In the 11th week of pregnancy, all the major organs of the fetus have already formed—so the most critical phase of early pregnancy is behind you! Now, your baby’s senses are developing rapidly, and the placenta is also beginning its work, starting to supply your baby with all the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth.

How big is your baby in the 11th week of pregnancy?

In the 11th week of pregnancy, the fetus is about 4 centimeters long—roughly the size of a strawberry.

11th week of pregnancy: What's changing for you

Unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue ease for many expectant mothers this week. Instead, other symptoms may appear: Due to the increased blood volume in your body, you may feel warmer than usual. Another “side effect” you might notice is a persistent, unpleasant taste in your mouth. Hormonal changes are believed to be the trigger here as well. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on peppermint candies, and drinking plenty of fluids can help relieve it.

The placenta

This week marks an important milestone: The placenta is now developed enough to take over your baby’s supply, and from this point on, it provides oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, and water via the umbilical cord. Until now, the yolk sac has performed this function. It is now receding until, after the 12th week of pregnancy, it is only rarely visible on ultrasound. In addition to nourishing the fetus, the placenta also performs a filtering function: Through the so-called placental barrier, a membrane located within the placenta, your baby is protected from viruses and bacteria, for example. Harmful substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and some medications can pass through the membrane freely and harm your baby. Therefore, during pregnancy it’s important not only to abstain from cigarettes and alcohol, but also to discuss with your doctor which medications you can continue to take safely and which ones you should avoid, stop, or replace.

The placenta plays an indispensable role in pregnancy—reason enough to take a closer look at it. Did you know, for example, that the placenta is the only organ that is expelled from the body after it has served its purpose? More fascinating facts about the mother’s cake can be found in the article "".

11th week of pregnancy: Development of your baby

In the uterus, there are about 60 milliliters of amniotic fluid in the 11th week of pregnancy. Your baby floats safely within it and is moving more and more. The mouth and nose are now connected. The tongue is growing, and more and more taste buds are forming on it. Your baby is slowly beginning to perceive first taste impressions through the amniotic fluid. The other senses are also developing impressively this week: The ears are now almost in their final position on the head, and the inner and middle ear are gradually maturing. The retina of the eyes is also beginning to develop.

Your baby’s skin is becoming thicker and less transparent this week. The first hair follicles are forming, as well as nails on fingers and toes. By the 11th week of pregnancy, the most important organs—such as the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and intestines—are developed enough to begin performing their functions. From now on, they will mainly continue to grow for the rest of the pregnancy.

The reproductive organs are already developing this week. However, you will have to wait a little longer to find out whether you are expecting a girl or a boy: the reproductive organs are not yet visible on ultrasound in the 11th week of pregnancy. In addition, the German Genetic Diagnostics Act states that your gynecologist may only determine your baby’s sex from the 14th week of pregnancy. This is intended to prevent sex-selective abortions based on the child's gender.

This is now important

• Your blood pressure may still be higher or lower than usual. If you feel dizzy more often now, be sure to stand up slowly and avoid sudden movements.

• This week often includes the second prenatal check-up . During the
  ultrasound, your doctor can now determine whether you are expecting multiples. If it wasn’t detected during the first examination, you will also receive your maternity record during the second check-up. In the article “ The Maternity Record – How to Understand It “, you will find a practical overview of the most important information, terms, and abbreviations in the document.

• As the initial fatigue gradually subsides, your urge to move may increase. Regular exercise is good for you, and right now—since your growing belly is not yet an obstacle—it’s especially easy to fit in. One way to incorporate movement into your daily routine throughout pregnancy is yoga. If you want to learn more about the benefits of holistic exercises, take a look at the article ". Some exercises you can do in all trimesters are shown by LILLYDOO yoga instructor Denise in the video."

With our pregnancy calendar, we want to accompany you through this exciting time and provide you with relevant information, which is also created in exchange with our
LILLYDOO experts. Nevertheless, the information listed here can
never replace personal advice from your doctor or midwife. Always contact your healthcare professional with questions and for professional care.