GUIDE
Your baby is the size of a fig — and can now open and close its tiny fists.
The fetus is becoming increasingly active, with hands that can grasp and release, legs that kick, and a body that stretches and somersaults in the amniotic fluid. Tooth buds are growing beneath the gums, the bones of the face are fully formed, and the external genitals are beginning to differentiate into male or female anatomy. The nuchal translucency scan window opens this week.
Be prepared from day one
Your baby is about the size of a fig — roughly 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) from crown to rump and weighing about 7 grams. The fetus is increasingly active and capable.
The most charming development this week is the hands. The fingers are now fully formed and separated, and the fetus can open and close its fists — an early grasping reflex. If you could see inside the uterus, you might catch the baby reaching for and grabbing the umbilical cord, though these movements are entirely reflexive.
The bones of the face have formed, giving the fetus a more recognizable profile. The nasal passages are open, and the tongue and palate are in place. Tooth buds for all 20 baby teeth are now present beneath the gums. Hair follicles are beginning to form on the skin.
Internally, the genitals are differentiating. In a genetically male fetus, the testes are beginning to produce testosterone, which drives the development of male external genitalia. In a genetically female fetus, the ovaries are forming and will eventually contain all the eggs the person will ever have. Externally, however, male and female genitalia still look very similar at this stage.
The diaphragm is forming, and the fetus may begin making hiccupping movements as it practices the breathing motions it will need after birth. The intestines, which had partially protruded into the umbilical cord due to the small size of the abdominal cavity, are beginning to retract into the abdomen as the body grows large enough to accommodate them.
For a look at what happened last week, see our week 10 guide.
If you have been counting down the days until nausea improves, week 11 may bring the first glimmers of relief. hCG levels have peaked and are now plateauing, and the placenta is gradually taking over hormone production from the corpus luteum. This hormonal transition is what drives the symptom improvement that many people experience over the next few weeks.
With nausea potentially easing, you may notice your appetite returning — sometimes with a vengeance. After weeks of barely eating, the sudden hunger can feel surprising. This is your body catching up. Try to channel the returning appetite toward nutrient-dense foods, but do not be too rigid. Eating regularly and adequately is more important than eating perfectly.
You may notice changes in your hair and nails. Rising estrogen levels reduce the normal rate of hair shedding, so your hair may appear thicker and more lustrous. Nails may grow faster, though some people find they become brittle. These changes are cosmetic and temporary. You might also notice the beginnings of stretch marks as your skin starts accommodating your growing uterus.
Your uterus is now about the size of a large grapefruit and is beginning to rise out of the pelvis. You may start to notice a very subtle lower belly roundness, though most people are not visibly pregnant to others at 11 weeks, especially in a first pregnancy.
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms.
As symptoms begin to shift, your focus can expand beyond just surviving nausea to actively nourishing your body, scheduling screening appointments, and easing into a routine.
The nuchal translucency scan is performed between 11 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days. If you have chosen to do first-trimester screening, make sure this ultrasound is scheduled within this window. The scan takes about 20-30 minutes and is done via abdominal ultrasound. You will also get a good look at your baby's overall development.
If your appetite is returning, take advantage by reintroducing nutritious foods. Focus on iron-rich foods (lean red meat, spinach, lentils, fortified cereals), calcium sources (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens), and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed). Your baby's bones are hardening and demand for these nutrients is increasing.
Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Adequate hydration supports amniotic fluid levels, helps prevent constipation and urinary tract infections, and keeps your expanding blood volume on track. If you find water boring, try infusing it with fruit slices or drinking herbal tea (check with your provider about which herbal teas are safe).
As energy begins to return, even slightly, try to incorporate regular physical activity. Walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming are excellent low-impact options. Exercise at this stage helps manage weight gain, reduces constipation, improves sleep quality, and prepares your body for the physical demands of later pregnancy and labor.
When in doubt, call your provider. No question is too small during pregnancy.
Next week is a major milestone — week 12 is when miscarriage risk drops significantly and many people begin to feel a real sense of security. Reflexes are developing, and the end of the first trimester is in sight.
Next up: Week 12. If you are having your NT scan this week, our nuchal translucency scan guide walks you through what to expect. For broader screening context, see our NIPT explainer. Starting to think about sharing your news? Read our advice on when to announce your pregnancy. For ongoing fatigue, see pregnancy fatigue.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
