Week 11 During Week 11 of pregnancy, or 9 weeks after conception, the placenta is providing nourishment that enables the fetus to start growing more rapidly. Red blood cells are beginning to form in the liver. The external genitals become visible. The fetus can now sigh, stretch, open its mouth, and move its tongue. It drinks fluid and there is movement in the small intestine. The fetus is about 2 inches long.