. Make sure you rest when you feel this!
Your body also switches from using the yolk sac to feed your baby to the placenta. The hormones involved in the switchover can leave you feeling emotional and tired, so allow your body to rest.
Your body is also starting to stretch, with muscles and ligaments stretching to make way for a growing baby and womb. This can be painful, but severe pains should be reported to your doctor immediately.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Below are some tips to help you prepare for the rest of your pregnancy or an upcoming pregnancy.
Book A Prenatal Appointment
By now, you should have had or had an appointment booked with your doctor. Book one immediately if you have not already. Your first prenatal appointment is essential and, ideally, should happen towards the end of your first trimester.
Here, you will get the information you need from your doctor, have a blood test, and possibly an ultrasound to confirm and date your pregnancy. The ultrasound might also happen at a separate appointment with a sonographer, depending on how your doctor’s surgery operates.
You should also book an appointment with your doctor if you are trying to conceive to get additional support from them and, if needed, have any tests performed.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You might also need to make some lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, drinking alcohol, and stopping any illegal drugs you take. You can get help for all of this from your doctor if needed.
You should also speak to them about any current medication you take to ensure it is safe while pregnant or trying to conceive.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
To prepare for pregnancy, you should also maintain a healthy weight. Research by the CDC found that people who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, including type two diabetes, heart disease, and cancer (mainly breast, colon, and endometrial).
Underweight people also risk severe health problems, so you must reach and maintain a healthy weight. This should be done by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Speak to your doctor to find out your healthy weight and how to sustainably work towards it.
Create A Support Network
Pregnancy can be scary and lonely for some women, so make sure you have people who can support you. Your friends, family, and partner are a good place to start, but you can also look further afield.
There are lots of social media groups and apps you can use to help you find other expecting or new mothers in your area. It is good to have others around you going through the same experiences, to offer support and guidance, reassurance, or even somewhere to vent your worries or concerns.
Final Thoughts On Week 11 Pregnancy
Week eleven of your pregnancy is an exciting one! You are almost at the end of your first trimester and a third of the way through your pregnancy! Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, you will likely feel tired, nauseous, and ready to see your baby on an ultrasound! Not only will you see a little fig-sized baby, but you will also hear their heartbeat!
We hope you have learned everything you need about your eleventh week of pregnancy! Don’t forget to check in next week and every other week as you head into your second and third trimester of pregnancy!