If you’re still not sure whether or not you’re pregnant, now would be a great time to confirm. At this point there should be signs, such as missed menstrual periods, hormonal changes, and nausea and vomiting. Contacting an OB/GYN or taking over-the-counter pregnancy tests are both great ways of finding out the truth.
If you have confirmed that you are pregnant, changes in diet and lifestyle are critical during the fourth week. After all, it’s the fourth week — you’ve been pregnant for one whole month. The first trimester is underway, and this is a very critical point in your baby’s development.
Fetuses are at high risk for abnormalities during this stage, as the baby’s brain, heart, head, spinal cord, bones, muscles, tissues, and teeth are all developing. If you’ve been taking in toxins such as alcohol, it’s very important to stop those habits to increase your baby’s chances of remaining healthy.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 4 Weeks
During the fourth week of pregnancy, your body is producing the pregnancy hormone HGC, which can cause anxiety, vomiting, nausea, light-headedness, fainting, dizziness, exhaustion, and mood swings.
Your breasts will become increasingly tender and sore, and sometimes you will notice a tingling sensation. Some women also find that their sense of smell becomes quite sharp, which can be either good or bad, depending on the smell.
Foul odors are more apt to cause nausea or vomiting. Pregnancy during the first trimester can sometimes feel like an ordeal that will never end. But try not to stress about that; your symptoms will subside soon enough — just as other symptoms kick in.
Baby’s Development
Your baby is developing very quickly during the fourth week of pregnancy. Conception, fertilization, and implantation have all occurred, and now your baby is developing into… well, a baby.
Now called an embryo, your baby consists of two layers, called the epiblast and the hypoblast. Also, the amnion sac and yolk sac develop during this fourth week. The amnion sac fills with amniotic fluid, which protects the embryo.
The yolk sac produces the blood and helps nourish the embryo until the placenta takes over. Your baby’s vascular network is growing and helping to transport blood, oxygen, and nutrients from mother to baby by way of the umbilical cord.
Your baby is .4 mm long — about the size of an apple seed. The heart is beating, blood is beginning to pump, and organs are developing.
Pregnancy Week 4 Tips
- Change your negative habits immediately. This is the most important stage for your baby’s internal development. Avoid drugs, alcohol and medications that can negatively affect the baby.
- Talk with your partner. Express your concerns and discuss your symptoms. This could help your partner understand what you’re going through, and let them know what to expect.
- Consult with family and friends, and build a support group to help you through the emotional, hormonal, and physical changes your body will be going through. Having a strong support system may also benefit your partner, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
- Make an appointment with a recommended obstetrician.
- Make sure you find out what medical insurance you need. If you have medical insurance, find out exactly what is covered and what isn’t.
- Get plenty of rest and relaxation.
Want to know what happens during the 5th week of pregnancy? Click here.