Your Pregnancy at Week 4

Your Pregnancy at Week 4

Implantation is happening!

Week 04

your baby this week:

About six days after fertilization, the blastocyst has planted into your uterine wall. The inner cell mass, or embryoblast, has grown into a disk-like structure, two cell layers thick: the epiblast, which forms the amniotic cavity (the closed sac between the amniotic fluid and embryo); and the hypoblast, which forms a tiny yolk sac. In these early weeks, the yolk sac provides nourishment to the embryo until your placenta is fully formed.

The outer cell mass, or trophoblast, is becoming a large part of the placenta. But for now, your primitive version of the placenta is working hard to create space in the lining of your uterus, allowing your blood to flow and helping you provide your little one with oxygen and nutrients as he or she grows.

PS. Your baby's neural tube is beginning to develop.And yes, it's totally normal to brag about growing neural tubes.

your body:

Do you feel pregnant? Chances are, you do! Mood swings, intense smells... everyone is different. You may feel more fatigued than usual, or a little nausea. Some women experience tender nipples and swollen breasts. And some women feel no symptomatic difference whatsoever during the fourth week.

It's time to find out.

You'll get the most accurate result on your home pregnancy test at the end of this week. Some women are lucky enough to find out as soon as they've missed their period, and others won't find out until week five. Name-brand and generic home pregnancy tests are equally sensitive and frequently stubborn about detecting the hCG hormone in your urine during the fourth week. If your test is negative, wait until week five and take another test.

If your home pregnancy test detects enough of the hormone hCG in your urine this week, you'll see that glorious positive result. Even if you discover a very faint - but still positive - test result, there's a great chance you’re pregnant. And yes, it's normal to wonder if you eyeballed the fabulously lowkey, faint result into existence or truly see it (feel free to use the buddy system if you really aren't sure), and it's equally as normal to take multiple tests (just to be extra sure).

Whether your home pregnancy test result is clearly positive or only just, you should contact your doctor, midwife, doula, or other healthcare practitioner to schedule your first prenatal appointment. You should also ask if the vitamin supplements, prescriptions, and/or over-the-counter medications you're taking are safe to continue.

Be mindful of what you put into your body during these early weeks, when your little one is most vulnerable. The first trimester is the most critical, susceptible stage in your baby's formation and development. You should avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, secondhand smoke, and certain medications.

Louise Broadbridge - Our Expert Midwife

Hi, my name is Louise, I am a Registered Midwife, founder of Let's Talk Birth and Baby and the face behind Instagram's The Honest Midwife. I have worked in health settings for the past 30 years, the majority of which have been working in children and family settings.

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your tips & to do's:

Tell your partner you're pregnant.

If you're not already, start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, and remember to take it daily because it's proven to help prevent birth defects.

Select your midwife, doula, or OB doctor and make your first prenatal appointment.

Begin the habit of going to bed early and napping when you can. Most women feel more worn out than they've ever felt before, and this is a great way to combat that fatigue.

Who knew we'd ever find cause to celebrate the rising number on a scale? Okay, maybe you aren't celebrating per say, but it is perhaps the one time in your life you should consider documenting your weight gain. Get creative! Give your baby book the perfect start with a record of your ever-expanding baby bump. Some of the best ways to document and gauge your growth include:

  • Taking a profile picture each week. Use a small marker or poster board as a sign to hold, naming the week, to help you more easily distinguish between weeks. Make this photo record even more dramatic by taking pictures in the same location each week, perhaps framed by a doorway for visual reference to your changing waistline. If you're thinking weekly photo shoots aren't your cup of tea, one-a-month photos work, too!
  • Using written word! As often as you think it, document each little landmark of gestation in a journal, like when you make the switch to maternity clothing, or your belly button no longer claims its allegiance to the "innie" club, or your partner is at the helm of all leg shaving. These moments seem unforgettable, but in years to come, you’ll treasure these tiny details.
  • Wrapping ribbon around your waist. Go to your local craft store and purchase a bag of baby-related (or any theme) charms. Each month, tie a charm at the precise point where it meets. As the charms accumulate, you'll have a tangible, charming reminder of this journey.

No matter how you choose to document your growing belly, make sure you relish in the amazing changes that are taking place inside of you. Remember, each pound is helping to nourish and sustain that little life inside.

your symptoms

Many women don't feel the symptoms of pregnancy during week four. However, about 50 percent of women will experience pregnancy symptoms during week five, and most women will notice symptoms around week six. If you are already experiencing pregnancy symptoms, they may include:

  • A positive home pregnancy test, or positive blood pregnancy test
  • Spotting
  • Tender or swollen breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Morning sickness
  • Cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Gas and bloating

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Articles shown are a mixture of informative pieces, anecdotal accounts and professional advice from our panel of Bloggers, Writers and Experts. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official view of this site.