Your baby at week four of pregnancy
Your baby is still only the size of a poppy seed but the group of cells has completed the six day journey down your fallopian tube and reached its resting place for the next eight months. Nestling into your uterine lining; this is called implantation; the cells divide into two groups; the one that is destined to become your child, and the one that will become the provider of life for your unborn baby, in the form of the placenta.
The half preparing to become your baby begins its amazing transformation into an actual embryo. The outer layer of the embryo will become your baby’s skin, nervous system and eyes, while the middle layer is transforming into your baby’s organs, bones and muscles, and the central layer will become your baby’s digestive system, liver and respiratory system.
Your body at week four of pregnancy
Despite the huge changes that your future baby is going through, you may not feel any spectacular changes in your own body, and are possibly completely oblivious to the wondrous creation of life that is occurring in your uterus. If you are unaware of your condition it is common to associate any clues to expecting your menstrual period, with symptoms being very similar between early pregnancy and pre-menstrual signs.
What you might be feeling at week four of pregnancy
At four weeks pregnant you may be feeling tired and experience pre-menstrual symptoms. You may feel anxious to find out if you are pregnant at this stage and be wondering if you are expecting your period or whether you have actually conceived.
Common symptoms at four of pregnancy
- Tender heavy breasts
- Prickling sensation in breasts
- Light bleeding
- Mild cramping
- Lower backache
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Lightheadedness
- Sensitivity to taste and smell
- Food aversions
- Nausea
Tips for week four of pregnancy
By week four of pregnancy you can usually confirm your pregnancy with a positive home pregnancy test. If you have been holding off from doing this, try it now. If it is negative try again in a few days.
If you are pregnant, congratulations! Book an appointment with your health care professional as soon as you are able to.
Be sure to avoid smoking and smoky environments.
If you are not already doing so, start to take a good antenatal vitamin supplement.
If you have any symptoms that concern you it is important to consult your doctor as soon as you can.