11 Weeks Pregnant — Your Baby Is The Size Of A Cocktail Shrimp

Welcome to Scary Mommy’s pregnancy week by week guide! We’re here to give you all the info about what to expect when you’re expecting: be it week by week symptoms, your baby’s development, your changing body, or ultrasounds and appointments. Here’s everything you need to know about week 11.

Your Body at 11 Weeks Pregnant

Good Hair Days

Is your hair becoming richer and more luscious? No, this isn’t a pregnancy fatigue hallucination, many women report that pregnancy gives them great hair, possibly because an increase in estrogen is changing the way your hair grows.

Though be forewarned, all that hair will fall away after you give birth (yup, postpartum hair loss is real) so enjoy waving your hair around like you’re in a Pantene commercial while you can!

Getting Hairy

Ok, so aside from growing more hair on your head, you may be feeling a little bit like Cousin It right now. That’s right, a not-so-welcome side effect of pregnancy can be growing hair all over the place: your belly, your boobs, your stache (yes, sorry). The good news is that all that excess hair will go away after you give birth, so in the meantime, you can just embrace it or make a regular date with your beautician (see, your baby’s already helping you make new friends!) Whatever makes you comfortable!

What About a Babymoon?

If you need a vacation from all the throwing up and fatigue, know that for many moms, the end of the first trimester, which is coming up at the end of week 12, brings sweet, sweet relief! Which means the second trimester is also the perfect time for a much needed babymoon (mama-to-be needs a break!). Make sure to consult with your doctor about any upcoming vacations, and stay away from places that have outbreaks of Zika or other infectious diseases.

If you’re planning any spa treatments, just remember that saunas and hot tubs are not safe for baby (we know, it’s a bummer!), as are massages that aren’t done by someone certified to work on pregnant women. So call your hotel spa ahead of time and ask for pregnancy safe treatments. The good news is that lazily lounging by the pool all day is 100% safe for you and baby.

Glowing Like a Woman, Breaking Out Like a Teen

At 10 weeks pregnant, your hormones may not be making you break out in tears anymore, but they could be making you break out. If you feel like your complexion is a little bit middle school, it’s because all those hormones means your skin is creating more oil, like they did back in puberty. In many ways, being pregnant is just a lot like being a teenager.

The good news is that your face will return to its usual non-oily glory after pregnancy, but in the meantime, there’s some pregnancy safe ways to help curb those super irritating breakouts. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, don’t pick at your skin, and stay away from irritants like heavy make-up.

Nuchal Translucency Test

Depending on your doctor, you may be scheduled for a nuchal translucency (NT) test between this week and week 14. The NT test uses an ultrasound to measure the amount of fluid in your growing baby’s neck. The NT test can only alert your doctor to a possible problem, but it can not diagnose it, and it’s not as accurate as other tests, so if anything is amiss, you will need to undergo further testing.

But if all goes well, the NT is a great opportunity to sneak a peek at your developing baby for the first time!

Your Baby at 11 Weeks Pregnant

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby measures 2 ½ inches and weighs about an ounce, about the size of a cocktail shrimp. Your baby’s genitals are developed, but it will be a while before an ultrasound tech will be able to tell your baby’s sex.

All the major organs and systems are there and ready to grow, including baby nail beds and hair follicles, though there’s no telling yet if your little one will come out with a full head of hair, or with a little bald noggin (either way, it’ll be adorable!) Your baby’s toes, fingers, tongue, and even nipples are all there. Yes, little baby nipples. It’s wild.

Your Symptoms and Health at 11 Weeks Pregnant

Hello Doc!

From now until week 28, you and your doctor will get one on one time every month, so your health and your little one can be well monitored. To avoid spending all your time in your doctor’s waiting room (hey, pregnant life is uncomfortable enough!) try to make your appointments for first thing in the morning, or just after lunch time. And make sure your podcast queue is full and you have a bag of snacks, just in case.

Not Gaining Weight?

Don’t worry if you haven’t started putting on the pounds yet. At 11 weeks pregnant, you may still be struggling to get any food down. Most women only gain 3 to 5 pounds in the first trimester, and some even lose weight because of morning sickness. The number on your scale is not reflecting the size of your baby, and once you can down food again, you will slowly start to gain weight. The ideal weight gain by the end of your pregnancy is between 25 to 35.

And while you deserve any and all junk food indulgences, in any crazy combination you may be craving (Cheez Its with Neapolitan ice cream? Heck yeah!), remember that you are eating for two, so make sure you provide your babe with the nutrients they need by balancing those fries with some fruits and veggies.

Double Trouble

If you do get your first trimester scan this week, it’s more than likely that twin babies present will be detected. While a decade or so ago a second baby could be missed on an ultrasound, technology is so advanced that it’s extremely unlikely today. So, if this is your first confirmation that you’re having twins: congratulations! It’s normal to be both happy-surprised and overwhelmed-surprised, especially as your healthcare provider is likely going into information overload. Twin pregnancies do carry greater risks, but while it’s important to take heed of your doctor’s advice, now is not the time to stress. After all, you’ll be in contact with your doctor more often than a woman carrying one baby would be. Twin pregnancies are special in their own way so enjoy what you can.

The contents of this article have been medically reviewed by Ruth A. Tessler, M.D. in July, 2019.

Written by Lior Zaltzman.

Follow Preggo Nancy’s pregnancy journey week-by-week and share in her joy, her symptoms, and even her pregnancy cravings.

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