At the 4th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother already clearly feels the signs of her new position. This stage of fetal formation is extremely important, because right now the active development of all organs and systems of the unborn child begins. Now a woman needs to take care of her health. The exclusion of external and internal negative factors during this period is the key to happy motherhood.
Signs of pregnancy in the fourth week
On this stage the woman already understands that she will soon become a mother, because menstruation is most likely absent. Other early symptoms include:
- Emotional swing. Due to fluctuations in the level of progesterone in the blood, a pregnant woman has frequent mood swings. This is manifested in tearfulness, irritability, sleep disturbance.
- More trips to the toilet. The uterus at 4 weeks slightly increases in size. As a result, the pressure on the bladder increases. Even with incomplete filling, a woman feels the urge to urinate.
- Basal temperature, which should decrease slightly 14 days after ovulation, remains elevated.
- Drawing sensations in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region. Not always this symptom is a harbinger of pregnancy. Pulls the stomach often and at the beginning of menstruation. If conception has occurred, such manifestations may indicate the introduction of the embryo into the wall of the uterus and the growth of the reproductive organ.
- Chest changes. The mammary glands become dense, sometimes the sensitivity of the nipples increases.
- Smearing discharge of scanty character. This sign indicates the attachment of the fetal egg to the uterine wall.
The physiological state of a woman changes markedly. There is drowsiness, fatigue. Fatigue is felt even in the morning in the absence of significant physical exertion.
Often, the expectant mother notices an increase in smell and a change in taste preferences. Dishes that she liked before may be disgusting. At the 4th week of pregnancy, toxicosis and weight loss often occur. Nausea and vomiting appear in the morning hours. Sometimes there is sweating, increased salivation. This does not happen to everyone, many women do not experience this unpleasant condition.
Embryo development at this stage
4 weeks of pregnancy is an important period, characterized by the transformation of a fertilized egg into an embryo. Now the embryo is a tiny body that looks very much like a disk of three layers. What happens during this period? The changes are as follows:
- The formation of extra-embryonic organs from the outer leaf. The embryo develops an amniotic membrane or amnion, a yolk sac and a chorion. Thanks to them, the respiratory, protective and nutritional functions are performed.
- The outer shell is presented in the form of a chorion. It will later become the placenta. The conversion process will take up to 12 weeks. The placenta is very important for the normal development of the fetus. It provides it with oxygen and other vital nutrients. An important role is also played by the vascular network, which appears in the area of contact between the fetus and the uterine wall.
- The amnion or amniotic membrane is the cavity in which the embryo will be located in the future. Later it will be transformed into a fetal bladder. In this space, the child is protected from negative impact external and internal environment.
- The yolk sac is responsible for hematopoiesis. He performs his role up to 7-8 weeks.
- The ectoderm forms an unequal system of the fetus, skin covering, organs of vision and tooth enamel.
- The mesoderm is transformed into bone, muscle, connective tissue. Forms the reproductive, excretory, circulatory system.
- The endoderm is the rudiment of the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems.
The end of the 4th week of pregnancy is called blastogenesis. The head of the embryo at this stage is already marked and resembles a tiny droplet. The initial stage of embryo formation is completed.
What happens to the baby
At the end of the first month of development, the fetal egg passes into the stage of the embryo. It is now growing rapidly and going through a series of changes. Outwardly, it strongly resembles a discoid body with three layers. At the 4th week of pregnancy, a neural plate is formed in a small organism. This is the rudiment of the spinal cord and brain of the fetus. On a tiny head, you can see the rudiments of the eyes. The diameter of the embryo does not exceed five millimeters.
Starting from the end of the first month from conception and ending with the tenth week, there is an active formation of all organs and systems. Some organs even begin their work. At this stage, there is a rather high risk of miscarriage and deviations in the development of the embryo. In this regard, a woman should take care of her health, eliminate bad habits, emotional upheavals and eat right.
The risk of spontaneous abortion remains high until 12 weeks. A young mother must take all necessary efforts to save the life of the fetus.
Changes in the body at 4 weeks of embryo development
After the fertilization of the egg and its attachment to the wall of the uterus, changes begin in the woman's body, which are still little noticeable. The production of progesterone provokes a slight increase and swelling of the mammary glands, an increase in the sensitivity of the nipples.
The pregnant woman quickly gets tired, drowsiness appears. Girls develop toxicosis, which is expressed in dyspeptic disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and belching. Changes in mood are often noted. Many gain weight, which becomes a reason to suspect their interesting position.
6-7 days after conception, the production of chorionic gonadotropin, known to many as hCG, occurs. Against this background, there is a decrease in immunity. This is necessary for the acceptance of the fetus. Without hCG, the body will perceive the fetus as a foreign body and simply reject it.
Chorionic gonadotropin is sometimes found in girls in the absence of pregnancy. Normally, its numbers do not exceed 5 mU / ml. When conception occurs, the amount of hCG increases rapidly. With twins or triplets, which often develop as a result of IVF, the amount of gonadotropin doubles or triples.
Feelings in a woman
It is impossible to say what exactly a pregnant woman will feel at the 4th week of fetal development. All women are different, so their feelings are different. We will name the symptoms that are most common in expectant mothers at this time.
Breast
At the 4th week of pregnancy, the mammary glands increase slightly in size, their sensitivity increases, many girls notice the appearance of veins. This is a completely normal phenomenon, indicating the preparation of the body for the upcoming motherhood. If the chest at this stage was very sensitive, and then stopped hurting, do not worry. During pregnancy, the female body undergoes many changes.
During this period, you need to think about a comfortable bra. In no case should you wear too tight or synthetic underwear. In the future, this may adversely affect lactation and mammary gland health.
Stomach
At the end of the first month after conception, the woman's belly does not increase in size. Although the uterus is starting to grow, it is still invisible outwardly. Forms can be rounded only in case of an increase in appetite and speed dial body weight.
Often at the 4th week of pregnancy, a woman feels that her stomach is pulling, discomfort has appeared in the lumbar region. This is explained by hormonal changes and the rapid growth of the uterus. These pains are usually transient and do not require medical treatment.
Uterus
Under the influence of progesterone, the genital organ swells, acquires a soft structure. This is necessary for the development of the embryo and the creation of comfortable conditions for a tiny life. The size of the uterus increases slightly.
In addition, this stage is characterized by the formation of a special mucous plug. This is necessary to protect the embryo from infections throughout the entire period of development.
Allocations
A healthy pregnancy is characterized by the absence of menstrual bleeding. In rare cases, there is a so-called ablution of the fetus, when early dates menses pass in the usual way or more poorly.
The only normal condition that is accompanied by spotting is implantation bleeding. During the attachment of the embryo to the uterus, a woman has a small amount of blood, but this sign is not always observed.
Normally, the discharge during the period of bearing a baby should be transparent in color, have a mucous consistency. The mucous base also has a cork that closes the entrance to the uterus. It performs a protective function and prevents infection of the fetus. Such a cork leaves just before the birth.
You should worry if the nature of the allocated secret is as follows:
- presence bad smell resembling fish or sour milk;
- the presence of itching, burning or other discomfort;
- I have a curdled discharge (talks about thrush);
- brown, yellow, reddish discharge;
- the volume of the secret is large, brings discomfort;
- the discharge is accompanied by pain and pain.
If one or more of the above signs are present, a woman is advised to seek immediate medical attention. medical care.
HCG and progesterone at 4 weeks
After conception in female body many changes are taking place. First of all, the hormonal background changes. This is expressed in the increased production of certain substances, namely progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. Each of these hormones performs its own function.
The role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG):
- maintains the function of the corpus luteum up to 7 weeks;
- takes part in the development of the fetus;
- contributes to the suppression of immunity, which is necessary for the acceptance of the embryo by the body.
6-7 days after conception, the amount of hCG in the blood of a pregnant woman increases several times daily. Around week 10, the amount of the hormone begins to gradually decrease.
Speaking of the fourth obstetric week, then the amount of hCG here should be approximately 101 - 4870 mU / ml. At the fourth embryonic week, its amount is approximately 1110 - 31500 mU / ml.
In addition to chorionic gonadotropin, at the onset of conception, there is an increase in the production of the hormone progesterone. Its function is as follows:
- participation in the formation of some fetal tissues;
- stimulation of the growth of the reproductive organ;
- decreased immune system function to prevent embryo rejection;
- stimulation of the growth of the mammary glands;
- an increase in subcutaneous fat in a woman to provide nutrition to the embryo.
What can be seen on ultrasound during this period? Ultrasound is performed using a transvaginal probe. The method helps to confirm the onset of pregnancy, to identify ectopic attachment of the fetal egg and other possible pathologies. At week 4, an ultrasound scan shows the embryo as a small dot, the diameter of which is no more than two millimeters. The fetus at this time is already visualized quite well.
It is not yet possible to see the tissues of the embryo, but after 7-10 days it will be possible to see a small embryo. During this period, the corpus luteum continues to actively produce progesterone. In the ultrasound photo, the fetus looks like a small dot.
By the way, if you want to see the whole calendar prenatal development fetus by week, you will be able to do this by.
Diagnosis with a test
On the shelves of pharmacies you can find a lot of pregnancy tests, which easily determine the onset of conception from the first days of delay. All of them are based on the indication of hCG in the female body. 7-10 days after the fertilization of the egg, the amount of chorionic gonadotropin in the body is sufficient for the test to fix it. If the result is negative, this may indicate an incorrect determination of the term or the absence of pregnancy. In such a situation, it is recommended to repeat the test after a while.
Such diagnostics is carried out at home. To do this, carefully read the instructions for use from the manufacturer. The procedure should be done in the morning. During this period, the concentration of hCG is highest.
Why does the stomach sip and hurt in the early stages of bearing a baby? During this period, discomfort is considered the norm, if at the same time the woman feels normal, there are no blood discharges and other negative signs.
Pain in the abdomen and back may indicate such problems:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- diseases of the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis);
- risk of miscarriage;
- pathology of the digestive system (ulcer, gastritis, hepatitis, pancreatitis);
- inflammation of the ovaries;
- frozen pregnancy.
If the pains are frequent and intense, you should not risk your health and the health of a tiny organism.
Pain in the lumbar region
In the lumbar region, pulling and uncomfortable sensations at week 4 can occur under the influence of various reasons. Normally, if these pains are moderate and passing spitting. Usually this indicates an increase in the size of the uterus and the preparation of the osseous-ligamentous apparatus for bearing a baby.
The causes of pathological pain include:
- overweight and increased load on the spine;
- diseases of the spinal column that arose before pregnancy;
- kidney pathology.
If you find such pain in yourself and the increase in their dynamics, you should definitely consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis of certain problems will help to eliminate many complications in the future.
Bloody or brown discharge
As already mentioned, normally spotting in the early stages of pregnancy can only be observed in the case of implantation bleeding and during ablution of the fetus, when menstruation occurs after the onset of conception. In other cases, brown, pink, and bloody discharge may indicate the presence of such problems:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- freezing of the embryo;
- cervical erosion;
- incipient miscarriage.
Scanty light brown spotting may appear after a gynecological examination or sexual intimacy. Do not hesitate to inform your gynecologist about the appearance of such a sign. If the problem is detected in a timely manner, this significantly increases the chances of saving the baby.
Causes of elevated body temperature
4 weeks is the first trimester of pregnancy. This period is very exciting for future mother because she had not yet had time to get used to her new position. As a result, she has many questions. One of them - why can the body temperature rise?
First, let's figure out what the basal temperature should be. This figure varies depending on the woman's cycle. It is known that during the period of ovulation, BBT rises by 1-2 degrees. After 12-14 days, it decreases. When pregnancy occurs due to the production of progesterone, the indicators remain elevated. Therefore, if at week 4 the temperature remains within 37 - 37.3 ° C, then this is an absolutely normal state.
The situation is different if the thermometer readings are quite high and amount to 38-39 ° С. Such marks may indicate serious problems. These include:
- inflammatory diseases internal organs;
- ectopic or missed pregnancy;
- flu, SARS and acute respiratory infections.
If the temperature was caused by a common cold, a woman is advised to drink plenty of fluids, eat fruits and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C. Medical treatment should only be done as directed by a doctor. The specialist will help you choose pills that can not harm the fetus at 4 weeks.
You can not neglect your health while carrying a baby. During this period, the expectant mother is responsible not only for her life.
An ectopic pregnancy is a rather dangerous condition. If it is not diagnosed in a timely manner, the consequences will be extremely negative. In order to suspect a pathology in a timely manner, one should know its symptoms. These include:
- lack of menstruation;
- toxicosis;
- swelling and enlargement of the breast;
- pulling sensations in the back and abdomen;
- maintaining basal body temperature within 37-37.3°C;
- change in emotional state.
With the further development of the pathology, a woman is often diagnosed with severe pain, bleeding. Treatment is either medical or surgical.
The following factors can provoke an ectopic pregnancy:
- inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system;
- infectious diseases;
- congenital diseases of the fallopian tubes;
- hormonal disorders in the female body;
- bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
- transferred abortions;
- the presence of an intrauterine device.
The most dangerous is the attachment of the fetal egg in the ovary. The growth of the embryo provokes a rupture of the organ, which is accompanied by acute pain, bleeding, nausea, vomiting and other formidable signs. In the absence of timely assistance, a fatal outcome is possible.
Carrying a child is a complex and lengthy process, during which something often does not go according to plan. Fading of pregnancy can occur the following reasons:
- genetic disorders of the fetus;
- hormonal failure in the mother's body;
- the presence of sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia);
- as a result of serious diseases (flu, rubella, meningitis);
- with Rhesus conflict;
- due to the abuse of cigarettes or alcohol;
- in the presence of two or more abortions in the woman's history.
The freezing of the embryo can also occur as a result of strong physical and psychological stress.
Signs of fetal fading include bloody spotting, a sharp cessation of toxicosis, intense pain in the lower abdomen.
If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor.
Up to 12 weeks, the risk of involuntary abortion remains quite high. At week 4, a woman should be very attentive to her health, adhere to proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms of an incipient miscarriage:
- bloody or pink discharge, often containing elements of embryonic tissue;
- pain in the lower abdomen and in the back;
- dizziness and headache;
- sometimes there is nausea, irritability.
A miscarriage can last from several hours to several days.
Is it possible to have sex
Sex is not a contraindication at 4 weeks of gestation. If doctors have not diagnosed the threat of abortion and the woman feels great, sexual intimacy with a partner is not prohibited.
Sexual intercourse is contraindicated in the following situations:
- the presence of a threat of miscarriage;
- miscarriages or fetal fading in a woman's history;
- sexual infections in a partner;
- leakage of amniotic fluid;
- congenital pathologies of the reproductive organs.
In such situations, it is better to abstain from sex in the fourth week.
Features of nutrition for the expectant mother
It cannot be said that a girl in an interesting position in the early stages of bearing a baby should strictly limit herself in some way. The main thing is that the menu is varied and balanced. On the table should be a large number of vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products.
Is it possible to fly by plane
Flying at 4 weeks of gestation is often contraindicated. It is associated with the following conditions:
- severe toxicosis, accompanied by frequent vomiting;
- the threat of termination of pregnancy;
- leakage of amniotic fluid;
- exacerbation chronic diseases;
- anemia.
During this period, the body already suffers a colossal load and many changes. It is better for a woman to be at home in a familiar environment.
Video
After watching this video, you can learn a lot of useful information for yourself.
What does the baby look like (weight and size of the fetus)
Even though your future baby already distinguishable on the monitor screen of an ultrasound machine (even if only in the form of a fat dot), for a doctor it is not yet a fetus. He is an embryo. Remember, last week this baby looked like a balloon. Now the outlines of her body are becoming more oblong. In a week, your future baby will lengthen by 0.3-1 millimeter. The weight of the fetus, which is not yet a fruit at all, is only half a gram. I can’t even believe that after a few months, a rosy-cheeked little boy or a golden-haired princess with a weight of more than three kilograms will turn out from this point.
The embryo now resembles a seed. However, despite its miniature size, it has a multilayer structure. Petals - this is how doctors and other figures of medical science call these layers. They perform a special function: in the near future, petals will begin to develop internal systems baby and his organs. There are three petals in total, and they are as follows:
- the ectoderm is the outermost layer of the embryo, from which hair, eyes, tooth enamel, skin and, most importantly, the brain will subsequently be formed;
- the mesoderm, the middle embryonic lobe, will eventually turn into kidneys, muscles and the cardiovascular system;
- the liver, digestive system, part of the respiratory system, and pancreas will form from a layered lobe called the endoderm; it is now located below the rest.
And now let's fix the main thing and the most important thing. We are talking about two main events of the fourth week of pregnancy for mom and baby:
- the embryo is securely attached in the uterine cavity, settling in the walls of the uterus for the next eight months;
- division of the blatocyst into several layers, from which, after a short period of time, the baby itself will form and its place is the placenta.
YOU
This week of pregnancy, your unborn baby is already producing with might and main - a hormone due to which the corpus luteum develops and grows. Do you know why this yellow body even exists? Until the placenta is formed, it is it that is responsible for the production required amount the hormone progesterone. With the onset of the third month of pregnancy, the need for the embryo in the corpus luteum will disappear, because the baton for the production of progesterone will be transferred to the placenta.
Signs of pregnancy
Immediately after the embryo is fixed in the uterine mucosa, it begins to produce hCG. We remind you that it is hCG that is the hormone that appears on the test with two pink stripes. On the last days of the current week, the amount of this hormone in your body will reach a level of 50 to 100 mU / ml. You can check the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood using a blood test. But if you don't feel like going to the clinic, you can try to take your first pregnancy test. Right now you can start testing your body at home. Previously, doing this was completely useless. Ideally, you should take a pregnancy test by the end of the fourth week.
Pregnancy test
In order to determine pregnancy at this time, you must purchase the most sensitive test at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist which manufacturer should be preferred. Tests that are of medium sensitivity may not respond to the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood, perceiving it as insufficient for the development of two strips.But even if a pregnancy test tells you “no, you haven’t gotten pregnant,” don’t despair. It's possible that the test just doesn't know what's inside you yet. full swing a new life is being developed. In order to make sure that an “interesting” situation has occurred, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis. Such an analysis for the detection of hCG will definitely not lie: if conception has occurred, the result will certainly be positive - no options. By the way, not only chorionic gonadotropin begins to be produced after conception in large volumes, but also another hormone that is classified as “pregnant”.
ultrasound
The fourth week of pregnancy is borderline: starting from this moment, the ultrasound machine will already be able to confirm the birth of a new life in your body. The first thing that will be seen on the monitor is the corpus luteum. You probably remember that, being responsible for the nutrition of the embryo, it is constantly and non-stop increasing. The corpus luteum is responsible for progesterone, without which pregnancy would not be possible. In other words, it is it that helps you keep your baby, which is still really tiny. But it's interesting, isn't it? Does the embryo recognize? Yes, and it can be. At this time, the embryo has already attached to the uterine mucosa, and a specialist, “armed” with an ultrasound machine, can easily detect it. Another question is that at this time, ultrasound is extremely rare for expectant mothers. Some of the fair sex in the fourth week of pregnancy does not even know about their "interesting" position. The other part is completely afraid of ultrasound in the early stages, like fire. Yes, and doctors most often consider an ultrasound examination during this period to be absolutely inappropriate. By the way, in, which is devoted to the topic of examinations at this time, you can learn more about the analyzes and diagnostic methods used by obstetrician-gynecologists.
But what you definitely shouldn’t be afraid of is checking the weight norm at 4 weeks of pregnancy. To do this, use . He will determine the norm, underweight or overweight for you.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What happens to your body - sensations
In the fourth week, you turn from “a little bit pregnant” into a real, full-fledged expectant mother. From now on, you bear this status officially. You have probably noticed that for some time now your basal temperature has been consistently high and fluctuates around 37.0-37.2 degrees Celsius. Your well-being could already be a little staggered towards toxicosis. And if not, that's just fine. You may not show signs of toxicity at all. The only feeling that should really overwhelm you at the moment is a feeling of infinite happiness. This picturesque picture is a little overshadowed by hormones affecting the body (your chest may swell, total weakness and drowsiness may develop). However, even the most powerful progesterone is not able to erase the peaceful smile from your face, and that's fine.
Stomach ache
Remember, we talked about the fact that in the fourth week the embryo is finally fixed in the mucosa. This action can provoke minor pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Not strong, not unbearable, but barely perceptible. They are similar to menstrual cramps, but are usually less sensitive. If the lower abdomen pulls very hard - much stronger than during menstruation, if this pain causes discomfort, you should call your obstetrician-gynecologist and tell him about it. The doctor will surely quickly orient himself and give you practical recommendations.
Back pain
Knowing full well that nutrition in the early stages of pregnancy means a lot, we have specially written a rich useful information article on this topic. She will help the expectant mother figure out what you can eat in the fourth week of pregnancy and what you can’t eat. Some products now and until the end of the gestation period will have to be decisively abandoned. Even if some of these products are dearly loved by you:- smoked,
- acute,
- It is too salty,
- flour.
If you really want (and pregnant women, as you know, if you want something, then only very much), you can afford a little forbidden food. It will be better than restraining yourself with the last of your strength. But the main diet should be saturated with dairy products, vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber, grains and cereals, pasta made from durum flour, fish and lean white meat. And don't go on a diet. During pregnancy, this is strictly prohibited. A little more - and your figure with a rounded tummy will become truly ideal.
vitamins
According to obstetrician-gynecologists, many expectant mothers, having learned about their “interesting” situation, immediately run to the pharmacy for vitamin complexes. You should not step on these common rakes. The answer to the question of which vitamins to take in the fourth week, only your doctor who observes pregnancy knows. He may have already assigned you folic acid. Perhaps soon will appoint. Or maybe not appointed at all. In any case, this decision is made only by the doctor. And if you want to try on his duties, assign yourself more fruits and vegetables. This will be the best recipe for a future mom.
The four-week gestation period is characterized by very important event: the transformation of an embryo into an embryo. And this can already be safely called a real miracle. The embryo these days is attached to the wall of the uterus, a connection is established between it and the female body, although not so strong (both physiological and spiritual), and the mother may already show the first signs of pregnancy. Although, they are very weak, and in most cases are not audible, because the period of the next menstruation has not yet come, and the woman is not yet aware of the miracles that occur in her body.
The embryo at the 4th week of pregnancy grows, and from 0.36 mm in size it already reaches 1 mm. This is a very important stage in his life. Its mass during this period already reaches 0.5 g.
Outwardly, the embryo is a small round disk. His body is made up of three types of cells. These cells are called in medicine "germinal layers":
- the first type of embryonic cell is the ectoderm (the outer layer, from which the hairline, tooth enamel, skin, eye lenses, brain and nervous system will then form);
- the second type of embryonic cell is the endoderm (the inner layer from which the digestive system and internal organs such as the thyroid and pancreas will then form);
- the third type of embryonic cell is the mesoderm (the middle layer that will initiate the formation of the baby's skeleton, its connective tissues, its muscle tissues, such systems as the circulatory and excretory, as well as its genital organs). All these systems and organs will begin their formation a little later, and at the 4th week of pregnancy, the development and formation of the baby's head and all its organs (brain, eyes, and so on) begin.
Additional information: at the site of the rupture of the follicle, the so-called corpus luteum has now formed, which is a small vial with liquid, the size of which is 1-3 cm in diameter. This corpus luteum is responsible for the production of progesterone, a hormone that is responsible in the body of a woman for maintaining a healthy pregnancy in its early stages.
Sensations of a woman and toxicosis
Since a woman's entire hormonal background undergoes major changes at four weeks of pregnancy, some symptoms may be observed in her general condition. These will include:
- an increase in the size of the mammary glands, their swelling, an increase in their weight to the touch;
- sleepy state;
- extreme irritability, mood swings, changes in salient features;
- in rare cases, nausea may occur.
All these symptoms are no different from the signs of premenstrual syndrome, and since the time for the next menstruation has not yet come, they cannot be recognized as one hundred percent symptoms of pregnancy. This can only be suspected if the pregnancy was planned.
From the side of gynecological observations, the doctor can see slight changes in the structure and color of the cervix, but still no one can give an unambiguous conclusion.
The pregnancy test still does not show two stripes either. For his positive response, at least one day of delay in menstrual bleeding must pass. But in the last days of the fourth week, it is already possible to take blood for an analysis of hCG, and its result will be 98% accurate with an accuracy of 98%.
Toxicosis at a four-week period, of course, does not yet occur. And all symptoms similar to it are not diagnosed until pregnancy is established.
What does the tummy look like?
At this stage of pregnancy, since the uterus has not yet increased, the belly of the expectant mother does not change in size at all. The abdomen will increase gradually as the fetus develops and the uterus enlarges. But it will become noticeable to the naked eye much later.
Analyzes and examinations
At the 4th obstetric week of pregnancy, no more tests and examinations should be carried out. In addition, it is important to refuse x-ray studies, as this can disrupt the normal course of pregnancy. But, a visit to the dentist is quite allowed at this stage, provided that you do not have to do an x-ray.
The only analysis that can be done at the 4th week of pregnancy is to donate blood for the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in it, a hormone that should already be in an elevated state, since the pregnancy has come and the development of the embryo has begun.
Ultrasound examination can only show the presence of a corpus luteum, in rare cases, an embryo in the uterus can also be distinguished. But, nevertheless, ultrasound at 4 weeks is almost never prescribed, only if there are serious problems and it is important to diagnose pregnancy as soon as possible
Possible dangers and problems
Over 70% of pregnancies end early. And very often, such a breakdown passes without even being noticed by the woman herself, since bleeding begins, similar to menstruation, and with almost the same symptoms that a woman experiences during premenstrual syndrome.
In cases of planned pregnancy, as a rule, future parents at the end of 4 weeks already became the owners of the results of the analysis for hCG, and they already know that the pregnancy has occurred. Therefore, in cases of bleeding that has begun and pain in the lower abdomen, back and in the pelvic area, you should immediately consult a doctor. All of these symptoms may be the first signs of a miscarriage or miscarriage.
In this case, you can try to save the pregnancy with the help of strong progesterone support. But, as a rule, doctors do not try to intervene in this process, since it can be caused by various genetic abnormalities in the fetus, which later cannot be compatible with life.
Also, the causes of a missed pregnancy may include such pathologies in the female body as:
- acute phase infectious disease;
- hormonal imbalance;
- heavy smoking or alcohol consumption;
- pathological changes in the endometrium of the uterus due to frequent abortions and other surgical interventions.
In addition, at four weeks there is a high risk of developing anomalies such as conjoined twins. This can happen when the embryo is not completely separated.
Sirenomelia is also developing at an already completed stage. It leads to impaired circulation in the lower part of the fetus, and the child can be born with underdeveloped fused limbs, underdeveloped genitals and kidneys.
That is why it is so important during this period, if the pregnancy is planned, to create the maximum comfortable conditions for fetal development and pregnancy.
At this stage in the development of pregnancy, a woman should take her nutrition seriously. To do this, it is worth limiting the use of so-called heavy foods (pastry products, pies, animal fats, conservation, etc.), but it is mandatory to include fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein products in the daily diet.
Sports and physical activity
You can’t do professional heavy sports, but small physical activities will only benefit, for example, jogging in the fresh air, morning exercises, swimming in a free light style.
Baths and saunas
There is absolutely no ban on taking a bath or sauna at this stage of pregnancy. But, it is important to remember the harm too high temperatures water and air for the health of the expectant mother. Therefore, you should not make the water in the bathroom above 37 degrees, and stay in the sauna for longer than 5-7 minutes.
Medicinal and medical procedures
Since the four-week gestation period is responsible for the future health of your baby, it is strictly forbidden to take any medicinal pharmacological preparations during this period, herbal teas and infusions must be treated with great care, and it is forbidden to undergo any procedures associated with X-ray exposure, including fluoroscopy.
Bad habits
From bad habits at this time there should no longer be any memories. Smoking, alcohol, drugs - all this should remain in the distant past, especially if the pregnancy is planned.
Pets
If earlier you did not have pets in the house, then now is not the time to have them. In a future mother, by the 4th week of pregnancy, immunity is significantly weakened, and therefore it is not worth tempting fate and “provoking” various allergic reactions, which will necessarily affect the development of the fetus and the woman’s well-being.
Sex
Intimate relationships during this period are allowed, but only with mutual consent, and without aggressiveness.
From all this, the following conclusions can be drawn:
Under the ban are: the use of alcohol, narcotic substances, nicotine, medicines(except for vitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor), heavy physical exertion, especially weight lifting, negative emotions, stress, any kind of anesthesia, even during dental operations.
In order to avoid or reduce the level of intensity of psycho-emotional disorders (sudden mood swings, increased excitability and irritability, and others), it is important for a woman during this period to adhere to a certain day and night regimen that is comfortable for her. That is, get up and go to bed at the same time, sleep at least eight hours a night, complete proper nutrition at least three times a day, and preferably more often, but in small portions, avoiding being in crowded places so as not to become infected with infectious diseases. or viral diseases.
4 weeks pregnant with IVF
Since in vitro fertilization is characterized by late implantation, it does not take place at the beginning of this period, but closer to its end, approximately on days 5-7 of 4 weeks.
If two or more fetuses develop at once in the uterus, this pregnancy is called multiple. If during the fertilization period two or more eggs were fertilized at once, then already at the fourth week of pregnancy, each of them, independently of each other, is fixed on the wall of the uterus in its cavity and begins its own, separate development.
Each embryo has its own chorion and fetal bladder. Babies in this case will be called dizygotic. They can be of different sexes, and without fail with a different genetic set.
In the event that the twins are obtained from one fertilized egg, which is divided into two (three or more parts), then these babies will be called identical. Depending on the place of cell division, the formation of the placenta and the fetal bladder will depend: if the division occurred at the stage of a free blastocyst, they will have a common placenta and an individual fetal bladder. And if the division of the egg was at the stage of the zygote (in the fallopian tube), then the placenta and bladder for each baby will be separate.
One sex and the same gene set occurs only in babies who develop a water bladder with one common placenta.
Video about 4 weeks pregnant
So, you can be congratulated, a new life is developing in your tummy!
During this period, chorionic gonadotropin begins to be actively produced, so you can safely go to the pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test. But if it turned out to be negative, this does not mean that pregnancy has not occurred, it’s just that its content in the urine is not very high yet, you can take a test in a few days, or donate blood for.
At week 4, the first signs of pregnancy appear, such as morning sickness, increased salivation, drowsiness, fatigue, sensitivity to smells, irritability, frequent urination, and so on.
Your baby is the size of...
0.5 grams
0.36-1 mm
Fetal development
The 4th week of pregnancy is an important stage in the development of the fetus, as the fetal egg turns into a real embryo. Now it looks like a disk, which consists of three layers (germ layers). Each of them plays an important role in the development of the baby.
The outer layer (ectoderm) is the basis for skin, hair, nervous system, eye lenses, tooth enamel. The middle layer (mesoderm) will become the skeleton, connective tissue and muscles, as well as the excretory and circulatory systems, will give rise to the development of the genital organs. The inner layer (endoderm) will give rise to the development of the digestive system, thyroid and pancreas, liver.
This is what the fetus looks like at 4 weeks
The heart and blood vessels are the very first to begin to form, and at week 4 the first heartbeats can be detected. True, the heart still looks like a simple tube through which blood flows in an undivided stream. By the end of the week, the main departments will already be distinguished in it. At week 4, the fetal head is also formed, which looks like a small droplet, but it already has three brain bubbles, even if they are primary.
The process of placentation is also actively going on, which is fully completed only by the 12th week of pregnancy.
During placentation, the yolk sac is formed from the endoblastic vesicle, which is a derivative of the embryoblast. This is an extra-embryonic organ located near the umbilical region of the growing and developing embryo. The yolk sac plays an important role in the respiration and nutrition of the embryo. As a hematopoietic organ, it will function up to the 7th week of pregnancy. In the walls of the yolk sac, primary germ cells are formed, which, together with the blood, enter the rudiments of the sex glands.
Ultrasound at 4 weeks pregnant
On ultrasound, the corpus luteum of pregnancy is recognized, which is constantly increasing. At week 4, the yolk sac is also registered - this is a ring with a diameter of 2-3 mm. By the end of the fourth week of pregnancy, ultrasound is able to determine the embryo itself, which has already established itself in the uterine cavity, but so far it looks like a small black dot.
At this stage of pregnancy, ultrasound is not often performed, because the expectant mother is just starting to think about possible pregnancy and is decided only on a rapid test to determine the latter. Ultrasound is performed transvaginally.
What happens in your body at 4 weeks?
During this period, your body has almost completely rebuilt, but the uterus has not yet increased in size. However, changes in the body of the expectant mother will occur throughout pregnancy. During a gynecological examination, changes in the structure and color of the cervix may be observed. There may be a slight increase in weight. But at the same time, pregnancy still does not affect the figure in any way.
Yellow body in its own way appearance resembles a small bubble on the wall of the ovary. It performs an important function, namely, it produces progesterone, which is necessary to maintain pregnancy for initial stage. Around week 12, this function will be taken over by the placenta.
The pituitary gland increases in size, the production of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones decreases, which contributes to a temporary cessation of egg maturation and ovulation is interrupted. In turn, the production of prolactin increases, this hormone is responsible for preparing the mammary glands for feeding the newborn.
How do you feel at week 4?
There is a feeling of coarsening and swelling of the mammary glands. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, irritability, fatigue may appear, which in turn is very often regarded as a premenstrual symptom. But many women feel the onset of pregnancy from the first days, if this is not a fixation, which is very common in women who really want to get pregnant.
There is a slight increase in body temperature. Future mothers can confuse day and night, this phenomenon is called sleep inversion.
Discharge from the genital tract
In most cases, the selections are standard, they should be light or milky in color, of a uniform consistency.
If there are other discharges that differ from the norm, then you should immediately visit a doctor, as they may indicate the presence of infections in the female genital tract. In this case, it is necessary to undergo an examination and fully follow the doctor's recommendations.
The appearance of bloody or brownish discharge is also a reason to visit a doctor, since this period is one of the most critical periods of pregnancy.
Photo of tummies at 4 weeks
Despite the fact that the 5th week is considered the most optimal period for a test to detect pregnancy, by the end of the fourth week it is also possible to establish the fact of pregnancy. By this time, the level of hCG will vary between 101 - 4870 mU / ml, of course, the gap is considerable, but every day the level of the hormone increases.
There are several types of pregnancy tests:
- test strips. This is an inexpensive option. To determine pregnancy, it is necessary to lower the test strip into the urine, when two strips appear, the test is considered positive. However, the test strip is not fully saturated, resulting in a false negative result.
- tablet tests. They are equipped with two windows, urine enters the first window, and the result is displayed in the second. This version of the tests is of higher quality.
- inkjet tests are the most effective. It contains blue particles that reliably attach to hCG, unless of course it is found in the urine. After a minute, the test results are evaluated.
Important at 4 weeks
Remember that the laying of organs has just begun, so you need to avoid all negative factors as much as possible. Give up bad habits, because you carry a new life in you!
It is also worth a while to refrain from sex. It is imperative to visit a doctor who will give necessary recommendations and advice, as well as talk about vitamins and minerals to take. Dental treatment should be postponed to the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, which lasts from 14 to 26 weeks, as anesthesia is often used here. All medicines should be taken only on the advice of a doctor, forget about self-medication!
Meals at 4 weeks
You should forget about your favorite fast foods, carbonated drinks, canned food, products with dyes and harmful additives. Your diet must be balanced. It is worth reducing the intake of strong tea and coffee, as well as fatty, smoked and fried foods. A future mother should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fish, lean meat. However, you shouldn't overeat either. In nutrition, you need to find a golden mean. In the presence of constipation, include prunes, beets, dried apricots in the diet, that is, those products that are natural laxatives.
Mode
Try to sleep in the afternoon, walk more often in the fresh air, you can visit the pool.
Your little man has a whole life ahead of him! In the meantime, you have just gone 4 weeks, the time of your special parental responsibility and the time when the baby begins to get used to life outside the mother's womb.
Physical development and growth of a four-week-old baby
This week plays a big role in the formation of the body. Right now the baby is starting adapt to the environment , and your task is to help him in this, laying a reliable foundation for future health.
The physical development of the baby
- The movements of the crumbs are not yet coordinated , the cams are compressed, the handles-legs are in a bent state.
- The baby expresses dissatisfaction by crying and with sharp movements, with colic, he twists his legs, with pain in the ears he turns his head.
- If you touch the baby's cheek , he begins to look for breasts with his mouth.
- The eyes are still blue color (like all newborns due to the lack of melanin in the iris). When highlighting "their" pigment, as they grow older, the color, of course, will change.
- Vision still lacks fullness , visibility is fuzzy, it is difficult to concentrate the gaze.
- The first tears appear.
How much does the child gain in weight and height in the 4th week?
How much does the baby sleep. Do you need a pacifier and motion sickness?
Sleeping baby at 4 weeks about 17-19 hours a day.
Of these, about 8 hours falls on night sleep (at least 4) and 3-4 on daytime.
Most of all, the process of sucking is now important for the crumbs, with which he gets up and lies down. Many mothers are interested do you need a pacifier ? And is it worth rocking the baby?
Certainly, baby's nipple soothes . He constantly has to suck either a finger, or a breast, or a pacifier, that is, at least something. This is both a reflex and a whole world for the baby.
A pacifier in this situation, of course, helps to calm the child. But if the baby does not require it, or it falls out during sleep, then the meaning in it disappears.
You should not teach your child to constantly sleep with a pacifier, then it will be very difficult to wean from it. The pacifier is rather help mother, but not the baby. True, it will be even more difficult to wean off thumb sucking.
Concerning motion sickness
, then there is no point in discussing whether the baby will get used to hands at this age. From birth to 3 months, he, more than ever, needs maternal attention and a sense of your warmth.
There will be no harm from motion sickness , but there will be one benefit. But after 3 months, you can gradually accustom to "independence".
Motion sickness becomes the basic need of the newborn. It allows you to strengthen the children's nervous system, synchronize the biorhythms of the brain and the work of internal organs, and also contributes to the training of spatial coordination and the development of the vestibular apparatus.
How much does a 4 week old baby eat? What to do, if breast milk lacks?
In the 4th week, the baby eats (on average) 100-130 ml at a time with 6-7 meals a day. The baby needs about 750-800 g of milk per day (1/5 of the baby's weight is the norm of milk per day for crumbs up to 2 months old). If there is a shortage of milk, the pediatrician recommends supplementary feeding with a mixture.
What should a mother do with a shortage of milk to increase lactation?
- Increase the number of attachments of the child to the chest (most effective method). Even if you have to apply every hour (and every 2 hours at night). This mode should be set for a week and a half. As soon as the baby begins to write more often, and after feeding it will be more calm, you can return to the previous regimen.
- Take lactose. (after consulting a doctor) in the form of lacto-teas, tea with milk, milk.
- Don't forget to feed alternately that is, with one breast, and in next feeding give another.
- Remember that unextracted milk from the breast "burns out" . The more the baby eats, the more milk will come.
How many times a day should a four-week-old newborn poop: stool norms
The stool of newborns this week does not have any daily allowance. A baby of the 1st month of life can stain diapers 7-10 times a day (according to the number of feedings, plus/minus).
Moreover, artificers recover less often than babies who are breastfed. With the wrong choice of mixture, stool retention can be up to 2 days.
The daily routine of a child at 1 month from birth
By the end of the 4th week, most babies are already determined with their sleep and feeding regimen. Although some of them can raise their mother for several months up to 4-5 times per night , in general, requiring milk 10-12 times a day.
4 week old baby usually survives 2-3 hours between feedings falling asleep / waking up at about the same time.
As for wakefulness, this time (after feeding) increases for 15-20 minutes.
What can a newborn of four weeks know and how does he explore the world?
By the end of 4 weeks, your baby can...
Peculiarities of communication of the child with mom and dad
- four week old baby reacts to people, objects and sounds. He answers a smile with a smile and hums in response to the gentle voices of mom and dad.
- Listens carefully to the voices of adults , extraneous sounds are less and less afraid.
- The baby, of course, still does not pull the handles to the mother, but rejoices with her whole body of mom's closeness , knocking arms / legs, making sounds, smiling.
- Parents are already distinguished from strangers , which he meets with caution.
- If the mother bends down to the baby at a distance of about 30 cm from his face and reads poems and nursery rhymes clearly, in a singsong voice, then the baby will answer with the sounds "gee" and "kh" .
Rules for caring for a newborn 4 weeks of life: what should mom know?
How much to bathe a baby, and what's new in bathing a newborn 4 weeks of life?
- Baby on the 4th week should bathe every day for 3-5 minutes. Moreover, soap and foam should be used a maximum of 2 times a week.
- Wash your hair 1-2 times a week(using baby soap or special shampoo).
- You can already swim not in boiled, but in running water.
Bathing with herbs daily is not worth it, because any phytocollection will dry skin
. It is advisable to remember that for a newborn herbs (even when bathing) can be a very strong drug.
To avoid allergic reactions do not abuse phyto-baths. Only if necessary (for sweating, diaper rash) do this. Do not forget that, for example, chamomile is a potential allergen, and the sequence dries the skin excessively. For allergy sufferers, a bath of nettle or birch leaves is suitable.
Shampoo buy only "no tears" (pH is neutral), and liquid foam is more convenient for washing (it does not dry the skin like soap).
Sweating and diaper rash: treatment and prevention
The skin of a 4-week-old baby is still too delicate, and the baby himself is rather weak, so no frivolity, always be on the alert and remember the rules of hygiene in time.
What you need to know about diaper rash and sweating
- Do not leave the baby in wet diapers for a long time, but change them immediately.
- Do not wait until the diaper becomes unbearable, and change every 2 hours if the baby has not stained it with “mustard color”, and also immediately after the stool itself.
- If you do not treat diaper rash, prickly heat, then, in addition to redness, your baby will also get blisters, so be careful.
- In the heat, try not to use diapers.
- Rinse baby clothes thoroughly and wash only with powders approved for newborns.
- Treat diaper rash and prickly heat when swaddling with a fat baby cream, powder, or other remedy prescribed by a doctor.
- Take air baths more often.
- Do not be zealous with clothes, because the principle of "cabbage" will not do any good. When the baby overheats, prickly heat is inevitable.
- Bathe your child every day (it would be good to do this twice in the summer) and be sure to wash it with running water at each diaper change.
- Wear only cotton clothes for your baby.
Such is the feature of the 1st month of life, scaly, flaky yellowish brown rinds
on the scalp. Removing such scabs is quite difficult, and many parents suffer with them for almost a year, or even more.
Never rip or pick off these crusts. The risk of injuring the skin and infecting the baby is too high!
How to remove these crusts?
- Carefully remove after bathing with a cotton swab soaked in sterilized oil (vegetable).
- Soak a gauze pad (sterile) boiled and cooled vegetable oil(let the size of the napkin be according to the area of \u200b\u200bthe area of \u200b\u200bthe skin with crusts), squeeze it out, attach it to the skin, fix it with a cap and leave it for 3-4 hours. Remove during bathing, wash the head with soap. Remove the remaining crusts for the next bath.
- Lubricate the scalp with sterile vegetable oil and gently massage it with a soft brush. After that, you need to bathe and wash the baby's head. Treat pink areas of skin under the removed crusts with cream / ointment (D-Pantinol, for example).
Flat spot and bald patch on the back of the head: how to avoid and what to do if the spot appears?
If you notice a bald patch on the back of your head, remember that here there is no reason to panic.
This phenomenon is quite normal for 90 percent of babies under the age of 6 months.
- Firstly, the baby at this age spends most of the time with the back of the head on the pillow and twists the head, and the hairs are simply wiped off.
- Secondly, these hairs are still too thin and soft, and the hair follicles are weak. By the year, this fluff will be replaced by new hairs, thicker and tougher.
The only reason for concern is the risk of developing rickets.
But, in addition to baldness, with rickets there are other signs.
- Strong sweating.
- Large area and distinctness of bald patches.
- Insomnia.
- Unreasonable anxiety of the baby.
If the baldness and the condition of the baby worries you, contact your pediatrician.
We play and develop: games and activities for the development of a newborn 4 weeks from birth
Now certain activities are most relevant for the baby.
New educational games for a newborn baby
Thanks to the contact of the baby with toys (visual, tactile, auditory), his comprehensive development takes place. Therefore, do not miss the extra opportunity to play with him, and we will tell you which toys will come in handy in week 4.
Hardening and gymnastics of a child: what can be done new?
New exercises are added to the previous exercises (which are worth continuing) and hardening methods.
- We take a crumb of the armpit, "put" feet on the surface (not in the literal sense! It’s too early to put on your legs), we tilt forward. The kid must automatically sort out his legs, walk.
- Increase the time your baby spends on the tummy (during wakefulness, of course), thus training the muscles of the neck and back.
- Fitball exercise.
We put the ball on top of the diaper with the baby’s tummy, hold it by the legs, roll the baby back and forth. We perform the same movements on the back.
Fitball classes are held only with an instructor! - Many start at 4 weeks lessons in the pool. Swimming is a general strengthening procedure for the prevention of colds and for the development of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The time of classes, which are carried out no more than 2-3 times a week, should be no longer than 15 minutes.
