You baby is the size of large Strawberry!

You’re now in your 11th week of pregnancy, signaling that you’re nearing the end of your first trimester and finally turning a corner on some of those pesky symptoms, such as persistent nausea that has seemed to drag on endlessly.

Pregnancy Week 11 Quick Facts

• At 11th weeks, you’ve in your third month of pregnancy
• You have 29 weeks until your due time “Calculate your due date”
• You’re in the first trimester

Your Unborn Baby’s Size at 11 Weeks

When you’re 11 weeks pregnant, your growing fetus is approximately 1.61 inches long and weighs around 0.25 ounces. Although it’s still quite small, about the size of a large strawberry or fig, there are significant developmental milestones occurring at this stage.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 11

During the 11th week of pregnancy, whether you’re carrying a single baby or twins, you may experience similar symptoms.

Some common symptoms for both single and twin pregnancies at this stage include:

• Nausea and vomiting

  Morning sickness may still be a persistent symptom during week 11. You may feel queasy and may have bouts of vomiting, especially in the mornings or after certain meals.

• Fatigue

  Feeling tired and needing more rest than usual is a common symptom during pregnancy, including week 11. Your body is working hard to support the growing baby/babies, and this can leave you feeling exhausted.

• Increased appetite

  You may notice an increase in appetite as your body requires additional nutrients to support fetal growth. This can apply to both single and twin pregnancies.

• Breast changes

  Your breasts may continue to be tender, swollen, or sensitive. This is due to hormonal changes in your body as it prepares for breastfeeding.

• Urinary frequency

   Increased pressure on your bladder from the growing uterus can lead to more frequent urination. This symptom may be more pronounced in twin pregnancies due to the additional pressure from two babies.

• Mood swings

  Hormonal fluctuations can affect your mood, leading to emotional changes such as mood swings, irritability, or feeling weepy.

• Bloating and constipation

  Hormonal changes can also affect your digestive system, causing bloating and constipation. This symptom can be common in both single and twin pregnancies.

It should be noted that pregnancy symptoms can differ from one individual to another, and twin pregnancies may entail extra symptoms due to the higher demands on the body. It is advisable to seek personalized advice and guidance from your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy journey.

Prenatal Tests and Doctor’s Appointments

Single and Twin’s Baby development

During week 11 of pregnancy, prenatal tests and doctor’s appointments are crucial for monitoring the development of both single and twin pregnancies.

Here are some key considerations:

• Ultrasound

  An ultrasound may be performed to assess the growth and development of the fetus(es). The ultrasound can provide valuable information about the size, shape, and movement of the baby/babies, as well as the placenta and amniotic fluid levels.

• Blood tests

  Blood tests may be conducted to check various markers, such as blood type, Rh factor, and hemoglobin levels. Additionally, some blood tests can also screen for genetic conditions or other health concerns.

• Nuchal translucency screening

  This is a specialized ultrasound that measures the thickness of the baby’s neck fold to screen for potential genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

• Doppler ultrasound

  This test uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta, which can provide information about the health of the baby/babies.

• Physical exams

  Your healthcare provider will likely perform routine physical exams, which may include checking your blood pressure, weight, and overall health.

• Discussions with the healthcare provider

  During your appointments, you may have discussions with your healthcare provider about any concerns, symptoms, or questions you may have. It’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider to ensure the best care for you and your baby/babies.

• Monitoring for twin pregnancies

  If you are carrying twins, additional monitoring may be needed to assess the growth and development of each baby, as well as to monitor for any potential complications, such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby/babies. Specific tests and appointments should be determined based on individual needs and medical history.

Risk in the 11th week of pregnancy 

During the 11th week of pregnancy, both singletons (pregnancy with one fetus) and twins (pregnancy with two fetuses) are generally at a similar stage of development, and the risks associated with pregnancy are similar, though there are some differences that may be applicable to twin pregnancies.

Here are some general risks that may be relevant during the 11th week of pregnancy for both singletons and twins:

• Miscarriage

  The risk of miscarriage, which is the loss of the pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation, is generally higher in the first trimester, including the 11th week. The risk of miscarriage varies and can be influenced by various factors such as maternal age, medical history, and lifestyle.

• Preterm labor and premature birth

  Twin pregnancies are considered higher risk compared to singleton pregnancies, and preterm labor (before 37 weeks of gestation) and premature birth (delivery before 37 weeks of gestation) are more common in twin pregnancies. This is because the uterus may not be able to stretch as much with two fetuses, which can increase the risk of premature labor and birth.

• Gestational diabetes

  The risk of developing gestational diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy, may be higher in twin pregnancies due to increased demands on the mother’s body.

• Preeclampsia

  Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as liver and kidneys, can pose a risk during pregnancy. Twin pregnancies may have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia compared to singleton pregnancies.

• Congenital anomalies

  The risk of congenital anomalies, or birth defects, may be slightly higher in twin pregnancies compared to singleton pregnancies, although the overall risk is still relatively low.

• Multiple pregnancies complications

  Twin pregnancies can also be associated with specific complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), where blood flow between the fetuses is imbalanced, and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR), where one twin does not grow properly. These complications may require specialized monitoring and management.

Not all pregnancies are alike. Factors such as health, medical history, and prenatal care play a crucial role in determining the risks and complications associated with each pregnancy, whether it involves a singleton or twins. Consistent prenatal care and prompt identification of any potential concerns can assist in reducing risks and ensuring the most favorable outcome for both the mother and the babies.

Developmental Milestones

So far, the fetus’ hands and feet resembled those of a frog. However, this week marks a significant development as actual fingers and toes start to separate, getting ready for the formation of nails in the upcoming weeks.(wooha!!! you can count little fingers) Additionally, the sexual organs have started to develop, and blood tests can now reveal the sex of your unborn baby, if you opt to find out. However, if you prefer to learn the gender through an ultrasound, you may need to wait a few more weeks.