4 weeks pregnant

When there is any suspicion of pregnancy, the 4th week is the most suitable to perform the tests, either through urine or blood. During this period, the concentration of HCG is much higher, being better detected in exams and with a lower risk of false negative results.

HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is known as the pregnancy hormone, released by the placenta and cells of the embryo. It is because of it that the ovary produces estrogen and progesterone, causing the menstrual cycle to be temporarily interrupted.

It is also interesting to remember that as a strong sign of a possible pregnancy is the delay of menstruation for at least 3 weeks after sexual intercourse, at the end of the 4th week, confirmation is more guaranteed.

So, if the result was positive, congratulations! Now it’s time to find out a little bit about how your baby is doing, what happens to your body and some care you will need to take.

 

Baby development

Your baby is very small, is called a zygote and measures just over 1 mm, about the size of a poppy seed. The egg is already implanted in the uterine mucosa and it is possible to visualize the gestational sac, a bag filled with amniotic fluid, which surrounds the baby and has the function of protecting him from infections and trauma up to 3 months.

It will continue to develop, beginning to divide into three different tissues, ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, which over time will become skin, eyes, bones, muscles, organs.

In the next 24 hours, it should double in size. The umbilical cord and the placenta develop. The neural tube is in formation, from where the brain, backbone, spinal cord and nerves will be formed.

 

What happens to mom

At this stage, it is very unlikely that an external signal will appear. Some of the symptoms are very reminiscent of PMS, which is why it is necessary to pay attention to the delay of menstruation. Remembering that each organism and each pregnancy is unique, which means that it is not a mandatory requirement to have all symptoms.

 

Most of them include:

– Excessive sleep

– Colic

– Headaches and migraines

– Dizziness

– Low blood pressure

– Mood swings

– Uncontrolled hunger

– Morning sickness

– Swelling

– Swollen and sore breasts and more prominent nipples

– Tightening of the belly

A little bleeding can happen during the nesting or implantation, which stops afterwards, being necessary to worry and to see a doctor only if it gets stronger or more constant.

 

What care should be taken at this stage

As you are now sure that you are pregnant, it is time to make an appointment with an obstetrician to perform prenatal care, make sure how your baby is doing and monitor the progress of the pregnancy.

During the consultation, the doctor will check your blood pressure, your weight, order specific tests and calculate both the stage of your pregnancy and the likely date of birth. In addition, if you are not already taking it, your doctor will prescribe a vitamin supplement, which contains folic acid, calcium, iron and vitamins B12, C, D and E.

Changes in certain habits in your life are likely to be necessary. For example, if you smoke or drink alcohol, the safest thing for your baby’s health is to avoid it during pregnancy.

The idea that pregnant women need to eat for two is a myth. During pregnancy, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits, avoiding processed foods, soft drinks, fats, sweets, preferring and seeking to practice lighter physical activities.

As for activities, it is essential to talk to the doctor about the activities that you are free to do. Some women need to rest completely or perform few movements.

Whatever your condition, follow all the obstetrician’s guidelines and try to enjoy every moment of your pregnancy.