Nausea and Vomiting

Many women find that nausea starts to ease this week. However, if you’re still feeling queasy, eating small, frequent meals and avoiding strong smells might help.

Fatigue

You’re growing a tiny human, which takes a lot of energy! Fatigue may still be present, so prioritise rest and try taking short naps if needed.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

You might notice a clear or white discharge called leucorrhoea. This is normal and helps protect against infections. If the discharge has a strong odour, is yellow or green, or causes itching, talk to your doctor.

Bloating and Gas

Hormonal changes can slow digestion, leading to bloating and gas. Drinking water, eating fibre-rich foods, and light exercise may ease discomfort.

Heartburn

You might experience heartburn, a burning sensation from your chest to your lower throat.

Baby’s Growth in the Womb

Organ Formation

If your baby is a girl, ovaries are beginning to develop. Your baby’s head accounts for about half of his body length. The liver is producing red blood cells, and the kidneys are beginning to produce urine. Tiny taste buds are also developing on the tongue.

Physical Features

The face is becoming more defined. The eyes are wide apart, nearly shaped ears, open nostrils, a forming tongue and palate, and visible nipples are forming. Hair follicles are forming all over your baby’s body, not just on the head. Tiny hands and feet now have separate fingers and toes, with the webbing completely gone.

Weight of the Foetus

At Week 11, your baby is now slightly over 4 cm long (a little more than 1.5 inches) and weighs around 7 grams. They've been busy growing and developing rapidly this week! Though small, they are growing quickly every day.

Movement of the Baby

Your baby’s hands and feet are fully separated and they are moving to the front of the body. They may be opening and closing their fists. Your baby’s body is straightening, and the torso is growing longer—almost like a yoga stretch! Your little one can now try out moves like stretching, somersaults, and forward rolls.

Physiological Changes During Week 11 of Pregnancy

Breasts

Hormonal shifts might make your breasts feel tender and fuller. Wearing a supportive bra can help with discomfort.

Skin, Hair and Nails

You might notice a “pregnancy glow” due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Some women also develop darker skin patches, known as melasma. Many women experience thicker, shinier hair due to reduced hair shedding.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems

You might notice mild breathlessness as your body adjusts to increased oxygen demands. Hormonal changes can also cause nasal congestion or a feeling of a stuffy nose. Your blood volume continues to rise, increasing the workload on your heart.

Uterus and Cervical Position

Your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit. You may start to notice a small baby bump, especially if this isn’t your first pregnancy. The placenta is also developing and attaching to the uterine wall. Its position is typically in the upper part of the uterus, though it can vary.

Vaginal Discharge

You may notice more vaginal discharge at Week 11, known as leukorrhea. It’s usually thin, milky, and odourless, helping to prevent infections. 

Blood Test

The blood test checks for pregnancy hormones like hCG and proteins such as Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A). These markers help assess the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Trisomy 13, and Trisomy 18.

Urine Test

Urine tests check for sugar and protein, which can indicate conditions like gestational diabetes (diabetes developing during pregnancy) or preeclampsia (a blood pressure condition at later stages of pregnancy).

Ultrasound

An ultrasound monitors your baby’s growth, position, and movement, confirming or adjusting your due date. It also measures the nuchal translucency - the presence of fluid at the back of the neck, which can indicate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. It can also detect twins, amniotic fluid levels, and potential complications.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

This is a prenatal test done between 10 and 12 weeks to detect chromosomal abnormalities but not neural tube defects. It is optional and performed only if medically indicated or recommended due to pregnancy risks. It offers earlier results than other tests.