Baby is the size of a fig
👶 Baby's development
The baby already opens and closes its mouth. Nails start growing. Heartbeat audible on ultrasound.
💛 How mom feels
The uterus has risen above the pubic bone. The waist begins to disappear. Emotions stabilise.
📖 Tip of the week
Almost all structures have formed — now the baby will grow and mature. The diaphragm is working — the fetus makes breathing movements, practicing for life outside the womb. First trimester prenatal screening (ultrasound + blood test) is typically done at weeks 11–13.
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The fetus's head makes up about half of its total body length as the brain grows rapidly
- Hair follicles begin to form on the skin's surface
- The fetus has a visible profile on ultrasound with a distinct forehead, nose, and chin
- Fingers and toes are fully separated and can open and close
- Red blood cells begin forming in the liver in large quantities
- The fetus is about 41 mm long (4.1 cm), roughly the size of a fig
🤱 What mom may feel
- Nausea may gradually begin to lessen for some women
- Increased appetite as the body demands more nutrients for fetal growth
- Bloating and gas remain common due to slowed digestion
- Hair and nails may grow faster due to increased circulation and hormones
- Mild heartburn or acid reflux beginning as progesterone relaxes the esophageal sphincter
🏥 Tests and check-ups
Nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound can be performed between weeks 11-13+6 days. Your provider may draw blood for the first-trimester screen (PAPP-A and beta-hCG) if not already done. If NIPT results indicate elevated risk, your doctor may discuss diagnostic options such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which is performed between weeks 10-13.
💡 Tips for this week
- If offered CVS, understand that it is a diagnostic test with a small risk of miscarriage (about 0.5-1%) but provides definitive chromosomal information
- Begin eating calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens) to support bone development
- Manage heartburn by eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy food, and not lying down right after eating
- Continue moderate exercise — it helps with digestion, mood, and energy levels
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is CVS and who needs it?
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a diagnostic test where a small sample of placental tissue is taken to check for chromosomal abnormalities. It is typically offered when screening tests indicate elevated risk or for women over 35. It provides definitive results unlike screening tests.
Is heartburn harmful to the baby?
No, heartburn does not affect the baby at all. It is caused by progesterone relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus. Over-the-counter antacids like calcium carbonate are generally safe but check with your provider.
Why is my hair growing so fast?
Pregnancy hormones (especially estrogen) prolong the growth phase of hair and reduce shedding. Many women notice thicker, shinier hair during pregnancy. This effect is temporary and reverses after delivery.
📝 Week 11 of pregnancy: detailed guide
At week 11, your baby is now approximately 4.1 cm long and weighs around 7 g — roughly the size of a fig. The body is beginning to straighten: no longer curled in a pronounced C-shape, the foetus is becoming more upright. The legs are lengthening and the fingers are fully individualised, with fingernails just beginning to grow. On an ultrasound scan, your baby may be visible moving, swallowing, and even hiccupping — although you won’t feel any of this yet. The external genitalia are differentiating, though sex determination by ultrasound is still unreliable at this stage. Red blood cells are now being produced in the foetal bone marrow.
Many women notice that first-trimester symptoms begin to lift around week 11. If your nausea is easing, you may be feeling more like yourself for the first time in weeks — more energy, improved appetite, and a lifting of the emotional fog. Not everyone improves at exactly this point; for some women symptoms persist until week 13 or 14, and a small number experience nausea throughout pregnancy — all of this is within the range of normal. The uterus is moving up out of the pelvis and into the abdominal cavity this week, which is why urinary frequency may ease slightly compared to earlier weeks, only to return later when the baby grows larger.
The 11–13-week combined screening scan is the most important appointment of the first trimester. Ensure you have attended or are booked in. The ultrasound checks the nuchal translucency (NT) — the fluid-filled space at the back of the foetal neck — alongside blood levels of PAPP-A and free beta-hCG. Together, these give a personalised risk figure for chromosomal conditions. An elevated risk on this screen is not a diagnosis; many women with higher-risk results have perfectly healthy babies, and further testing such as NIPT or amniocentesis can provide more definitive answers if needed. Your midwife will guide you through the results and next steps.
Gentle exercise is not only safe but actively beneficial during an uncomplicated first-trimester pregnancy. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga, and Pilates all support cardiovascular health, posture, core strength, and emotional wellbeing. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, in line with NHS guidance. Avoid contact sports, activities with a high risk of falling, and scuba diving. If exercise was not a regular habit before pregnancy, start slowly and build up gradually. Even a 20-minute walk each day has measurable benefits for mood, energy levels, and sleep quality throughout pregnancy.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Heavy bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal pain or pain on one side
- Severe nausea and vomiting (unable to eat or drink)
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Dizziness or fainting
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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