11 weeks pregnant: baby's development, feeling hot and your rights at work

You’re now coming up to the end of the first trimester and your baby is starting to look like a baby! Your bump may start to show soon.

Your baby’s development this week

If you could see your baby’s hand, you’d notice they have teeny, delicate fingernails. Their fingers and toes are starting to separate.

Your baby’s eyes are completely closed and won’t open again for a few months. The ear buds developing on the sides of your baby's head look more like ears as they grow.

Get weekly updates on your baby's development from our expert midwives straight to your inbox.

Your pregnancy symptoms in week 11

Feeling hotter than normal

Your hormones and the extra blood your body’s pumping can leave you feeling hotter than you would normally feel. Drink plenty of water and wear layers that you can remove if you’re feeling too hot.

Some women also feel colder than usual in pregnancy

Are you suffering from swollen feet, constipation, or feeling dizzy? See our guide to 10 common pregnancy complaints and how to avoid them.

“I got chatting online and shared everything with people going through the same thing – it was such a relief to get it all out and be honest!” 
Rebecca

Worrying symptoms

It’s important to tell your midwife or doctor if there is anything that you're worried about. Do not worry if you've talked about it before and don't be concerned about whether you're wasting anyone's time. This is your pregnancy and it's important to trust your own instincts.

What to do in week 11

Pregnancy and work

If you haven’t already, it may be time to start thinking about pregnancy and work. See our information about working safely during pregnancy, telling your boss, and understanding your rights at work when you’re pregnant.

Eating well

Trying to be mindful about what you eat all the time can be overwhelming. Take a look at our easy food swaps to help you and your baby get the nutrients you need.

Limit your caffeine intake

It is best to limit your caffeine intake as much as possible during pregnancy, as high levels have been linked to pregnancy complications. Find out your daily caffeine intake with our caffeine calculator.

Get fitted for a new bra

Your breasts may be getting bigger, so now might be a good time to invest in a new bra. It’s a good idea to go for support and comfort. 

Skin changes

You may have also noticed that your nipples and areola becoming darker during pregnancy. This is because of hormonal changes.  

This can cause your skin colour to darken a little, in patches or all over. You may also develop a dark line down the middle of your stomach.

This is called the linea nigra and is nothing to worry about.

Skin pigmentation is more common in darker skin types.

1. NHS. You and your baby at 11 weeks pregnant. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/1-to-12/11-weeks/ (Page last reviewed: 12 October 2021 Next review due 2024)

2. NHS. Common health problems in pregnancy. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/common-health-problems/ (Page last reviewed: 8 March 2021. Next review due: 8 March 2024) Accessed: September 2021

3. Clinical Knowledge Summaries (June 2021) Antenatal care - uncomplicated pregnancy. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/antenatal-care-uncomplicated-pregnancy/management/antenatal-care-uncomplicated-pregnancy/

4. Patient Info (2021) Melasma. https://patient.info/doctor/melasma-chloasma-pro

Review dates
Reviewed: 11 July 2022
Next review: 11 July 2025