Pregnancy 4th month
What Happens at 4 Months of Pregnancy?
In This Section
- Month by Month
- What happens in the second month?
- What happens in the third month?
- What happens in the fourth month?
- What happens in the fifth month?
- What happens in the sixth month?
- What happens in the seventh month?
- What happens in the eighth month?
- What happens in the ninth month?
- What happens in the tenth month?
Your 2nd trimester begins during your 4th month of pregnancy, starting on week 14.
What happens during week 13 - 14?
- The fetus has a CRL of about 3 inches (8 cm).
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The biological sex of the fetus can sometimes be seen by looking at external sex organs on an ultrasound.
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Hair begins to grow.
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The prostate gland begins developing in biologically male fetuses.
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Ovaries move down from the abdomen to the pelvic area in biologically female fetuses.
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The roof of the mouth is formed.
What happens during week 15 - 16?
What are the symptoms of pregnancy in the fourth month?
Some of the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy go away when you’re 4 months pregnant. Nausea usually lessens. But other digestive problems — like heartburn and constipation — may be troublesome. Breast changes — growth, soreness, and darkening of the areola — usually continue. It’s common to have shortness of breath or to breathe faster. Increased blood flow may lead to unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or nasal stuffiness.
You also may feel dizzy or faint because of changes in your blood and blood vessels.
- Yes
- No
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4 Months Pregnant: Symptoms and Fetal Development
Four months pregnant is kind of a big deal.
Lots of exciting milestones occur this month — not least of which is that you are now entering the second trimester. Read on to find out more about symptoms you may experience at four months pregnant, how your baby is developing this month, and get our helpful checklist on the kinds of things to take care of in the coming weeks.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 4 Months Pregnant
Although you might not experience all of them, these are some of the more common pregnancy symptoms at four months pregnant:
Food cravings. Pickles and ice cream, anyone? Go ahead and indulge your cravings within moderation, but don’t neglect your overall balanced pregnancy diet. However, if you feel the urge to eat non-food items, like chalk, dirt, or laundry detergent, don’t give in to these cravings. Instead, consult your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a condition called pica.
Dull or sharp abdominal pain.
As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments supporting it stretch. This can cause lower abdominal pain that can feel either dull or sharp. Some moms-to-be find that changing positions helps ease round ligament pain when it strikes. Sensitive teeth and gums. If your gums are swollen or if they bleed when you brush or floss, it could be gingivitis, a type of gum disease. Pregnancy hormones can make you more susceptible to gingivitis, and you may find that your gums are more sensitive than usual. To relieve some of the discomfort, brush with a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day, rinse with warm salt water as necessary, and see your dentist at your regular six-month checkup or sooner if needed.
Spider veins. These thin, reddish or purple-toned veins on the surface of the skin on your face or legs are a less severe version of varicose veins. Changes in circulation during pregnancy due to your increased blood volume can cause this symptom.
Spider veins usually fade on their own after you give birth. Stretch marks. These reddish, brown, or purplish streaks can start to appear on your belly, breasts, buttocks, or thighs as your skin stretches during pregnancy. It’s not possible to prevent them, but keeping your skin moisturized can help reduce irritation and itchiness during pregnancy. These marks often fade over time after your baby is born.
Nasal congestion. Is your nose feeling a little stuffed up, or are you getting the occasional nosebleed? The extra blood volume in your body and hormonal changes can cause nasal mucus membranes to swell and bleed. If this is a problem for you, make sure you’re staying hydrated, and try saline nasal drops to help relieve congestion. You can also use a humidifier in your bedroom at night and apply petroleum jelly to your nostrils.
Painful urination. If you feel a burning sensation when you pee, you may have a urinary tract infection, or “UTI” for short.
This happens when bacteria enter the urethra. Moms-to-be are more susceptible to UTIs because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder. If leftover urine contains bacteria, a UTI can develop. A UTI can become a more serious bladder or kidney infection if left untreated, so if you notice painful urination (sometimes even combined with back pain and fever), see your healthcare provider. Vivid dreams. Experiencing weirder or more vivid dreams during pregnancy is normal, and can be chalked up to hormonal shifts, changes in your sleep patterns, and stress. Read more about why you might be having strange dreams during pregnancy.
How Is Your Baby Developing This Month?
Though still quite small, your baby is already developing facial features and is also working on certain movements, like flexing the arms and legs and clasping hands into fists.
When you’re four months pregnant, there’s still plenty of room for your baby to move around within the amniotic sac, so your little one is probably making the most of it.
At this point in your pregnancy, your little one is also starting to produce estrogen and testosterone, and genitals may be visible if you have an ultrasound exam this month or sometime soon.
In the meantime—before your mid-pregnancy ultrasound when you can ask to find out your baby’s gender—have a little fun with our Chinese Gender Predictor. There’s more! Your baby can now swallow amniotic fluid, which means the kidneys are starting to produce urine. And, did you know that your little one is starting to hear sounds from the outside world? If you haven’t already, start talking, reading, and singing to your tiny, but very appreciative audience!!
How Big Is Your Baby When You’re 4 Months Pregnant?
By the end of this month, your little one could measure about five inches long and weigh close to five ounces.
What Does a Fetus Look Like at 4 Months?
Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re four months pregnant:
4 Months Pregnant: Your Body’s Changes
At four months pregnant, you’ve now entered the second trimester. This stage is often considered to be the “honeymoon” period of pregnancy — a time when many moms-to-be experience an energy boost.
If you’re feeling a little more energetic, why not use this trimester to take on some decorating, shopping, traveling, and any other preparations that require more effort and stamina?
You might be feeling great for other reasons, too. The nausea you may have experienced in the first trimester may have gone away by now, and your appetite may be back, making you feel a bit more like your old self.
You can also breathe a sigh of relief because the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower from this month onward.
It's a good time to relax and really enjoy your pregnancy journey.
Although every mom-to-be and every pregnancy is unique, you might start showing this month if you haven’t already.
How Far Along Are You at 4 Months Pregnant?
You might see a few different breakdowns for the weeks, months, and trimesters of pregnancy. At four months pregnant, you could be launching into week 13 or week 14 and finishing the month at week 16 or 17, depending on how you're grouping the weeks into months. The second trimester usually extends from this month through month seven of pregnancy.
Checklist for When You’re 4 Months Pregnant
If you’re ready to share your special news, check out these fun and exciting ideas for how to announce your pregnancy to friends and family.
After you have told your boss that you’re pregnant, you might like to start sharing the news with coworkers.
We’ve got you covered with some great ideas on how to tell your colleagues you’re pregnant.Ask your healthcare provider whether any genetic screening tests are recommended for you this month. Tests that may be mentioned include amniocentisis and the Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test.
Although it might seem like early days, starting your baby shower registry sooner rather than later can help ensure you don’t have to rush it at the last minute. Keep in mind, your baby shower’s organizer will need your finalized registry when creating the invitations so ask the host when they plan to send those out so you have your deadline. To get you started, here are some baby registry must-haves.
Check out our Baby Name Generator, which lets you play with different settings to help you land on a name you love.
Look into possible places where you could give birth. These can include local hospitals or birthing centers. Your healthcare provider and your insurance company can let you know what’s available and what's covered in your area.
Start browsing maternity wear. Although your baby bump at four months pregnant may not need full-on maternity clothing, you might want to start looking for some more comfortable clothing options so that you’re prepared when the time comes.
Plan a getaway if you're feeling up to it. Need some inspiration? Take our What Is Your Ideal Babymoon Destination? quiz to get some ideas!
Sign up for even more weekly pregnancy tips here:
Fourth month of pregnancy
From the 13th week, the second trimester of pregnancy begins. It is believed that this is the most pleasant and safe period for mother and future baby. But even he requires certain rules to be observed...
With the increase in body weight and the growth of the tummy, the expectant mother may find that the underwear that she wore before no longer suits her. What you need to pay attention to, and how to choose new underwear? This is not such a simple process as it seems to many mothers.
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4th month of pregnancy: the beginning of the second trimester
From the 13th week, the second trimester of pregnancy begins, which includes the 4th, 5th and 6th months of pregnancy. It is believed that this is the most pleasant and safe period for mom and baby. Nausea subsides, well-being improves, cheerfulness and activity appear. But even in this period there are worries and peculiarities.
- By the 13th week, my nausea and other discomfort disappeared. This is fine?
- This is normal, because by the 13th week, the level of progesterone, the main culprit of all discomfort, decreases.
Nausea practically disappears, appetite improves.
Changes from the 13th week of pregnancy
- Tell me, what other changes can I expect in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy?
- From the 13th week, the uterus begins to actively increase. From the 14th week, you can feel it yourself. It has a rounded shape, its bottom is just below the womb. The uterus grows at the expense of the fetus and amniotic fluid. From the 16th week, the tummy in pregnant women is already noticeable, but so far it does not restrict movement.
Tests and examinations in the 4th month of pregnancy
- What other tests and examinations do I need to undergo in the 4th month of pregnancy?
- Complete urinalysis, a clinical blood test that will allow you to see the risk of anemia, exclude inflammatory disorders, disorders in the endocrine system. And the most important study is perinatal screening in the second trimester of pregnancy - a triple or quadruple test.
- Why is it called triple or quadruple? Why is this test needed?
- Prenatal screening helps to detect fetal chromosomal pathologies, in particular, Down's syndrome and eliminate the risk of pregnancy gestosis. Perinatal screening is a combination of ultrasound findings at week 12 and blood tests in the first and second trimesters. In the first trimester, blood is donated for hCG and PAPP-A. In the second - b-hCG, AFP and free estriol ("triple test"), as an option, there is also a fourth indicator - inhibin A.
- I have a negative Rh factor. In the first trimester, I already donated blood for antibodies, when do I need to repeat the analysis?
- This test should be done every fourth week. If the result is negative, then on the 28th week, antiviral immunoglobulin is administered - prevention of the Rh conflict. The second dose of the drug is administered after childbirth.
Measurement of the pelvis, narrow pelvis during pregnancy
- Does the size of the pelvis matter for childbirth?
- Of course, the size of the pelvis is of great importance.
The pelvis is measured with a special instrument - a pelvis. The distance between the most distant points is measured. If the pelvis is very narrow, then it is called anatomically narrow, and childbirth is possible only with the help of a caesarean section. Also, the pelvis is measured on an already mature pregnancy or during childbirth. If a discrepancy between the fetus and the size of the pelvis is detected, then the diagnosis is made: “clinically narrow pelvis”, and the birth is also completed promptly, with the help of a caesarean section.
Infections during pregnancy
- If a genital infection is detected on smears, when should it be treated?
- Immunity decreases during pregnancy, which increases the risk of sexual infections. Usually smears are given for PCR diagnosis of genital infections - this allows you to identify the presence of a sexual infection. Additional tests are a bacterial culture from the vagina and a culture to identify the causative agents of a particular infection.
If any infection is detected, then in the second trimester, somewhere in the 20th week, a full course of therapeutic treatment can be carried out. Antibacterial drugs are used, including antibiotics, vitamins, immunomodulators.
- What threatens an untreated infection, how can it harm my baby?
- Untreated infections can cause colpitis, inflammation of the uterus, and cervix. And provoke an abortion at any time. Damage to the internal organs of the fetus can also occur: liver, lungs, brain.
Thrush during pregnancy
- What is thrush during pregnancy, what are its symptoms?
- Thrush is caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida. The manifestation of the disease depends on the form of the course. In the acute form: itching, burning in the vagina, swelling, redness of the mucous membranes of the genital organs and abundant curd discharge. In the subacute form, these symptoms may be mild and not particularly disturbing.
In carriers of thrush, signs of thrush are detected only with the help of tests.
- Is the treatment of thrush different during pregnancy?
- Treatment is divided into 2 groups: systemic and local preparations. Systemic: capsules, tablets - they are highly effective, but are contraindicated during pregnancy. During pregnancy, local methods of treatment are used: gels, creams, ointments, suppositories. After 20 weeks, the range of drugs allowed during pregnancy increases. This allows you to quickly cope with the disease.
4th month of pregnancy
- How does the baby develop?
- At the 4th month of pregnancy, the organs continue to develop, the brain system becomes more complex, the kidneys and the endocrine system begin to work more actively. Bones grow more actively. By the end of the fourth month, the baby is already 15 cm long. And the weight is 180 grams.
- What can he do during this period?
- The baby is actively moving.
He already carries out reflex movements, extension and flexion of the fingers. Begins to carry out mimic movements, sucks a finger.
- Is it true that at this age there are already rudiments of milk teeth?
- Yes, by the 13th week the fetus has the rudiments of milk teeth.
- And who will I have?
- You are having a boy. By the 16th week, the genitals are already formed. The fetus has grown, and we can already accurately determine its gender.
- With weight gain and belly growth, the expectant mother may find that the underwear she used to wear no longer suits her. “Tell me, please, is it time for me to buy new underwear?”
- Yes, it's time. Many mothers in the 4th month of pregnancy feel discomfort from their usual clothing size: it presses, and pinches, and irritates the skin. Therefore, 4 months is the time when you need to choose the most comfortable underwear.
- What should I pay attention to? How to choose the right underwear?
- You should always pay attention to your needs. There are a lot of lingerie. Since the figures of expectant mothers are completely different and the demands are also different, then you need to approach the issue of choice, focusing only on yourself. First of all, pay attention to the naturalness of the fabrics. The fabric should be cotton or viscose, with the addition of elastane so that the fabric stretches well. Also, there should be no hard bones in the bra; there are special soft ones - they will not harm. The composition of the soft bones is unique: from the warmth of the body, they stretch and take the shape of the breast. Why should there be no bones? Because already from the first days, milk ducts form in the mother’s breast, and any clamping can harm the formation. Then there may be problems with lactation. Also, bras are seamless, made of micromodal material. This material is hygroscopic, air freely enters the body through this fabric.
In such a bra it is very convenient to play sports, sleep. If you have very sensitive skin, then you can just walk in it every day. The only thing is that such a bra will not give much support to your breasts. The peculiarity of panties for pregnant women is that, firstly, the waist is lowered, so as not to press down on the stomach again, and secondly, the elastic band is weakened. There is also a model with a high waist, this model is suitable for those mothers who have a tummy. Panties should be chosen according to the season: with a high waist it will be hot in summer. Also, according to the growth of your tummy, you select a model, and, of course, the one that you like best.
Dental care during pregnancy
- During pregnancy, mothers need to maintain their entire body and teeth are no exception.
- Why should you take care of your teeth during pregnancy? During this period, the hormonal background changes, which affects the condition of the teeth and gums of the expectant mother.
Regular dental care is important for both the mother herself and the unborn baby. Any carious cavity, any inflamed gum can cause infection in the body. Many studies show that a disease such as periodontitis can cause premature birth or the birth of a child with low birth weight. Of course, you need to consult a dentist even during pregnancy planning: change old fillings, heal all new holes, and carry out a professional cleaning of the oral cavity. But usually women make an appointment with the dentist when they are already pregnant. It's not scary. Treating pregnant women's teeth is not only possible, but necessary.
Anesthesia during pregnancy
- Can expectant mothers be given anesthesia?
- Many modern anesthetics are based on artecaine, which is safe for the fetus. Vasoconstrictor substances are not used for anesthesia. Also, by 14-16 weeks, the placenta is finally formed, and through it, anesthesia cannot harm the baby. Therefore, do not endure pain at the dentist, but make high-quality correct anesthesia.
- At what stage of pregnancy is dental treatment and anesthesia safest?
- The fact is that pregnancy is conditionally divided into three parts. In the first trimester, the baby is laying future organs, in the second trimester - their formation, and in the third - their independent functioning. The most dangerous are the first and third trimesters, the safest is the second.
So, by the end of the 4th lunar month, the baby already looks like an orange. All the systems laid down in the first trimester continue to develop. The baby is already moving, but mommy still does not feel him, because he is still very small.
4th month of pregnancy { 13th - 16th week }
The fourth month is probably the most important in the entire pregnancy. After all, it is at this time that it is determined whether pregnancy is at risk for Down syndrome in the fetus, the formation of the brain and internal organs is completed.
Often, with a lack of tocopherol in the mother's body, a miscarriage can occur, and with an excess, it can lead to serious violations in the development of the child.
This week kicks off the second trimester of pregnancy. Now your baby is the size of a plum. It continues to develop and grow.
13th week of pregnancy: development of the fetus
At the 13th week, all the organs that continue to develop are already laid down. The gradual ossification of the skeleton and the formation of ribs begin. Around this week, the rudiments of teeth are laid, so it is very important to consume enough calcium.
Due to the appearance of many blood vessels and the active work of the heart (from 140 to 170 beats per minute), the baby's skin has a reddish tint. An interesting fact: due to the development of the muscular system, the child's head changes the angle of inclination and now it is not so tightly pressed to the chest.
The digestive system becomes more complicated - the intestinal wall begins to become covered with villi so that after birth it can digest food.
But while the intestines are only training, making wave-like movements.
It is often during the 13th week of pregnancy that an ultrasound scan already shows how the baby is sucking his thumb - the sucking reflex is actively developing so that the baby does not remain hungry after childbirth.
13th week of pregnancy: mother's well-being
Usually, toxicosis recedes from this week and the time of good health begins. Fears and mood swings gradually go away and a calm period begins.
The tummy becomes round and visible, especially if you are expecting twins. But voluminous or loose clothing still does not allow others to notice him.
An enlarged uterus presses on the intestines, which can cause constipation, bloating, and less often heartburn and shortness of breath. Sprains and weight gain cause heaviness in the legs and increased fatigue in the lower extremities.
Sometimes there may be mild aching pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, frequent urination.
This is fine. But strong and pronounced pain, spotting should be the reason for an urgent visit to the doctor.
13th week of pregnancy: what to ask the doctor for a consultation?
If nothing really bothers you, at a scheduled consultation you can discuss the right weight gain: so as not to gain too much and not to make your condition worse.
Also, if you have pain in the pelvis and lower back, it will not be superfluous to consult about the cause of these pains.
If you have a runny nose or nosebleeds, you should discuss this with your doctor, although this condition may be normal.
Also, a number of women at 13 weeks of pregnancy should take protected aspirin to prevent such a dangerous pregnancy complication as eclampsia. The decision to take the drug remains with the doctor.
At 14 weeks the fruit is about the size of a nectarine. The fetus weighs an average of 42.5 g, and the length from crown to tailbone reaches 8.9 cm.
14 weeks pregnant: how does the baby develop?
At the 14th week of pregnancy, the baby's almost formed face can take on various funny expressions: this is how facial muscles are formed and facial expressions appear.
The neck is clearly visible, the body is lengthening.
The baby is actively growing and already the size of a peach: most likely large. At week 14, the child continues its active growth and formation, moves a little more and is no longer so chaotic.
Sweat glands and the respiratory system begin to form. The reproductive system continues to develop: in boys, a prostate appears, and in girls, the ovaries descend into the pelvic area, but it is rarely possible to discern the sex of the unborn child on ultrasound.
14th week of pregnancy: physical and emotional changes of the mother
The tummy grows and rounds, pregnancy is more and more noticeable to others. Weight also increases: normally 2-3 kg. This is due to physiological changes - the growth of the uterus and the child, a large amount of fluid in the body.
Particularly impressionable and thin mothers notice movements in the stomach. However, these sensations are deceptive - the baby is not yet so big and strong that you can feel his tremors.
The second trimester is also called the "honeymoon of pregnancy" - this is the most pleasant and calm time emotionally. The body is “used” to pregnancy and has adapted to the constant changes. You feel a surge of energy, you have beautiful luxurious hair and chest. It can not but rejoice and cheer up!
But there is also bad news - some women develop a pigmented “mask” on their face, which they will have to get used to before giving birth. With a tendency to skin pigmentation, it is imperative to use sunscreen: this way you will protect yourself from permanent age spots on your face and body.
14th week of pregnancy: examinations and tests
In addition to genetic screenings, you may also be prescribed routine tests if you have not done them before. General analysis of urine and blood, coagulogram, analysis for antibodies to rubella, toxoplasma, herpes, CMV, blood test for infections and ultrasound.
14th week of pregnancy: tips and tricks
At the 14th week of pregnancy, you can already think about courses for pregnant women, special exercises.
Particular attention should be paid to special oils and creams for pregnant women against stretch marks on the abdomen - even if the growth of the abdomen is not too intense yet. Ahead of you is a significant stretching of the skin, take care of it in advance.
It is not recommended to change the diet abruptly and drastically. In the presence of constipation, it is recommended to drink more water, consume fiber. Week 14 - It's time to take care of comfortable low-speed shoes for the coming months.
The baby at 15 weeks of gestation is 10 cm long and weighs about 70 grams. Compared to a fruit, it's about a grapefruit.
15th week of pregnancy: the size and development of the fetus
This week it is already possible to determine the blood type and Rh factor of the baby. As for the rest, the brain, internal organs and systems continue to develop, becoming more and more complicated and improved.
15th week of pregnancy: what happens to mom?
Mommy, as in the previous week, feels good, and sometimes even increased appetite.
Weight gain is faster: 200-300 grams per week. The belly at 15 weeks of gestation grows smoothly, but may still not be noticeable.
Intensive production of melanin continues - due to which age spots may appear on the face and body.
15th week of pregnancy: examinations
The fifteenth week of pregnancy is no exception: the doctor may order additional laboratory tests or other examinations. If the pregnancy is proceeding well, then additional examinations are not required.
15th week of pregnancy: diet
During the 15th week of pregnancy there may be dangers of heartburn and constipation. In this case, you need to revise the diet and add more fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Do not forget about fermented milk products, which are now urgently needed. Also, do not forget about vitamins and minerals for pregnant women, which were recommended by the doctor.
15th week of pregnancy: physical activity
Physical activity will help to cope with constipation and lower back pain.
Now is a great time to start practicing yoga for pregnant women, a continuation of other activities that are familiar to you.
Do not forget to take daily walks in the fresh air for half an hour to an hour.
Fetal size At 16 weeks gestation, approximately the size of an apple.
16th week of pregnancy: the development of your baby
A child at 16th week of pregnancy has a formed urogenital system - the kidneys are actively working, removing amniotic fluid from the baby's body. Which the baby swallows daily up to 500 grams.
The joints and skeletal system are fully developed, but the bones will thicken and grow until the age of 18.
If you have an ultrasound this week, the modern equipment allows you to see the gender of your baby.
16 weeks pregnant: a change in the woman's body
At 16 weeks pregnant, sleep problems may begin due to the growth of the tummy. After all, if you used to sleep on your stomach, now it is difficult to realize it, because it grows and already interferes with sleep as before.
The ideal sleeping position for the coming months is to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back is not recommended due to squeezing of the veins.
This week is characterized by profuse vaginal discharge. If your discharge has a characteristic bad odor or is uncomfortable, see your doctor. The doctor will collect the necessary smears and give recommendations based on the results.
16 weeks of pregnancy: symptoms and signs of pregnancy
This week you may be able to find out what beautiful and glowing skin is. Due to increased blood volume, activity of the sebaceous glands and hormones, the skin turns pink and looks hydrated and glows from within.
But increased blood volume can also lead to nosebleeds, dizziness and swelling.
It is important during this period to carefully monitor your condition and consult a doctor in case of the slightest situations and conditions that cause fear or doubts in the norm.
16 weeks pregnant: tips and tricks
You may need to change your bra, look at your maternity clothes, change your shoes.
