Week 4 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 4

• A positive pregnancy test is likely; the embryo starts forming critical organs.

• All kinds of incredible things start to happen in the first four weeks of pregnancy. It's time to find out what you need to consume so you and your tiny bean receive all the vitamins and minerals needed to drive this amazing process.

• That is not yet an embryo. Right now, you are developing a blastocyte. It is a ball of cells with a delicate inner shell and a tough outer shell. The inner shell will be where the embryo develops; the outer shell implants in your uterus and will become the placenta.

• This week the blastocyst settles within your uterus. The embryo will be nourished by the thick, ready-made lining.

• If you are in Week 4 of your pregnancy you are in your first trimester.

• 36 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy.

Baby's Development at Week 4

• Embryo- Developing into a blastocyst and implantation more securely
• Baby Weight- Too tiny to measure
• Baby Length- Too tiny to measure
• Baby Size- Comparable to a poppy seed

At 4 weeks pregnant, your baby does not yet have a heartbeat. An artery has started to grow, forming the heart and circulatory system during the following several weeks. The heart will grow within the tenth week, although it will start to beat in the fifth or sixth week.

Pregnancy Symptoms This Week

During the fourth week of pregnancy, your body rapidly changes. As your baby develops, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• You will most likely begin to experience symptoms associated with the development of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone that will dominate your life, determining your emotions and health.
• You could feel a bit swollen and bloated.
• If you're a first-time mother, your baby bump will most likely remain hidden for some time.
• There may be some spotting or a little bleeding
• As the hormones kick in, you will most likely suffer extreme mood swings.
• Your breasts and nipples will begin to feel sensitive. They're giving you a hint that they'll be playing a significant role.
• At four weeks, you may see some skin changes, including a brilliant glow and natural blush, but most women will not see these until the third trimester.
• Hormones and your baby's remarkable changes and rising requirements may deplete your vitality, causing weariness.
• You may not have any symptoms yet, which is okay. Many early pregnancy symptoms appear around week six.

Your Body at Week 4

This week, the blastocyst finds a warm, nurturing environment in the uterus to develop. It may cause some bleeding, but it is not a period. It is one of the consequences of the blastocyst implanting into the uterine wall.

If you haven't taken a pregnancy test yet, now is definitely the time. If the results are positive, you should begin arranging prenatal checkups with your doctor.

At this stage, your tummy may be a bit bloated, but you most likely do not look pregnant. Still, you need to start behaving like a mom-to-be, which includes taking care of yourself and your small baby-to-be.

Morning sickness is unlikely to occur during the first four weeks of pregnancy, but it will eventually appear. Nausea commonly appears between weeks six and nine, and not just in the morning.

It's absolutely natural to feel exhausted and need sleep after simple activities at 4 weeks pregnant. One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which is understandable given that you are creating a whole new person within your body! Get into the habit of going to bed early and napping when possible.

Your mood swings are mostly caused by shifting hormone levels. (But it might also be because you're stressed or your mind is racing). Pregnancy mood fluctuations are most severe during the first 12 weeks. After that, your hormones will normalise, making you less prone to mood swings.

Four-week ultrasound

An ultrasound at 4 weeks pregnant would show a little dot known as the gestational sac. However, it's unlikely that you'll get an ultrasound in four weeks. When you phone the doctor to inform them that you are pregnant, they may offer congratulations and then schedule your first prenatal checkup for around a month from now.

We understand that it seems like an eternity to wait. However, if you have a clean bill of health and are not at risk of pregnancy issues, there is no need to consult a doctor just yet. Around week 8 or 9, the OB will be able to see considerably more (including a heartbeat). In the meantime, try to relax, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and abstain from harmful behaviours like drinking and smoking.

Tips for Week 4

This is a critical period for you and your baby. Here's some additional professional advice on how to transition to this new stage while keeping you and your baby safe.

• You're fresh to all of this, so do some research to locate a decent OB/GYN in your neighbourhood.
• It's time to abandon your bad habits. Say goodbye to cigarettes and alcohol.
• What you eat might influence your baby's growth. A healthy and balanced diet is essential.

Checklist for Week 4

Knowing what you want to achieve week by week will help you feel more prepared and less stressed. Include these new tasks on your to-do list this week.

• Confirm pregnancy with a healthcare provider
• Find your OB
• Share the news with your partner, but keep it discreet for now
• Begin taking prenatal vitamins
• Start documenting your pregnancy journey

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 4 of Pregnancy

1. What early symptoms should I expect during pregnancy?
   Signs of early pregnancy may include:
   
   
   • Missed period
   • Nausea and vomiting (commonly called 'morning sickness', although it may happen at any time)
   • Symptoms may include breast discomfort and enlargement, weariness, and increased urinary frequency, especially at night.
   • Cravings for certain meals, disgust for things you normally enjoy, and a sour or metallic taste that lasts even when you are not eating (dysgeusia).
2. How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
   According to pregnancy kit manufacturers, most at-home pregnancy tests are 98% to 99% accurate when used precisely as directed. Positive results may be believed, however taking the test too soon may result in a false negative.

Medically approved by Dr Komal Multani, Consultant Gynecologist, Asian KHMC, Nagpur