4 Weeks Pregnant
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Time to read 4 min
Week 4 of Pregnancy
If you have just taken a pregnancy test and the result is positive, then you are probably 4 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy starts at the date of your last mentrual period which can be confusing because at 4 weeks of pregnancy it has only been 2 weeks since conception.
In this blog we will answer the questions you might be having about this stage of your pregnancy.
4 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Many of the early symptoms that you might be experiencing when you are 4 weeks pregnant are similar to those that you might experience at the time of your period. This can be confusing, however if you have taken a pregnant test and it is positive the symptoms that you are feeling are very likely due to pregnancy.
Symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant
- Cramping - this cramping can feel similar to mentrual cramping which can be confusing when you are waiting on a pregnancy confirmation
- Light Spotting - Implantation bleeding can occur right around 4 weeks pregnant and is usually light pink and lasts only a few days
Body Change at 4 weeks pregnant:
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Breast Changes:
- Fuller and Heavier Breasts
- Breasts are Tender to the Touch
4 Weeks Pregnant Baby Development
The baby which is called an embryo at this point is about the size of a poppy seed or measuring only about 0.04 to 0.1 inches (1 to 2.5 millimeters) in length. It has just finished implanting into the wall of your uterus. This is a critical step and after this stage the pregnancy has been established.
When you are 4 weeks pregnant there is a lot going on inside this tiny embryo. Cells are rapidly dividing and as they are formed they are beginning the creation of important structures.
The beginning of the amniotic sac has begun which will eventually surround and protect the growing fetus. The newly divided cells will also start the beginning of what will become the placenta.
The start of the formation of the neural tube happens at this time as well. This structure will turn into the brain, spinal column and nervous system.
Size of Embryo = 0.04 to 0.1 inches (1 to 2.5 millimeters) in length
"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be."
4 Weeks Pregnant To Do List
If your mind is racing about things that you need to think about and do at 4 weeks pregnant, then you are in the right place.
The first item on the "do" list is to take a prenatal vitamin daily. There are so many options here, but most providers will recommend one that has 600 mcg of folic acid a day. Some people prefer a chewable or a liquid vitamin. This is a choice that you can make for yourself and as always as your care provider if you have questions.
The next item on this list is to be aware. I think it is unrealistic to make drastic changes to your nutrition, activities and general habits when you immediately get a BFP. At 4 weeks pregnant it’s a great time to start thinking about what you might need to change and put some priorities in place. Something important like quitting smoking, vaping or drug use is a high priority. Eating more protein is a lower priority.
Your life doesn’t need to be upended immediately, so awareness is step number 1. The final item on the do list is to make your first prenatal appointment. The timing of this appointment varies by provider, but will take place in the next few weeks.
Ultrasound at 4 weeks pregnant?
Many providers will do an ultrasound during the first appointment, which can verify the due date and that is why this ultrasound is sometimes called a dating ultrasound. The first appointment is usually after week 6 of pregnancy. Usually an ultrasound is not done at 4 weeks pregnant. One thing to note is that an ultrasound done in early pregnancy is often done vaginally and is called a transvaginal ultrasound. This is an ultrasound wand that is inserted into the vagina not on the belly like you might be familiar with seeing.
Let's now cover what you might want to be thinking about at this stage. At 4 weeks pregnant, it is a great time to prepare for nausea. Nausea and morning sickness are the most common symptoms that people experience during the first trimester and I’ve seen it really catch people off guard.
Prepare for Nausea:
- have bland foods in the house like crackers and rice cakes
- have some tools to deal with morning sickness like these handy bags that can fit in a purse or a car just in case.
- have Preggie Pops Drops on hand to help ease the those feelings of nausea that make not have started at 4 weeks pregnant
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Conclusion
4 weeks pregnant is just the beginning of your pregnancy journey. You might be feeling a lot of symptoms and body changes at 4 weeks pregnant or you might be 4 weeks pregnant with no symptoms. Everyone's pregnancy journey is different. Make sure to check out our weekly blogs and videos for the rest of your pregnancy.
The Author: Alice Turner
Alice is a doula and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator who is passionate about helping families have a postivie birth experience. She is dedicated to childbirth education online and through the Birth Toolbox YouTube channel. When not talking about pregnancy and birth you can find her hiking, sking and walking in nature with her husband and 4 kids.
