Pregnancy Week 11: Almost at the Scan — What to Expect

Quick answer: At 11 weeks your baby is about the size of a fig, roughly 41mm from crown to rump, with fingers and toes fully separated and bones beginning to harden. Nausea often eases slightly around weeks 11 to 12, though not for everyone, and fatigue may persist. Most parents are preparing for the 12-week dating scan.

What parents need to know

Week 11 — you're nearly at the much-anticipated 12-week milestone. Many parents feel a sense of anticipation and perhaps anxiety as the dating scan approaches. This week, your baby continues to grow and develop, while you may be noticing some welcome changes in your symptoms.

How big is your baby at 11 weeks?

Your baby is now about the size of a fig — approximately 41mm from crown to rump. This is still tiny, but growth is accelerating every day.

What's happening with your baby?

At 11 weeks, your baby is looking increasingly human. The head is still proportionally large compared to the body — making up roughly half the crown-to-rump length — but the face is developing distinctly human features. Eyes are moving towards the front of the face, and eyelids remain closed, protecting the delicate developing eyes. Fingers and toes are now fully separated and fingernails are beginning to grow. Your baby is beginning to hiccup and open and close their mouth, though of course you can't feel this yet.

The bones are beginning to harden (a process called ossification), and your baby's skeleton is developing. The genitalia are forming, though sex is still difficult to determine at this stage on ultrasound.

What's happening in your body?

Many women find that nausea begins to improve slightly around weeks 11 to 12 as hCG levels start to plateau. If you've been struggling with morning sickness, this can feel like a huge relief. However, some women continue to experience nausea well into the second trimester, and a smaller number throughout pregnancy — so don't be alarmed if yours hasn't eased yet.

Fatigue often persists at this stage, but many women notice a gradual improvement in energy in the second trimester. Heartburn and indigestion may be starting for some, as the hormone progesterone relaxes the valve between the stomach and oesophagus. Eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help.

You may notice your bump starting to emerge very slightly, particularly if this is not your first pregnancy. First-time mums often don't show until 12 to 16 weeks or later.

Preparing emotionally for your scan

The 12-week dating scan is a significant moment for many parents. For those who have experienced previous pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, or have been keeping their pregnancy very private, it can feel especially weighted. It's completely normal to feel nervous beforehand. Seeing your baby on screen for the first time — moving, with a beating heart — is often profoundly moving.

Remember that the sonographer's job is to take measurements and carry out a thorough assessment, so they may not always be chatty during the scan. If you have questions, save them for the end or ask your midwife. You'll usually be given photos of your scan to take home (though there may be a small charge at some hospitals).

Talking about your pregnancy

Many couples choose to wait until after the 12-week scan to share the news of their pregnancy more widely. The risk of miscarriage drops significantly after 12 weeks, and many people feel more comfortable making announcements once they've seen the scan and received reassurance. Of course, this is entirely personal — some people prefer to share earlier with close family and friends for support, while others prefer privacy.

If you haven't told your employer yet, you'll need to do so before 25 weeks in order to qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. Most people tell their employer around 12 to 14 weeks, once the scan has given them additional reassurance.

Your week 11 checklist

This week:

• Make sure your 12-week scan appointment is confirmed.
• Prepare any questions you have for the sonographer or midwife.
• Try to manage heartburn with smaller meals.
• Rest if fatigue is still significant.
• Start thinking about who you'd like to tell once you've had your scan.