Week 11 of Pregnancy

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a Brussels sprout - around 1.6 inches and weighing roughly a quarter ounce. Your baby's face is looking more human now, with the bones fully formed. The eyes have moved from the sides of the head toward the front, and the ears are settling into their final position. This week, your baby starts practicing movements - opening and closing those tiny fists, stretching, and even hiccupping. You cannot feel any of this yet, but it is happening. Tooth buds are forming for all 20 baby teeth. Hair follicles are developing on the head and body. The placenta is almost fully formed and taking over hormone production from the yolk sac. This transition often brings relief from some early symptoms. Your baby's genitals are developing, though it is still too early to determine sex on ultrasound.

If you have an NT scan scheduled, know that it is typically done between 11 weeks 2 days and 13 weeks 6 days. The timing matters because the measurement is only accurate within this window. Many parents feel nervous before this appointment - that anxiety is completely normal and shared by most. Start incorporating pregnancy-safe exercises if you have not already. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent options. Exercise can help with mood, energy, sleep, and even delivery later on. But always listen to your body. Begin thinking about what kind of birth experience you want. It is early, but starting to consider your preferences - hospital versus birth center, pain management options, who you want present - helps you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed later.