Pregnancy Week 11 vs Week 12
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 1st trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 11Fig
Week 12Lime
Your baby is approximately 29% through pregnancy
Week 11
📏
Length
1.6 inches
⚖️
Weight
0.25 ounces
🍎
Size Comparison
Fig
Week 12
📏
Length
2.1 inches
⚖️
Weight
0.49 ounces
🍎
Size Comparison
Lime
What Changes Between Week 11 and 12?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Reflexes are developing including sucking, rooting, and grasping reflexes
- ✓Intestines, which had been growing in the umbilical cord, move into the proper position in the abdomen
- ✓Kidneys are producing urine which becomes amniotic fluid
- ✓Nerve cells are multiplying rapidly throughout the brain and body
- ✓Baby can open and close mouth, and may be yawning
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Reduced nausea and morning sickness for most women (about 70% see improvement)
- ✓Increased energy levels returning as you approach the second trimester
- ✓Visible baby bump may appear, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy
- ✓Darkening of nipples and areolas due to increased pigmentation
- ✓Less frequent urination as uterus rises out of pelvis
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 11 Development
- •Hair follicles are forming all over the scalp and body
- •Fingernails appear at the tips of fingers and will continue growing
- •Baby is beginning to open and close fists, and may even suck their thumb
- •Tooth buds are forming under the gums for all 20 baby teeth
- •External genitals are developing and will be visible on ultrasound within 2-3 weeks
- •Diaphragm is forming allowing baby to practice breathing movements
Week 12 Development
- •Reflexes are developing including sucking, rooting, and grasping reflexes
- •Intestines, which had been growing in the umbilical cord, move into the proper position in the abdomen
- •Kidneys are producing urine which becomes amniotic fluid
- •Nerve cells are multiplying rapidly throughout the brain and body
- •Baby can open and close mouth, and may be yawning
- •Bone marrow begins producing white blood cells to fight infection
Common Symptoms
Week 11 Symptoms
- •Nausea typically starts to ease as you approach the end of the first trimester
- •Increased energy levels in many women as the exhaustion of early pregnancy lifts
- •Skin changes may appear including darkening of nipples, linea nigra (dark line on belly), or melasma (pregnancy mask)
- •Increased appetite as morning sickness subsides
- •Continued breast growth and tenderness
- •Occasional headaches from hormonal changes
Week 12 Symptoms
- •Reduced nausea and morning sickness for most women (about 70% see improvement)
- •Increased energy levels returning as you approach the second trimester
- •Visible baby bump may appear, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy
- •Darkening of nipples and areolas due to increased pigmentation
- •Less frequent urination as uterus rises out of pelvis
- •Possible spotting after sex or pelvic exams due to increased blood flow to cervix
Nutrition Tips
Week 11 Nutrition
- •Eat 4-5 servings of colorful vegetables and 3-4 servings of fruits daily for vitamins and fiber
- •Include whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread for sustained energy
- •Get adequate protein (70-100g daily) from lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts
- •Continue prenatal vitamins with folic acid, iron, and calcium
- •Eat foods rich in choline (eggs, chicken, fish) for brain development
- •Include omega-3 rich foods for baby's brain and eye development
Week 12 Nutrition
- •Increase caloric intake by about 300 extra calories per day through nutrient-dense foods
- •Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- •Stay hydrated with at least 10 glasses of water daily
- •Include iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals with vitamin C for absorption
- •Eat calcium-rich foods at every meal for baby's bone development
- •Include foods with iodine (iodized salt, seafood, dairy) for thyroid function and brain development
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 11 to 12, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet