Pregnancy Week 4

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. –-Christopher Columbus

What happens to you?

Most people are not aware that they are pregnant until about four to six weeks after conception. Whether you’re aware of it or not, hormone levels start increasing in your body as soon the ovum (egg) attaches to the inside of your uterus. This helps the uterus maintain the pregnancy. The walls of your uterus become spongy and thicker, creating the perfect environment for the growing fetus. Some of the early signs and symptoms you might detect are:

• Missed menstrual period
• Nausea
• Frequent urination (usually starts about six weeks after conception)
• Tender or sore breasts

A urine pregnancy test would probably be positive by now. It measures the amounts of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, in your urine. You are probably beginning to feel tired, and you may urinate more frequently, experience mood swings, and possibly have tender or swollen breasts.

If you have not been avoiding environmental hazards, begin doing so now. The first trimester is the most critical time for formation of your baby. This also includes avoiding alcohol, smoke (including second-hand smoke), street drugs, and limiting or avoiding caffeine.

Taking a folic acid supplement is very important for your baby’s development.

What happens to the baby?

There is a yolk sac that helps feed the embryo until a placenta is fully formed and can function as the means for the baby to receive nourishment from the mother’s blood.

Return to Pregnancy Calendar or continue to Week 5