Week 11
Your baby is the size of a fig
What's happening this week
Your baby is now the size of a fig — about 40mm (1.6 inches) from crown to rump — and is entering a phase of rapid growth. From this point forward, your baby will roughly double in length over the next three weeks.
This week's standout milestone: your baby can now open and close their fists. Those tiny, fully formed fingers are starting to practice the grasping movements they'll use to hold your finger someday. The hands and feet are facing forward (earlier in development, they pointed inward), and the finger and toe nails continue to grow.
Bones are hardening throughout the body, replacing the softer cartilage that formed the initial skeleton. The spine is becoming more defined. Tooth buds for all 20 baby teeth are now present beneath the gums, even though those first teeth won't erupt until around 6 months after birth.
Your baby's skin is still translucent — you could see the developing blood vessels and organs through it if you looked closely enough. The intestines, which had been looping into the umbilical cord because the abdomen was too small, are beginning to migrate back into the abdominal cavity as it grows large enough to contain them.
External genitalia are developing, but it's still too early to determine sex on an ultrasound. If you had NIPT blood work done around week 10, those results may reveal your baby's sex in the coming days — if you chose to find out.
Perhaps most delightfully, your baby is becoming an active little mover: stretching, somersaulting, and hiccupping — though you won't feel any of it for several more weeks.
Your body this week
Here's the shift many people have been waiting for: by week 11, morning sickness often begins to ease noticeably. It doesn't disappear overnight, and some people continue dealing with nausea into the second trimester, but the worst is usually behind you. You might find that food starts to sound appealing again — a welcome change after weeks of surviving on crackers and ginger ale.
Your energy levels may also start to creep back up. The extreme fatigue of the first trimester is driven largely by the effort of building the placenta, which is now nearly complete. Many people describe the second trimester as feeling like themselves again, and that transition often begins around now.
Physically, your lower abdomen may feel firmer than usual — that's your growing uterus, which is now about the size of a large orange. Some people start showing a tiny bump around this time, especially with second or subsequent pregnancies. Others won't show for several more weeks.
If you're scheduled for a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, it will likely happen between now and week 14. This ultrasound, combined with blood work, screens for chromosomal conditions. If you're nervous about the scan, know that for the vast majority of pregnancies, the results are reassuring.
This is also a good time to start researching pediatricians. It might seem early, but popular practices fill up, and having this decided before the third trimester takes one thing off the future to-do list.
For dads
If your NIPT results come back this week or next, you may find out your baby's sex — a moment that catches many parents off guard with how emotional it feels. Whether you choose to find out or wait, this is a decision to make together. Some couples disagree on whether to know, and that's worth talking through with openness and humor. There's no wrong answer. The NT scan may also be happening this week. If your partner is anxious about it, offer to go with her. Screening tests can feel scary because they introduce the possibility of something being wrong, even when the overwhelming likelihood is that everything is fine. Your presence — calm, supportive, and informed — matters more than you might realize.
Your partner may be starting to feel better physically, which can shift the dynamic between you. The first trimester's constant nausea and exhaustion may have meant she was in survival mode — and you were in support mode. As she regains energy, you might start planning together again: talking about the nursery, thinking about names, or even just enjoying a dinner out that doesn't end with her rushing to the bathroom. Take advantage of this window — the second trimester is often the most enjoyable stretch for both parents.
Common concerns
Is it normal for morning sickness to suddenly stop?+
Yes — for many people, morning sickness fades gradually between weeks 10 and 14, and it can sometimes seem to disappear quite suddenly. This typically corresponds to hCG levels plateauing. A sudden end to nausea does not mean something is wrong with your pregnancy. If you have concerns, your provider can offer reassurance, but symptom changes in this direction are generally a welcome and normal progression.
How accurate is NIPT for determining sex?+
NIPT is highly accurate for determining fetal sex — over 99% in most studies. It works by detecting fragments of fetal DNA circulating in the pregnant person's blood. Results are typically available within 1-2 weeks of the blood draw. Keep in mind that NIPT is primarily designed to screen for chromosomal conditions; sex determination is an additional piece of information it provides.
Can I safely color my hair during pregnancy?+
Most healthcare providers consider hair coloring safe during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. The chemicals in hair dye are minimally absorbed through the scalp, and the amounts that reach the bloodstream are very small. If you want to be extra cautious, consider highlights (which don't touch the scalp), vegetable-based dyes, or waiting until the second trimester. Discuss with your provider if you have specific concerns.
Should I worry if I'm not showing yet at 11 weeks?+
Not at all — many people, especially first-time parents, don't show a visible bump until weeks 14-16 or even later. When you start showing depends on factors like your body type, core muscle tone, and the position of your uterus. Some people notice bloating that mimics a bump early on, but an actual pregnancy bump typically becomes visible in the second trimester. Comparing your body to others' isn't helpful — every pregnancy shows differently.
Product picks for week 11
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Pregnancy-safe stretch mark oil
Skin is starting to stretch — a nourishing oil with vitamin E and natural ingredients keeps skin supple and comfortable.
Baby name inspiration book
Now that the pregnancy feels more real, many parents start thinking about names — a curated book beats endless internet scrolling.
Comfortable maternity underwear
Your regular underwear may feel tight — seamless, mid-rise maternity underwear provides room to grow without uncomfortable waistbands.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.