Week 11: Development of Reflexes
Week eleven is a time of reflex development and active movements of your baby.
Baby size: Lime (25-30 mm)
Baby development
Little Acrobat
Even though you don’t feel it, your fetus is very active: it stretches, flips, and even hiccups! These movements are essential for the development of its muscles and nervous system.
What’s happening this week:
- Facial features: Ears take their final position on the sides of the head.
- Skin: The skin is still translucent, with blood vessels visible through it. Hair follicles are beginning to form.
- Limbs: Arms and legs can already bend, and the palms can curl into fists.
- Reflexes: The first reflexes are developing. If you touch the palm, it may squeeze.
Your baby is becoming increasingly unique. The fingerprints are already fully formed and will remain unchanged for life.
Changes for mom
Return of Appetite and Early Style Changes
The placenta has fully taken over the hormonal function, bringing stability to how you feel. You may feel significantly better.
What you may notice:
- Increased hair and nail growth: Thank the pregnancy hormones for this. Hair may become thicker, and nails stronger.
- Return of appetite: You may feel a real hunger. Enjoy food, but try to choose nutritious options.
- Skin darkening: You may notice a dark line on the abdomen (linea nigra) or darkening of the nipples. This is a temporary effect caused by hormones.
- Appearance of a baby bump: If this is your second or third pregnancy, the bump may become noticeable to others.
Weight gain is an important part of pregnancy, but it should be healthy. Read more in our article about weight gain during pregnancy.
Overview
Week 11: On the Threshold of the Second Trimester
Week eleven is the final stretch of the first trimester. You and your little one have done a huge amount of work, and the most challenging stage of formation is now behind you.
Your fetus is now the size of a lime or a fig. Its proportions are beginning to change: the body grows faster, catching up to the head, which still makes up about half of the body length.
This may be a week for you when energy starts to return and nausea finally recedes. You may feel the first surge of strength and begin to truly enjoy how you feel.
This is a time when you can exhale with relief. Risks have dropped significantly, and you confidently enter the "golden period" of pregnancy.
The calmest and most pleasant stage lies ahead. Learn more about it in our overview of the second trimester.
Tips for mom
Time to Refresh Your Wardrobe and Diet
With the return of energy and appetite, new opportunities arise to care for yourself and your baby.
What to focus on:
- Complete the first screening. This is an optimal time for this important examination. It will help you feel more at ease.
- Listen to your hunger. Eat when you’re hungry, choosing foods rich in protein, iron and calcium (meat, fish, dairy products, legumes).
- Invest in a maternity wardrobe. Purchase a few basics: comfortable pants, loose dresses, supportive underwear. This will greatly improve your comfort and mood.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Hormonal changes make the skin more prone to pigmentation (chloasma). Use sunscreen.
Caring for your appearance and wearing comfortable clothing isn’t trivial—it’s an important part of psychological comfort. Learn more in the article "Beauty, Care and Style During Pregnancy".
Tips for partner
Celebrate Small Victories
The end of the first trimester is a great opportunity to celebrate how you’ve handled this challenging period as a team.
How to support and delight:
- Suggest a joint shopping trip. Help her pick the first maternity items. Your involvement will make the process more fun.
- Plan a “mini‑vacation”. The second trimester is an ideal time for a short trip or simply a relaxing weekend for two.
- Cook healthy meals together. Now that her appetite has returned, you can experiment with new nutritious recipes together.
- Talk about the future. Start discussing names, setting up the baby’s room. This brings you closer and makes the future feel more real.
It’s time to think about what the baby will need. Get inspired by our article on shopping for the baby’s arrival.
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 11
Consolidate your successes and look ahead.
- ✅ Complete the first prenatal screening.
- 🛍️ Buy the first items for a maternity wardrobe.
- 🍎 Create a healthy eating plan for the coming weeks, using the return of appetite.
- ☀️ Add sunscreen to your daily routine.
- 📸 Take the first photo of your belly. This is the start of a sweet tradition.
- 📚 Learn more about the tests that await you in the article "Tests and Examinations".