— The time to notice increased HCG levels in your body
Now you are four weeks pregnant; it is amazing to hear, am I right!! So, with this week, you are almost at the end of the first month of your pregnancy. This is the right time for implantation and to feel the changes happening in your body, but the baby’s growth will not be confirmed yet. Because for most women, it is the time for the monthly period, and the body becomes more aware of the changes happening inside.
Until the 4th week, if you have experienced any symptoms or changes in your body, it is time to decide and make yourself known. Either you can visit your gynecologist or try a home pregnancy test kit to know whether you are pregnant or not.
If the test turns positive, then you are four weeks pregnant now. So, what happens with you and your baby during pregnancy week 4? Read on to know more.
Symptoms experienced by a four weeks pregnant woman:
During pregnancy week 4, you may feel slightly different compared to the previous three weeks. You may feel the symptoms more than in the last few weeks.
Physically you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Missed period
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Feeling full
- Poor appetite
- Mild cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Frequent urination
Few women experience morning sickness from the 4th week onwards, but some may begin to experience it from their 6th week. Even if you experience it during pregnancy week 4, it is not a worrying situation. This difference is because of the changes happening in your body.
Nausea is also one of the annoying pregnancy symptoms that you may experience about three times a day. This is a very disrupting pregnancy symptom and sometimes leads to hyperemesis gravidarum, needing immediate doctor’s consultation. The doctor will help to reduce dehydration.
It is wonderful if you are not experiencing any of the above four weeks of pregnant symptoms. But, it is not a worrying situation and is standard for most women. Start taking care of yourself if you are experiencing any of the above pregnancy symptoms.
During this period, you may experience overall soreness due to morning sickness and your body’s changes. Afternoon headaches and back pain are the most common symptoms during the initial stages of pregnancy.
Physical changes that occur in a four-week pregnant woman:
During pregnancy week 4, a part of the ovary produces the corpus luteum responsible for progesterone production in women during the early weeks of pregnancy. Fortunately, the placenta will form and begin making more progesterone that your body requires to maintain the pregnancy by the time you enter the pregnancy week 12 or thereabout.
From pregnancy week 4, you may start gaining weight, and the breast size increases to prepare for breastfeeding. Your heartbeat becomes faster, increasing by about 15 beats per minute.
Fetal changes that occur in a four-week pregnant woman:
During pregnancy week 4, the size of the fetus is about 0.014 to 0.04 inches. Two layers of the cells make a connection with your baby, called epiblast and hypoblast. Additionally, during this period, the development of two new structures will also take places, such as the amnion and the yolk sac.
- The amnion is filled with amniotic fluid, which surrounds to protect the growing fetus.
- The yolk sac is responsible for blood production and ensuring the proper nourishment of your growing baby.
During this week, the placenta is in the process of formation and is made up of blood and vascular networks to protect the baby and supply nutrients and oxygen.
Overall, in pregnancy week 4, the home for the upcoming baby is in the process of construction. This week is the time to show the baby’s arm and leg buds. Several different layers of cells start developing to support the baby’s growth. These cells will grow into your baby’s organs as well as other parts of the body.
What care should be taken by a four weeks pregnant woman?
Taking plenty of rest, eating smaller meals more often, and wearing a supportive bra are very important during the initial stages of pregnancy. You should remember that the first trimester is a very crucial period of pregnancy as there are more chances for miscarriage at this time. So, you should be very careful to protect yourself from injuries or accidents.
Avoid exposing yourself to harmful chemicals in very hot and cold conditions as they can damage the developing fetus. Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing significantly soliciting activities. The more physical effort, the greater the chances of miscarriage.
This is the period for most women experience anxiety attacks. Whether it may be due to unwanted pregnancy or may be due to irritation to any smells, like perfume smell or some food flavors, stress and anxiety can cause a very damaging effect on your baby, so be very careful.
Sit in a calm environment and think about your condition. It helps you better understand the changes happening with you and offers the baby a perfect psychological environment.
Have a fantastic journey of pregnancy!! Go on to know more about what happens during pregnancy week 5.
