Week 11 of Pregnancy: What’s Happening Inside You

Your Baby’s Development at 11 Weeks

Your little one is making remarkable progress this week! Their fingers and toes are now fully formed, no longer webbed, and becoming more defined. Major organs—like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas—are up and running, each playing a crucial role in your baby’s development. The heart is now fully structured with four chambers, beating strong and steady. Meanwhile, the baby’s bones are beginning to harden, adding stability to their tiny frame.

Genitalia are also forming, though it’s still too early to tell the baby’s sex through an ultrasound. While your baby is constantly stretching, twisting, and moving inside you, they’re still too small for you to feel these tiny movements just yet. Right now, they’re about the size of a fig—measuring 1.61 inches from head to bottom and weighing around 1.59 ounces.

How Your Body is Changing

As your baby grows, your body is adapting in some pretty intense ways. You may be dealing with constipation and bloating, thanks to pregnancy hormones slowing down your digestion. Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and gentle movement can help ease the discomfort. Another common issue is heartburn, which often flares up due to relaxed digestive muscles. To keep it in check, try eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and sitting upright after eating.

Fatigue is still in full swing as your body works overtime to support your baby. Resting when you can, choosing nutritious snacks, and staying hydrated will help keep your energy up. On the emotional side, mood swings may feel like a rollercoaster ride—completely normal as your hormones shift. Make time for self-care, whether it’s a quiet walk, journaling, or simply chatting with a loved one.

You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is your body’s way of keeping things clean and balanced. As long as it’s clear or milky-white and doesn’t have an unusual smell, it’s nothing to worry about. Food aversions might also be in full force, making once-loved meals suddenly unbearable. It’s all part of the pregnancy journey, and these aversions usually settle down by the second trimester.

Headaches may become more frequent due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, or dehydration. If they hit, focus on hydration, relaxation, and getting enough rest. If your headaches are severe or persistent, check in with your healthcare provider for safe relief options.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 11

Now is a great time to start documenting your pregnancy journey with weekly bump photos—it's a fun way to look back on how much you and your baby have grown. If you haven’t shared your pregnancy news yet, you might be thinking about how to announce it. Whether you go for a simple conversation or a creative social media reveal, this is an exciting moment to celebrate.

Your baby’s bones are strengthening, so calcium is more important than ever. Make sure your diet includes calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. If you’re not sure you’re getting enough, talk to your doctor about possible supplements.

Building a support system is invaluable during pregnancy. Connecting with other expecting parents—whether online, through prenatal classes, or within your community—can offer comfort and helpful advice. If you’re considering a babymoon, the second trimester is the perfect time to plan a trip while your energy levels are higher.

Prenatal appointments are becoming more frequent, so try scheduling them at the start of the day to minimize waiting times. And don’t forget your skin—hormonal changes can lead to dryness, itchiness, and stretch marks. Staying moisturized, drinking plenty of water, and using sunscreen can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable.

Looking Ahead

The end of the first trimester is just around the corner! In the coming weeks, your energy may start to return, and you might even begin to feel those first little baby flutters. Keep listening to your body, embracing the changes, and celebrating each milestone as you move closer to meeting your little one.