Time flies when you’re growing more than one! Can you believe you’re almost at the end of the first trimester?
Your babies have already begun developing some of their more intricate details — like fingernails on those little hands you can’t wait to hold. Their bodies have taken on the shape of identifiable babies, and you’ll likely be surprised the next time you see them on an ultrasound.
For information on how twins and multiples form, click here.
What’s new with your babies?
Your little ones have a big job to do before their birthday, and they’re developing rapidly as the weeks progress.
At 11 weeks, your babies are just shy of an inch long and weigh approximately 0.25 ounces each—roughly the size of a small plum! Although you can’t feel their movements just yet, you’ll be excited to hear they’re busy practicing all sorts of new skills in the womb.
If you have an ultrasound coming up, you might even get to see your babies stretching, hiccuping, and kicking!
What can you expect this week?
Pregnancy hormones may be getting the best of you, which is perfectly normal. Your body is growing multiple humans, so it’s expected that you will feel considerable exhaustion during the process. Try to get as much rest as you can, even if your brain is in overdrive thinking about your to-do list.
Mood swings are common as your body adjusts to the new hormones circulating through your system. Give yourself grace if you find you’re feeling a bit snippier than usual, but be sure to bring up any more severe symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Although the first trimester is wrapping up, you may still have some bothersome symptoms hanging around, such as morning sickness. Continuing to eat small, more frequent meals is advised. Rest assured, most pregnant people begin to feel much better once they hit the second trimester, which is just around the corner!
First trimester testing
Genetic screening is testing to determine if your babies are at elevated risk of having a genetic disorder. It doesn’t diagnose conditions, but rather alerts you to potential signs that the babies may have a condition. There are a few types available. One is a simple blood draw from you, known as Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) or NIPT-T (testing instead of screening). Another test is an ultrasound of the babies’ nuchal folds (the skin at the back of their necks), along with a blood draw from you to measure certain hormone levels. Every pregnant person should be offered genetic screening during the first trimester of pregnancy. Ask your provider which test is best for you.
Some people prefer a more definitive type of test, known as a diagnostic test. Every pregnant person should be offered this as an option, regardless of their screening results or risk factors. If you desire diagnostic testing, there are two options. The first is called chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, which is offered between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy. The second is called an amniocentesis and is commonly done between 15 and 20 weeks (but can be done later). Ultimately, it is your decision whether you want this testing performed. If you have certain risk factors or if you’d like a more in-depth explanation, a genetic counselor can help you decide if these more invasive tests would be recommended in your circumstances.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Multifetal gestation: Twin, triplet, and higher order multifetal pregnancies.” National Guideline Clearinghouse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Twin pregnancy: What multiples mean for mom.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, Updated December 17 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/twin-pregnancy/art-20048161.
- “FAQ: Multiple pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, July 2015. Last reviewed: May 2025.
- “Current ACOG guidance, non-invasive prenatal testing,” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Retrieved June 2025. https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/non-invasive-prenatal-testing/current-acog-guidance
