What to expect at eleven weeks pregnant. Here’s everything you need to know about your changing body and growing baby as you approach the end of your first trimester.

Your first trimester is almost over, and at eleven weeks pregnant, you’re probably already up to speed with all the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. By this stage, some of the initial (and unpleasant) symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting may start to ease off.

However, your body is still adjusting to pregnancy at eleven weeks. As you approach your second trimester, you may still experience a number of common early pregnancy systems. By this point, your baby is developing at a rapid rate, which may also affect your body and energy levels. Read on for everything you need to know about your baby and body and eleven weeks pregnant.

Eleven Weeks Pregnant Baby Size

By week eleven, your baby – officially a fetus – is about the size of a small plum or a fig. At this stage, your little one is starting to look more and more like a tiny a human.

The fetus’ head now accounts for nearly half of its body length and a number of big developmental changes are underway. The torso is developing and your little one has distinct fingers and toes. Clear facial features are beginning to take shape and your baby’s ears are moving into their correct position.

Your Baby at Eleven Weeks Pregnant

The skin is still thin and see-through but is starting to become more opaque. Other distinct human-like features have developed at this stage including a teeny, tiny tongue and palate in the mouth, little nostrils and nipples. Your baby will also begin to grow tooth buds, hair follicles, and nail beds. Although it’s possibly still too early to physically tell the gender of your baby, ovaries will develop if you’re having a girl.

Eleven Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

For some women, many of the early pregnancy symptoms begin to wear off as you head into your second trimester. However, at eleven weeks there are still some pregnancy side effects and symptoms to look out for.

Morning sickness: nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, although not everyone will suffer from it in their first trimester. Fortunately, most women notice the symptoms easing off as they head into the second trimester. However, this is not always the case.

Constipation

As progesterone levels increase, one side effect can be constipation. This often occurs around the second and third month but may worsen as your pregnancy continues.

Bloating, indigestion and heartburn

This pesky progesterone has a lot to answer for. Increased levels of the hormone in your body can also cause bloating at eleven weeks pregnant. This is because it slows down the digestion process so that there’s more time to pass the nutrients on to your baby. However, in doing so, your growing uterus will squash and press onto your stomach and intestines. Your hormones also relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, causing heartburn.

Fatigue

With fluctuating hormones, changes to your body and not to mention the fact you’re growing a whole new human in your belly, it’s no wonder you might feel exhausted during the first three months.

Increased urination

As your uterus continues to expand, it can press on your bladder and result in what feels like endless trips to the toilet. The increased blood flow to your kidneys means you’ll produce more up to 25% more urine, too.

Dizziness and feeling faint

The extra blood pumping around your body can cause you to feel light-headed, dizzy and even faint. To ease these symptoms, try and remember to stand up and sit down slowly and keep sugar levels up with regular (healthy) snacks. If you feel faint, make sure you take a seat and rest up as soon as possible.

Vaginal discharge

During the first trimester, you might notice a milky white discharge from your vagina. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Your Body at Eleven Weeks Pregnant

As the morning sickness (hopefully) starts to waver, you might start to feel more energized – and maybe a little hungrier – at eleven weeks pregnant.

Your appetite will probably start to increase, and your baby will also demand more nutrients. However, while the saying suggests you’re ‘eating for two’, it’s not healthy to binge or over-indulge too quickly. It’s important you gain weight steadily and healthily during your pregnancy.

Your uterus is also expanding. You may see your lower abdomen starting to protrude and the beginnings of a baby bump form.

First Trimester Ultrasound

You may have your ‘booking appointment’ in week eleven. This is when you’ll meet with your doctor or midwife to discuss your pregnancy and birth plans.

You may also be ready for your dating scan. This will most likely take place between 10 and 14 weeks and is the first opportunity you’ll have to see your baby and hear the heartbeat with an ultrasound. It’s often when a provisional due date is given.

For more information on development and milestones at every stage of your pregnancy, visit our pregnancy week by week guide.