Pregnancy Week 4: The Beginning of A Remarkable Journey
Welcome to Week 4 of pregnancy! At this pivotal moment, an extraordinary process begins, as your tiny embryo starts developing into a future bundle of joy. Here's everything you need to know about this incredible week and how to prepare for the exciting months ahead.
What’s Happening in Your Body
By Week 4, a lot is already happening inside your body. The fertilized egg has traveled through the fallopian tube and implanted itself into the uterine lining. This is when the placenta begins to form and produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone that confirms pregnancy in most at-home tests.
Your embryo is now a collection of cells that will soon develop into different parts of your baby, including the brain, spinal cord, and heart. At this stage, the embryo measures about 0.1 to 0.2 mm—roughly the size of a poppy seed.
Signs And Symptoms
While some people may not notice symptoms yet, others may experience early signs of pregnancy, such as:
Missed period: One of the most telltale signs of pregnancy.
Fatigue: The surge in progesterone can make you feel more tired than usual.
Nausea or morning sickness: Though it’s more common in later weeks, some may feel queasy early on.
Breast tenderness: Hormonal changes can make your breasts feel sore or swollen.
Frequent urination: Increased blood flow to your kidneys can lead to more bathroom visits.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a home pregnancy test or schedule a visit with your healthcare provider for confirmation.
What to Do This Week
Here are some essential steps to take during Week 4:
Take a Pregnancy Test: A positive result at this stage means it’s time to celebrate and start planning.
Book Your First Prenatal Appointment: Your doctor will likely schedule your first visit around Week 8.
Start Prenatal Vitamins: If you haven’t already, begin taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folate to support your baby’s development.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine.
Rest and Relax: Give your body the care it needs as it embarks on this transformative journey.
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