Week 11 of Pregnancy
At week 11 of pregnancy, your baby has completed the most critical stage of development and is now considered almost fully formed. Your baby’s head makes up about half of their total body length. During this week, your baby’s eyelids will close and will remain shut until around week 26, allowing the delicate structures of the eyes to continue developing. If you lie on your back and gently press your fingertips just above the pubic bone, you may be able to feel the edge of your expanding uterus.
How your baby is developing at week 11
Your baby is starting to develop muscles and has already begun practicing movements inside the womb. Surrounded by amniotic fluid, your baby can move freely, which helps improve flexibility. At this stage, the first signs of movement appear — slight jerks of the arms and gentle kicks of the legs, gradually extending to the neck and torso. Your baby can bend and straighten their legs, make stepping motions, clench and unclench their fists, and move their head up and down.
Although your baby’s movements are active and purposeful, they are still so small that you won’t be able to feel them yet.
What’s happening to your body at week 11
Your body continues to adapt to pregnancy, with symptoms that, while completely normal, can sometimes be uncomfortable. This week may be the peak for pregnancy-related challenges, with symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite reaching their highest intensity. The good news is that after this week, you may start to feel more energetic and notice an improvement in your overall well-being.
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential to keep your energy levels steady. There’s no need to “eat for two”; instead, focus on nourishing yourself with healthy foods that meet your body’s needs. This approach can help you manage any lingering fatigue and prepare your body for the weeks ahead.
Reference
This article includes information adapted from the Dutch pregnancy care platform Zwangerportaal:
https://www.zwangerenportaal.nl/week-11