4th Month of Pregnancy: Baby Growth, Symptoms and Diet Tips
It is the beginning of the 2nd trimester (4th, 5th, and 6th months), a time of growth. It is the phase when the pregnancy may start to become visible to others. If you missed the last post, read about the third month of pregnancy.
What happens during the fourth month?
By the end of this month, your baby will be about 5 inches long and will weigh about 4 ounces, about as big as an avocado, says Cleveland Clinic. In the fourth month, the outside sex organs are fully formed and fingerprints begin to form. Your doctor can hear the heartbeat clearly with an instrument called a Doppler. By month four, your baby has eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails and hair. The MedlinePlus guide says the bones keep developing and become harder. By week 16, the ears are developed enough that your baby can hear you talk. During the fourth month, your baby can suck a thumb, yawn, stretch and even make faces. But these movements are still too small for you to feel. Cleveland Clinic says most moms start to feel the baby move by 18 to 20 weeks.
Measures to take
Your doctor may soon be able to tell if you are expecting a girl or a boy. Cleveland Clinic says the sex of the baby is often seen on an ultrasound around 20 weeks. The pregnancy starts to show, though it differs from woman to woman.
If you have not had a screening test for Down syndrome yet, ask your doctor about it now. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says a blood test called the quad screen can be done between 15 and 22 weeks.
Rules for maternity leave and benefits are different in every country and at every job. Some have early deadlines. Ask your employer about the rules early, and keep up with all of your doctor visits.
By the fourth month, many early signs of pregnancy will start to fade. For many women, morning sickness may not be a problem anymore. But now new kinds of signs begin to show up. Heartburn and constipation may become a problem. The skin around your nipples (the areola) may get darker.
Because of hormone changes and more blood flow, some women get a stuffy nose, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums, says Cleveland Clinic. Call your doctor if you have shortness of breath that gets worse over time.
It is a time to buy loose clothes.
You may have heard that you should "eat for two." ACOG says this does not mean eating twice as much food. It means eating twice as healthy. The CDC says you need about 340 extra calories a day in the second trimester. If you have heartburn, the NHS says it can help to eat small meals often and not eat within 3 hours of going to bed. Choose healthy snacks, like fresh fruit, milk, yogurt, cheese, sandwiches, or a bowl of soup. Playing gentle tunes from our music collection can help keep mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable for the whole family.
Since your baby can start to hear your voice this month, it is a sweet time to sing or play soft songs. My Stuffie Lullaby is a gentle bedtime song about Bebo and his teddy that you can enjoy now and share with your baby later.
Preventing constipation in pregnancy
ACOG says higher hormone levels during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system and cause constipation.
ACOG says to eat at least 25 grams of fiber a day. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and bran. Choose whole grain cereals or oatmeal for breakfast or anytime during the day. Choose brown rice. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water during the day. Staying active and going to the bathroom when you feel the urge can also help. If constipation does not get better, talk to your doctor before taking any laxative.
When you are ready, read what comes next in the fifth month of pregnancy.
Questions About the Fourth Month of Pregnancy
How big is the baby at 4 months pregnant?
By the end of the fourth month, the baby is about 5 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces, about the size of an avocado.
When will I feel my baby move?
Most moms start to feel the first flutters by 18 to 20 weeks. This first movement is called quickening.
Can I find out if it is a boy or a girl at 4 months?
It may be too early. The sex of the baby is often seen on an ultrasound around 20 weeks.
How much more should I eat in the second trimester?
The CDC says about 340 extra calories a day. Focus on healthy foods, not twice as much food.
How can I prevent constipation while pregnant?
Eat at least 25 grams of fiber a day, drink plenty of water, stay active and use the bathroom when you feel the urge.
This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your health or your pregnancy, please talk to your doctor.
What I like about this article is that, it gave all details from beginning to end of pregnancy. Main thing what your baby look like during pregnancy each month. It made me feel not scared, me reading this information made to be very excited waiting for my baby to be born.