Pregnancy Week 4 - Pregnancy Week by Week

Mother:

Your body is figuring out what is up! A urine pregnancy test would probably be positive by now. They measures the amounts of the pregnancy hormone, hCG, in your urine. You are probably beginning to feel tired, urinate more frequently, experience mood swings, and possibly have tender or swollen breasts - these are common signs of pregnancy.

Be sure to avoid environmental hazards. The first trimester is the most critical time for formation of your baby. This also includes avoiding alcohol, smoke and second hand smoke, street drugs, including healthy eating habits and a pregnancy exercise program.

Due Date Forums

Baby:

The chorionic villi have begun forming by the end of this week. Towards the end of this week and into next week, a transvaginal ultrasound can show a gestational sac. The yolk sac that helps feed your baby until the placenta is fully functional is appearing as well.

Dad:

Do you have a plan on how you'll find out about the pregnancy? Will the test be a joint effort? Some moms choose to have dad go and read the results. Be sure you've read the instructions and know how to properly read the test results. The words you say will be remembered forever.

Twin Tips:

hCG levels in moms carrying multiples are often more elevated. This can often be the first sign that you have more than one on the way! According to one study, at about 18 days of conception, (or 32 days since LMP) the average hCG for a singleton gestation is 450 and for a twin gestation is 1500. Though this is not a foolproof way to detect twins.

Suggested Reading:

A Child is Born by Lennart Nilsson
The ultimate "picture" book in childbirth. You have loved his photos, now they are available in a pregnancy book!
Click Here to Order

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Week 37 | Week 38 | Week 39 | Week 40 | Week 41 | Week 42

_{Photo © Robin Elise Weiss}