Your Pregnancy at Week 4

Do you feel pregnant? Chances are, you do! Mood swings, intense smells... everyone is different. You may feel more tired than usual or a slight nausea. Some pregnant individuals experience tender nipples and swollen breasts. Others feel no symptomatic difference whatsoever during the fourth week.

It's time to find out.

You'll get the most accurate result on your home pregnancy test at the end of this week. Some individuals are lucky enough to find out as soon as they've missed their period; others won't until week five. Name-brand and generic home pregnancy tests are equally sensitive and frequently stubborn about detecting the hCG hormone in your urine during the fourth week. If your test is negative, it is a good idea to wait until week five and take another test.

If your home pregnancy test detects enough of the hormone hCG in your urine this week, you'll see that glorious positive result. Even if you discover a very faint - but still positive - test result, there's a great chance you're pregnant. And yes, it's normal to wonder if you eyeballed the fabulously low-key, faint result into existence or truly see it (feel free to use the buddy system if you aren't sure), and it's equally as normal to take multiple tests (just to be extra sure).

Whether your home pregnancy test result is super positive or just appears positive, you should contact your doctor, midwife, or other healthcare practitioner to schedule your first prenatal appointment. You should also ask if the vitamin supplements, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications are safe to continue.

Be mindful of what you put into your body during these early weeks when your little one is most vulnerable. The first trimester is the most critical, susceptible stage in your baby's formation and development. You should avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, secondhand smoke, and certain medications. 

Many women don't feel the symptoms of pregnancy during week four. However, about 50 percent of women will experience pregnancy symptoms during week five, and most women will notice symptoms around week six. If you are already experiencing pregnancy symptoms, they may include:

A positive home pregnancy test, or positive blood pregnancy test: the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is responsible for setting your pregnancy in motion and will be present in both your urine and blood. 

Spotting: it’s possible that as the egg buries into the uterine lining, you will notice some light spotting called “implantation bleeding”. This may be accompanied by some mild cramping, but the bleeding will generally be lighter in both volume and color without a consistent flow. If you're concerned, reach out to your midwife or healthcare practitioner.

Tender or swollen breasts: while your breasts have a while to go before they become proficient milk machines, changes are already beginning and may result in some sensitivity. 

Mood swings: hormone fluctuations may leave you feeling extreme emotions from joy to irritation; sometimes switching without warning. If your reactions seem to be irrational, know that your growing baby may be the explanation.

Morning sickness: this notorious early pregnancy symptom can vary drastically from pregnancy to pregnancy and despite the name may not be limited to the morning hours. Nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and can be triggered by hunger, strong smells… or at times seemingly nothing at all. 

Cramping: often associated with your period, cramping may set off your internal alarm bells, thinking that something is wrong– but it can be a perfectly normal symptom as your body stretches and relaxes into its new role as a baby incubator. 

Fatigue: need a nap? Making a baby is hard work! Even in the early weeks, you may find yourself exhausted. Be sure to listen to your body and get some rest whenever you can.

Tell your partner you're pregnant.

If you're not already, start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 1 milligram of folic acid or preferably, folate, and remember to take it daily because it's proven to help prevent open neural tub defects. If you are struggling to take your prenatal vitamin, a good tip is to try taking it at a different time of day, switch to a gummy, and in some cases take a break until the nausea and vomiting subside.

Select your midwife, OB, or family doctor and make your first prenatal appointment. Interviewing with a few different providers is a good way to make sure you are getting the person who is going to fit best with you and your birth plan. If you plan to use a doula as part of your support team, start researching and interviewing candidates. It may be helpful to check in with friends for recommendations!

Begin the habit of going to bed early and napping when you can. Most people feel more worn out than they've ever felt before, and this is a great way to combat that fatigue.

Who knew we'd ever find cause to celebrate the rising number on a scale? Okay, maybe you aren't celebrating per se, but it is perhaps the one time in your life you should consider documenting your weight gain. Get creative! Give your baby book the perfect start with a record of your ever-expanding baby bump. Some of the best ways to document and gauge your growth include:

• Taking a profile picture each week. Use a small marker or poster board as a sign to hold, naming the week, to help you more easily distinguish between weeks. Make this photo record even more dramatic by taking pictures in the same location each week, perhaps framed by a doorway for visual reference to your changing waistline. If you're thinking weekly photo shoots aren't your cup of tea, one-a-month photos work, too!
• Using written word! As often as you think it, document each little landmark of gestation in a journal, like when you make the switch to maternity clothing, or your belly button no longer claims its allegiance to the "innie" club, or your partner is at the helm of all leg shaving. These moments seem unforgettable, but in years to come, you’ll treasure these tiny details.
• Wrapping ribbon around your waist. Go to your local craft store and purchase a bag of baby-related (or any theme) charms. Each month, tie a charm at the precise point where it meets. As the charms accumulate, you'll have a tangible, charming reminder of this journey.

No matter how you choose to document your growing belly, make sure you relish in the amazing changes that are taking place inside of you. Remember, each pound and stretch is helping to nourish and sustain that little life inside.