Week Four Pregnancy

You Are

Your body has already started to adapt at this stage of 4 weeks pregnant, although you may not be aware of the changes. At this point, your pregnancy is officially announced by a missed period and a positive home pregnancy test. The dramatic spikes in hCG, progesterone and estrogen help to power the early phases of fetal development and prepare your body for the rigors of pregnancy.

Mild cramping, fatigue, sensitive breasts, and increased mood swings may start to occur. It is normal for some people to notice light bleeding when the embryo implants, which should be considered normal. If pregnancy symptoms become overwhelming or unusual, it is a good idea to call your doctor for reassurance.

Your Baby

Your baby in week 4 is a microscopic mass of cells, about the size of a poppy seed. Your baby at this stage is a blastocyst which has implanted itself into the uterus to develop the placenta and embryo. The neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, is beginning to develop.

Proper prenatal care at this early stage is very important for the development of your baby. Start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid immediately in order to help your baby develop properly. Take care of your baby’s health by avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and excessive caffeine intake.

Look at your Pregnancy Calendar every week to see updates on your baby’s development and how you may be changing in your body.