Pregnancy Timeline - Week 4
You might not be aware that you are pregnant by week 4, you could be waiting for your period to start and wondering why you are a few days late. If you have planned your pregnancy timeline you might be getting a little excited about being late. Your breasts may be feeling a little tender but you aren’t completely sure yet. If you have an increased vaginal discharge, mood swings and decreased bladder capacity and energy you could be pregnant. You might feel you have PMS and are just waiting for that period to arrive. A home pregnancy test should be able to give you a result though if it does come back negative, wait another week and try again. Some women might not register positive for another week or so.
The egg, which is now fertilized, is becoming more embedded in the lining of your uterus. There is a very early version of your placenta forming though the yolk sack will feed your baby until the placenta is ready to take over.
The layers of cells which will become the parts of your baby’s body whill have already started to form. For the technically minded the layers are called the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. Suffice it to say it is the beginning of what will eventually become your baby. At present it is tiny, only about 1mm or .04 inches long. Another development around this time is something called the primitive streak which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord. The arm and leg buds have begun to form but are not distinguishable.
If you are on any medications now would be a good time to speak to your health practicioner or doctor and advise them that there is a chance you may be pregnant.
You want to have the best environment for your baby to develop in, so now would be a good time to give up excessive amounts of coffee or tea, or excessive anything. Gentle exercise will keep your body in shape and good nutrition and healthy eating will provide the correct nutrients for your baby. Keeping aware of your pregnancy timeline will let you know just what is happening with you and your baby.
