4 weeks pregnant: Symptoms, tips, and baby development
Congratulations on reaching the 4-week mark in your pregnancy journey!
You’ve just discovered you’re about to rent out your womb to the tiniest, neediest tenant ever–and make them feel right at home!
Although there are no visible changes yet at 4 weeks pregnant, inside, major incredible developments are underway. (It’s like a construction zone.)
Your body is busy forming the placenta and amniotic sac, which are essential for your baby’s growth, and your tiny embryo is now the size of a poppy seed.
It’s important to contact your doctor to schedule your first prenatal visit. They’ll help you confirm your new tenant’s lease agreement and give you some valuable tips on handling this little guy’s demands.
Let’s explore what symptoms to expect, some helpful tips, and how your new roommate develops during this crucial time.
Your pregnancy at 4 weeks
At just 4 weeks pregnant, a lot is happening that you can’t see.
Your tiny baby, a.k.a the embryo, is now about the size of a poppy seed, and it has two primary layers of cells: the epiblast and the hypoblast. These layers are the early foundation for all your baby’s organs and body systems. Though it’s still early days, the embryo is busy preparing to develop into the complex little person you’ll meet in several months by taking the first steps to form its organs—some of which will even start to work!
At this stage, the embryo is known as a blastocyst, which is simply a small group of rapidly dividing cells. The blastocyst will then be split into two sections: one will make up your baby, and the other will become the placenta, which will be your baby’s lifeline while it is growing and developing inside you.
Inside the blastocyst, a crucial neural tube is forming, which will become your baby’s brain and spine. Meanwhile, the outer layer of the blastocyst begins crafting part of the amniotic sac, a vital organ that will transfer nutrients from you to your baby throughout your healthy pregnancy.
An update on your baby
This week, your baby’s body is approximately 2 mm in size and weighs less than 1 gram. The tiny little thing has moved down your fallopian tube to the uterus and comfortably implanted itself in the endometrium.
Great news! They may even be detectable by a home pregnancy test by now, so it’s time to pee on that stick.
While the placenta is still forming and taking up its position over the next few weeks, the baby receives nutrients through a tiny yolk sac until it is ready.
Although it’s too early for a standard ultrasound, which usually happens around week 6, you might spot the gestational sac in an ultrasound as early as 4 weeks pregnant.
In the case of twins, you might even see two sacs in the results!
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Week 4 pregnancy symptoms: Meet the pregnancy hormone
If you don’t yet know you’re pregnant, you’re likely getting close to missing your period – so if you haven’t felt any changes up until now, this could be your first clue.
If you do a home pregnancy test and it comes back positive, it might be time to book an appointment with your doctor or midwife. You can go see your GP, who will do a blood test to confirm the pregnancy, or you can wait to see a specialised obstetrician or midwife, who will usually see you from around 8 weeks.
If you think you are pregnant, you should avoid certain foods. Talk to your midwife or doctor about what these are, or check out our list here.
Negative pregnancy test
Some home pregnancy tests might not yet be able to detect a positive result, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you are not pregnant. Your hCG levels aren’t high enough to be detected by the home testing kit, so just wait a few more days and then try again.
If you are pregnant, the pregnancy hormone will drop some hints. Here are some early pregnancy symptoms to look out for :
1. Missed period
Duh! Often, the first clue of pregnancy, a missed period, might prompt you to take a pregnancy test. This early sign signals that your body is preparing for the months ahead. If you get a positive pregnancy test, it confirms the start of a new journey. This is a crucial time to consider dietary supplements like folic acid, vital for your baby’s development.
2. Metallic taste
A surprising metallic taste in your mouth is one of the quirky early pregnancy symptoms caused by pregnancy hormones. This taste might make your favourite foods seem unappealing or make you crave new flavours. It’s a small but noticeable change that signifies the chemical shifts occurring within your body.
3. Sore breasts
Your breasts might feel tender to the touch and even appear fuller. This discomfort is due to the hormonal changes that prepare your body for breastfeeding. As your pregnancy progresses, this tenderness can increase, becoming a constant reminder of the ongoing changes.
Tip: Find a comfortable, supportive bra during this time.
4. Morning sickness
Often referred to as morning sickness, this can hit at any time of day. It’s triggered by pregnancy hormones and might be more noticeable if you haven’t eaten recently. Despite the name, you might feel nauseous at any part of the day or night.
Tip: Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals.
5. Tiredness
Early weeks of pregnancy can drain your energy, thanks to the increased production of pregnancy hormones. This fatigue is your body’s way of telling you to slow down and rest more often.
Tip: Listen to your body and adjust your schedule to include more downtime.
6. Food preferences
Your sense of smell could be heightened, making some smells unbearable and changing your taste preferences. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly dislike your favourite salad or crave unusual foods. These changes can lead to new eating habits, which might last throughout your pregnancy.
7. Frequent urination
The need to pee more often comes from the pressure of your growing uterus and increased blood volume. This symptom can be inconvenient but is a normal part of pregnancy.
Tip: Reduce fluid intake before bedtime, but stay hydrated throughout the day.
8. Vaginal discharge
A milky white discharge from your vagina is expected during a healthy pregnancy, helping to prevent infections. This discharge might increase as your pregnancy progresses.
Tip: Keep an eye on the colour and consistency. This can identify any potential issues early.
9. Light spotting
Some women experience light spotting from the fertilised egg implanting in the uterus. While usually harmless, it’s wise to consult your doctor if you notice bleeding. Spotting is typically light pink or brown and should not be accompanied by severe pain or cramping.
10. Cramping
You may feel cramps similar to period pains as your uterus begins to make room for its new occupant. These cramps can be mild to moderate and are often intermittent. If cramping becomes severe or persistent, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for advice.
11. Skin changes
You might notice darker patches of skin on your face, known as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma faciei. These changes are also influenced by pregnancy hormones and may fade after delivery.
Tip: Sunscreen can help prevent these patches from becoming darker.
12. Hair changes
Looking at your voluptuous hair in front of the mirror might make you feel like an Olaplex model! During early pregnancy, your hair could appear thicker and shinier. Enjoy this phase, as postpartum hair changes can often include shedding.
13. Bloating
An increase in bloating and a feeling of fullness are common. This can be uncomfortable, but eating fibre-rich foods and exercising can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Remember, bloating is a temporary but necessary part of the pregnancy process.
Tips to help get you through the week
Contact your healthcare professional
It’s important to contact your healthcare professional. You may self-refer to your local maternity unit. If you have conditions like diabetes or are on medication, inform your GP. Discuss any medications to ensure they are safe for you and your baby during this early stage of pregnancy.
If you need immediate advice or cannot reach your healthcare provider, you can call the Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby hotline at 1800 882 436 for support. Available from 7 am to midnight (AEST/EADT), 7 days a week, including public holidays, this service puts you in touch with maternal child health nurses who can offer guidance.
The helpline is staffed by maternal child health nurses, who are dual-registered midwives and nurses with additional qualifications in child and family health nursing.
Schedule your first midwife appointment
Your first appointment with the midwife typically needs to happen around 8 weeks, so call and schedule one now. This is an essential step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Alright, it’s time to have “the talk.” Your womb is now a five-star hotel for a VIP guest, and it’s a strictly no-smoking zone. Smoking can lead to serious birth defects, while alcohol consumption can cause complications and should be avoided.
Manage sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections can affect your baby’s health. It’s vital to get checked as many women might not show symptoms. Early treatment is crucial in the first trimester.
Pop those prenatal vitamins
Start supplements like folic acid and Vitamin D.
Folic acid helps prevent nervous system defects, like spina bifida, and Vitamin D supports the development of the baby’s bones and nervous system.
Now can be a good time to double-check any medication you are taking. If you’re unsure about any current medications, speak with your doctor to make sure it is safe to continue taking them throughout your pregnancy.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is recommended for pregnant women. Start with gentle activities that are safe during pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy.
Your 4 weeks pregnant checklist
- Start taking a Prenatal Vitamin
- Inform your partner and make it cute!
- Assess safe exercises
- Beauty and skincare check to see if what you’re using is safe during pregnancy
Sources
Raising Children Network, 4 weeks pregnant, November 2023
Better Health Channel, Pregnancy- week by week, February 2012
Pregnancy Birth & Baby, First trimester, May 2022
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