Pregnant in week 11
In week 11 your baby is the size of a fig. It can now open and close its hands and has started swallowing amniotic fluid. From this week the window for the public nuchal scan opens, and energy slowly begins to return for many.
Your baby in week 11
Your baby measures around 4 centimetres and weighs about 20 grams. The head still makes up almost half the length, but the body begins to straighten and grow faster.
The hands can open and close, and the fingers are now separated. Your baby swallows amniotic fluid and makes small movements with its mouth. The external genitals are developing but can't yet be used to determine the sex.
The bones begin to harden, the tooth buds are in place, and the fine nails are forming. The face has become more human, with the eyes moving towards their final position.
Your body and symptoms in week 11
For many, energy begins to return over the coming weeks as the placenta takes over hormone production. Nausea may still be there but typically eases soon.
The uterus is now large enough to fill the pelvis, and you may sense a small bulge just above the pubic bone. Trousers feel tight, even though a real bump isn't visible yet.
The public nuchal translucency scan is offered between weeks 11+4 and 13+6. The nuchal fold is measured, and combined with a blood test – the double test – the risk of chromosomal conditions is calculated.
Good advice for week 11
Book the nuchal scan
The scan must fall between weeks 11+4 and 13+6 to be usable. Make sure to book an appointment if you want it – contact the maternity unit if in doubt.
Enjoy the returning energy
If you notice your energy slowly returning, use it for gentle movement and some fresh air. It benefits both sleep and mood.
Watch your skin
Some get dry or itchy skin as the belly begins to grow. A mild, unscented cream keeps skin supple and soothing.
Plan the good news
Many choose to share the pregnancy after week 12, when the miscarriage risk has dropped. There is no rule – do it when it feels right.
Relevant with us in week 11
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 11
How is the nuchal scan done?
It is a completely ordinary ultrasound scan through the abdomen, which doesn't hurt you or your baby. The scan is always combined with a blood test from you – called the double test – and the two results are calculated together into a single risk assessment.
Can you see the sex at the nuchal scan?
Rarely reliably. The genitals still look so alike that it is too uncertain. We perform gender scans with a gender guarantee from week 15.
Do you need both NIPT and the nuchal scan?
It is a personal choice. Some choose one, others both, and some decline prenatal testing entirely. Contact us and we will help you work out what suits you.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
Every time you enter a new week we send you what is happening with your baby and your body, good advice for the week – and when the different scans make sense. Unsubscribe with one click.
Read on in week 11
Early pregnancy scan in Copenhagen – everything you need to know (2026)
Guide to your first pregnancy
