11 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not Quite Bump, Energy Glimpses & Self Care Tips

A Glimmer of Hope: Finding Your Breath in Week 11

Welcome to Week 11. You are in the home stretch of the first trimester, and this week can feel like the first glimmer of light at the end of a long, exhausting tunnel. For some, the relentless nausea might finally be showing signs of easing up, and the thought of feeling like yourself again feels like a real possibility.

Let's be honest, though: you are still in the thick of it. The exhaustion is likely still very real, and you might be feeling impatient and just done with feeling so unlike yourself. Whether you're feeling a bit better or are still counting down the minutes until you can lie down, your feelings are valid. We're here to talk about the messy, hopeful, and completely normal reality of this week.

Your Baby at Week 11

If you're 11 weeks pregnant, you're in month 3 of your pregnancy. Only 6 months left to go!

Your baby is now about an inch and a half long, roughly the size of a small lime. And this week, they are looking more and more like the tiny human you can't wait to meet.

Those little webbed paddles have now separated into individual fingers and toes so tiny and perfect. Hair follicles are forming on their head and body, and the buds that will one day become their teeth are developing under the gums. While you can't see it yet, if you're having a girl, her ovaries are now developing. Every day brings a new, incredible miracle.

A Note on the "Not-Quite-a-Bump" Bump

This can be an awkward week for body image. You're likely not in maternity clothes yet, but your regular pants might feel like a form of torture. That bloated, uncomfortable feeling is so common. It’s an in-between stage that can be frustrating, and it's okay to feel a little impatient for a real, defined bump to appear. Be gentle with yourself and know that your body is making space and doing exactly what it needs to do. Comfort is key, so embrace the leggings and stretchy pants.

Is That… Energy?

You might wake up one morning this week and realize you don't feel quite as sick. You might make it through the afternoon without needing a nap. These small shifts are often the first signs that the second trimester and the energy it promises is just around the corner. If you're not feeling it yet, don't worry. For many, the misery lasts right up until week 13 or 14. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

A Survival Kit for the Home Stretch

This week is about being patient with yourself and your body.

Listen to Your Body's Cues: If you have a burst of energy, use it for a gentle walk. If you feel exhausted, honor that and rest. Your body is the best guide you have.

Stay Hydrated: Sipping water throughout the day can still help with fatigue and headaches. Try adding lemon or mint to make it more appealing.

Celebrate the Small Wins: Did you eat a real vegetable today? Did you make it through a whole morning without feeling sick? These are huge victories. Acknowledge them.

You are so close to the finish line of the hardest part of this journey. You are strong, and you are doing an incredible job.