11 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, NT Scan & Symptoms

11 Weeks Pregnant: Baby's Growth, NT Scan & Symptoms

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a fig, with separate fingers and toes and organs that are starting to work. It's also when the window for the nuchal translucency scan opens, so this week's guide explains what happens at your 12-week scan.

Baby's size
About the size of a fig (4 to 5cm)
Big development
Organs starting to work and bones beginning to harden
Common symptoms
Heartburn, dizziness, leg cramps and skin changes
This week
The 12-week scan window opens at 11 weeks

What's happening this week

Your baby is growing quickly, and their see-through skin covers a body that's looking more and more like a newborn's in miniature.

Face

Features set

The facial bones have formed and the features are more defined. The eyelids are closed and will stay that way for months, and the ears are moving into place.

Hands and feet

No more webbing

Fingers and toes have separated, and nail beds are forming. Wrists, elbows, knees and ankles can all bend and move.

Inside

Starting to work

The kidneys are making urine, the liver is making blood cells and the bones are beginning to harden. The genitals are forming, but they still look the same for all babies.

Your 12-week scan

Many people have an ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks. It can be done on its own or as part of combined first trimester screening, which pairs the scan with a blood test. It's optional, and for many people, it's the first chance to see their baby moving.

What it checks
Your baby's heartbeat, size and due date, how many babies there are, early development of the head, body and limbs, and where the placenta is.
The nuchal translucency measurement
The sonographer measures the fluid at the back of your baby's neck. Combined with your blood test results and age, this estimates the chance of some chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome.It's a screening test, so it gives a chance, not a diagnosis
What to expect
The scan is usually done on your tummy, though sometimes a vaginal scan gives a clearer view. It takes around 20 to 40 minutes. Bring your referral, and check whether your clinic wants you to have a full bladder.

If your results show a higher chance, your doctor will talk you through what it means and your options, which may include NIPT or a diagnostic test. Here's how screening and diagnostic tests differ.

Symptoms at 11 weeks pregnant

Nausea may start to ease soon, but other symptoms can pop up as the first trimester draws to a close:

  • Heartburn, bloating and burping. Progesterone slows digestion. Eat smaller meals, go easy on fried and fatty foods, and stay upright for a while after eating.
  • Dizziness. Changes in blood pressure, low blood sugar, dehydration or overheating can all cause it. If you feel faint, sit or lie down, sip water and get some fresh air. Don't drive until it passes.
  • Leg cramps. Often at night. Stretch your calves before bed, stay active and drink enough water.
  • Skin changes. Some people notice a dark line down their belly, called linea nigra, or darker patches on their face. They're harmless and usually fade after birth. Wearing sunscreen daily helps stop patches getting darker.
  • Stronger hair and nails. One upside of pregnancy hormones.

Call your doctor straight away if one leg is swollen, red, warm or painful, as these can be signs of a blood clot. Call 000 if you have chest pain or sudden shortness of breath.

Looking after your mental health

Up to 1 in 5 expecting parents experience antenatal depression or anxiety. It's common, it's treatable and it's not a sign you're doing anything wrong. Here's how to tell everyday ups and downs from something more.

Everyday ups and downs

  • Feeling teary or irritable some days
  • Worrying about the changes ahead
  • Low moods that lift with rest, a chat or some time out

Talk to someone if

  • You feel low, anxious or numb most days for two weeks or more
  • You've lost interest in things you usually enjoy
  • You can't stop worrying, or have panic attacks
  • You feel hopeless, or have negative thoughts about yourself or your baby
  • It's affecting your sleep, eating or daily life

Talk to your GP or midwife, or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.

Sharing your news

With the end of the first trimester in sight, you might be thinking about how to tell family and friends, whether that's a phone call, a social media post or a get-together. There's no right time, so share when it feels right for you. Here are some things to consider when deciding when to share.

Your to-do list for week 11

Helpful for this stage

Pregnancy and birth booksReading for the months aheadShop books MaternityComfort essentials for pregnancyShop maternity

Week 11 FAQs

What is the nuchal translucency scan?

It's an ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks that measures the fluid at the back of your baby's neck. Combined with a blood test, it estimates the chance of some chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome. It's optional, and it's a screening test rather than a diagnosis.

Do I need a full bladder for the 12-week scan?

Some clinics ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, as it can help give a clearer view. Others don't, so follow the instructions your clinic gives you when you book.

What causes leg cramps in pregnancy?

The exact cause isn't clear, but changes in circulation, tiredness and dehydration may play a part. Stretching your calves before bed, staying active and drinking enough water can help. See a doctor urgently if one leg is swollen, red, warm or painful.

When does linea nigra appear?

The dark line down your belly usually appears in the second trimester, though some people notice it earlier. It's harmless and gradually fades in the months after birth.

How do I know if I have antenatal depression?

Everyone has ups and downs in pregnancy. If you feel low, anxious, numb or hopeless most days for two weeks or more, or it's affecting your daily life, talk to your GP or midwife. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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