4 Months Pregnant: Symptoms & Fetal Development
Hey would-be parents, 5 months to go, and your little tot will be in your arms. In the fourth month of pregnancy, your embryo turned foetus will be about 5 inches long, weighing about 0.14 kgs.
Excited to know what lies ahead in your pregnancy in the fourth month? Read on to find out!
4 Months Pregnancy Symptoms
These are some common pregnancy symptoms you might experience at four months pregnant:
Food cravings
Feel like eating a spoonful of pickles now and then? Can't get enough of that ice cream tub? Give in to your cravings but within moderation. Also, do not ignore your overall balanced pregnancy diet. If you ever feel like eating non-food like chalk, mud, clay, or laundry detergent, consult your doctor right away. Don't give in to these cravings, as it could be due pica.
Abdominal pain
The ligaments supporting your uterus stretch as it grows, causing lower abdominal pain. This pain can either be dull or sharp. Try changing positions when it strikes to help ease round ligament pain.
Sensitive teeth and gums
You might experience a gum disease called gingivitis, which causes swollen gums or bleeding gums when you brush or floss. This is caused due to increase in pregnancy hormones. You may also feel your gums to be more sensitive than usual. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day and rinse with warm salt water to relieve some of the discomforts. Visit your dentist for a regular bi-annual check-up or sooner if needed.
Spider veins
Spider veins are a less severe version of varicose veins, where thin, reddish or purple-toned veins are visible on your face or legs. It is usually a result of the changes in circulation caused due to increased blood volume during pregnancy. Spider veins fade away after you give birth.
Stretch marks
You might notice reddish, brown, or purplish streaks on your belly, breasts, buttocks, or thighs as a result of stretched skin. You can't prevent them but moisturising your skin can help minimise irritation and itchiness. Worry not! these marks usually fade over time after your baby's birth.
Nasal congestion
You may experience a stuffed nose or occasional nosebleed. Your nasal mucus membranes swell and bleed due to the extra blood volume and hormonal changes. Stay hydrated and try using saline nasal drops to help relieve congestion. Apply petroleum jelly to your nostrils and use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Painful urination
If you experience a burning sensation while urinating, you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is usually caused when bacteria enter the urethra. Most to-be-moms are susceptible to UTIs, as the expanding uterus puts pressure on the bladder, making it quite difficult to empty the bladder completely. A UTI can develop if the urine contains bacteria. It is important to get the infection treated, as untreated UTI can lead to serious bladder or kidney infections. So, if you experience painful urination or a combination of painful urination, back pain, and fever, consult your doctor.
4 Months Pregnant: Baby's Development
Your little one is developing facial features. He is also working hard on movements, like flexing the arms and legs and clasping hands into fists. At 4 months pregnant, your baby can easily move around within the amniotic sac, as there is plenty of room within your womb.
Your little one will now start producing oestrogen and testosterone. During the ultrasound exam this month, your baby's genitals may be visible, so you will soon be able to find whether your baby is a girl or a boy. As your little one can now swallow amniotic fluid, the kidneys start producing urine.
Your tiny tot can now hear muffled sounds from the outside world. So, it's a good time to start talking, reading, and singing to your baby within the belly.
Precautions & Tips at Fourth Month of Pregnancy
You have come 3 months far, and it's been quite a journey. A few more months to go, and you finally get to meet your little wonder. But until then, you need to take good care of yourself and your 4 months baby in the womb. Here's how:
Build up your maternity wardrobe: Soon, the days of looping a hair elastic around your pre-pregnancy jeans' button will be over. It'll be time to switch from your sweet, stretchy clothes to cosy and comfortable ones. So, start looking for chic yet comfortable maternity pieces before you run out of energy.
Settle on a birthing location: Now is a good time to search for hospitals if you haven't looked for options already. Make sure your maternity insurance covers the hospital that you want. Make sure you’re comfortable with the staff there. Try scheduling a tour there before delivery.
Eat healthy food: Many expecting mothers tend to gain a lot of their pregnancy weight during this trimester. This is usually because they don’t experience nausea anymore and are not so swollen and cramped to have lost their appetite. It is normal! You must consume about 300 extra calories every day at this stage. However, gaining weight can be done either in a healthy or a less-than-healthy way. It is always best to choose the former method by eating foods that are:
Rich in fibre like whole grains, vitamins, iron, and antioxidants
Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, like nut butter and avocados
High in protein and calcium, for extra bone- and muscle-building power
Stay hydrated: Since your body is working overtime, it needs all the water it can get. Pregnancy can easily make you dehydrated, causing headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
No hot tub: The high heat environment can lead to complications in pregnancy. So, avoid sitting in a hot tub or a sauna.
Ultrasound scan: By the end of this month, you will be halfway through your pregnancy, marking the time for an all-important ultrasound. Before going for the scan, make sure to read more about 3D and 4D pregnancy ultrasound scan to know what to expect.
Hunger pangs: Your hunger pangs may be more intense than before. Maintain your healthy pregnancy diet and avoid eating twice as much. Instead, follow your doctor's recommendations and add only a little bit more healthy food to your diet.
Take a vacation: Thanks to the energy boost in the second trimester! Your 4 months pregnant belly is not yet that big, so go on a relaxing vacation or babymoon with your husband. In the case of the first pregnancy, it is a great chance to spend some quality time with your partner before the baby arrives.
Advice for Partners
Hey dad-to-be, it's been 4 months already! Your little bundle of joy will soon be arriving. Are you prepared? Here's something that might help you:
Have you started looking for baby names yet? If not, now is the time. Get alongside your partner and create a list of your favourite baby names. Discuss the type of name you would like for your baby – traditional or modern. Seek inspiration and ideas from your family tree, history books, or online sources. You can also derive a unique name from a mixture of both of your names.
Your partner's identity may be evolving from a sexual partner to an expectant mother, and you may be finding it difficult to adjust to it. It's okay! These feelings are normal. However, it is important to talk openly to each other as both of you experience sexual changes. Communicate, reserving judgment, and keep in mind that you both are adjusting.
Have you chosen a paediatrician yet? If not, begin right away! A lot of preparations are awaiting before your baby arrives. These include choosing a doctor for your child. Talk to your family, friends, other parents, or even your physician for recommendations. Once you’ve shortlisted the candidates, schedule some doctor meet-and-greets along with your partner. During these meetings, you can discuss basic issues, like appointment availability, weekend coverage, hospitals the practice is affiliated with, and if they accept insurance.
Take a break! It's alright. Managing work, home, and preparation for the newborn may start getting difficult. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. However, it’s important to channel that energy and give it a rest. You can find the right balance once you take a break.
Family should be your priority at this stage. Spend some quality hours with your spouse. Talk to the baby bump so that you don't feel like missing out. On looking back, you don't want to regret all the little things and moments of your baby.
Things are going to change after the baby's arrival. So, during pregnancy, establish open and honest communication to can be in sync once the baby arrives. Be more patient and caring during these crucial months. Take her on dates to keep the spark going.
Talking to other dads is the key. Connect with other dads, either online or offline to understand providing care for your baby in a better way. You can also discuss your fears, worries and feelings to get tips from other dads.
It’s baby shower time! Have you started preparing for it? Many women find this as the happiest time in their entire journey of pregnancy. So, begin planning a small baby shower party for your partner. You can also ask your family and friends to participate.
Track your baby's development with our month-on-month expert tips on pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's safe to get your regular dental procedures done at 4 months pregnant. However, make sure you inform your dentist about your pregnancy at the start of the appointment.
Sit back and soak up all the good stuff that this beautiful journey has to offer. This month will be more energy, baby flutters, and less nausea. Although it's not going to be all roses from now on, you are surely going to miss this month.
