11 weeks pregnant
At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a fig: around 4.1 cm crown to rump and 7 g. Hair follicles and nail beds are developing.
Your baby at 11 weeks
Hair follicles and nail beds are developing.
| Size | About the size of a fig |
|---|---|
| Length | 4.1 cm crown to rump |
| Weight | 7 g |
Your baby's head is still about half of its total length, but the body is starting to catch up. Hair follicles, nail beds and tooth buds are developing, and the diaphragm, the muscle used for breathing, has formed. Your baby may get hiccups already, though you won't feel them. Hands can now come up to the face.
How far along are you at 11 weeks?
At 11 weeks pregnant you are in the third month of your pregnancy and the first trimester. You have about 29 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 11 weeks your baby has been growing for about 9 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 11 weeks
Energy often starts to return by the end of this stretch. Your dating scan and first screening tests usually happen now.
Common symptoms at 11 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Nausea easing. Many women notice the first good days this week.
- Growing appetite. As sickness fades, hunger often returns with a vengeance.
- Heartburn. Progesterone relaxes the valve at the top of your stomach.
- Faster-growing hair and nails. Many women love this pregnancy side effect.
- Leg cramps. They can start this early for some women, especially at night.
- Tiredness. Your energy should start to return over the next few weeks.
Your checklist for week 11
- Have your dating scan if it is booked, which can be from 11 weeks. It checks your baby's heartbeat, confirms how many babies you are carrying, and measures your baby to give an accurate due date.
- If you've chosen combined screening, it is done between 11 weeks 2 days and 14 weeks 1 day, alongside the dating scan.
- Ask whether you need a full bladder for the scan. Some clinics ask you to drink water beforehand.
- Bring your partner or a family member if you'd like support.
- Write down your questions before you go in.
Tip of the week: Getting the most from your scan
The sonographer will measure your baby from head to bottom (crown to rump length) to date your pregnancy. If your baby is curled up or facing the wrong way, you may be asked to walk around or cough. Ask for a printed photo if you'd like one; many hospitals charge a small fee. See our guide to pregnancy scans.
For your partner
The first scan is a big moment. Be there.
- Book leave for the scan
- Write down questions for the doctor
- Start a simple baby budget together
When to call your doctor at 11 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Any bleeding, or tummy pain that doesn't settle.
- Severe, persistent vomiting.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes.
Questions about 11 weeks pregnant
What is the nuchal translucency scan?
It measures the fluid under the skin at the back of your baby's neck. Combined with your age and a blood test, it estimates the chance that your baby has Down's, Edwards' or Patau's syndrome. It doesn't give a yes-or-no answer; it tells you whether the chance is lower or higher.
Will my due date change after the dating scan?
It might. Scan measurements in the first trimester are more accurate than dates worked out from your last period, so if they differ, your due date will usually be updated to match the scan.
Is heartburn at 11 weeks normal?
Yes. The hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between your stomach and food pipe. Smaller meals, less fried and very spicy food, and not lying down straight after eating help. Ask a pharmacist about antacids that are safe in pregnancy.