First trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 11 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a lime. About 1.60 inches, 7g.
By week 11, the risk of miscarriage drops to about 2%. Fibroids — present in over 80% of Black women by age 50 per Baird 2003 (PMID 12548202) — can complicate the second trimester onward; baseline imaging matters now. Source
What's happening with the baby
The fetus is about 1.6 inches long. Bones are hardening. Fingernails are forming. The fetus can yawn, hiccup, and stretch. External genitals start to differentiate (though not yet visible on ultrasound).
What's happening for you
Many women report symptoms easing as the placenta takes over. Energy may return. Nausea may decrease. The uterus rises out of the pelvis. Some women notice increased libido.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Decreased nausea (for some), increased energy, occasional headaches, constipation, gas and bloating, mild round-ligament pain, breast changes continuing.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe abdominal or one-sided pelvic pain with bleeding — possible ectopic pregnancy.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) with cramping.
- Fainting, severe dizziness, or shoulder-tip pain — ectopic with internal bleeding is an emergency.
- Fever over 101°F with chills or pelvic pain.
- Severe vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down for 24+ hours (hyperemesis).
Why this week matters for Black families
By the end of the first trimester, several decisions matter for Black families. (1) Whether to do first-trimester genetic screening (NIPT). The Bonus uptake rate for NIPT is lower for Black patients, and the literature documents that providers offer it less often — if you want it, ask explicitly. (2) Documenting baseline blood pressure. Pre-existing chronic hypertension is more common in Black women and changes the entire prenatal-care plan. (3) Asking about low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention. Per the USPSTF 2021 recommendation, Black patients are in the high-risk category for which aspirin from 12 weeks onward is supported by RCT evidence.
What to do this week
First-trimester combined screening (NT scan + blood work) is offered at 11–13 weeks. Ask if you want it. Discuss baseline fibroid imaging — if you've ever had heavy periods or pelvic pain, document fibroid status now (much harder to image later in pregnancy). Continue prenatal vitamins and aspirin if prescribed.
References
- Baird 2003 — Cumulative incidence of uterine fibroids, PMID 12548202
- ACOG Practice Bulletin 224 — Twin Pregnancy.
Last medically reviewed: .
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