Month 4
What's Going on This Month?
A Month-by-Month Look at Your Pregnancy
Changes to Your Body
- Your skin and muscles are starting to stretch to make room for your growing baby.
- You may need extra iron. Your doctor or nurse may recommend iron supplements.
- Cravings may start for certain foods and continue throughout the pregnancy. If you crave other non-food items, talk to your doctor or nurse.
- Your uterus begins to rise out of your pelvis, reducing pressure on your bladder and cutting down on your trips to the bathroom.
- Your breasts start to produce colostrum, a thick, milky, nutrient-packed fluid that will nourish your baby when you breastfeed right after birth.
- You may begin to feel your baby move.
Baby's Progress
- Is about six to eight inches long and weighs about six ounces.
- Facial features and unique fingerprints are formed.
- Eyebrows and hair begin to grow.
- Your baby moves, kicks, swallows and can hear your voice.
Do's
- Include your partner as much as possible in the pregnancy; bring him along to your prenatal visits.
- Start shopping for maternity bras for good support.
- Sleep on your left side. Lying on your back or stomach after the fourth month will put extra pressure on your growing uterus and cut down the flow of nutrients to your baby.
- Think about breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk is the best food for your child.
- To ease constipation, drink plenty of water and eat lots of foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.
Expect to Gain 24-35 Pounds during Your Pregnancy
It is important to gain the amount of weight that your doctor or nurse recommends in order to have a healthy baby. Most women of average weight should gain between 24 and 35 pounds.
The weight that you gain during your pregnancy is:
- Baby: seven to eight pounds.
- Breasts increase: one to two pounds.
- Blood increase: four to five pounds.
- Fat: five to seven pounds.
- Body Fluid: one to two pounds.
- Uterus increase: two to five pounds.
- Placenta: two to three pounds.
- Amniotic fluid: two to three pounds.
Although the weight gain may make you feel uncomfortable, remember how important it is to have a healthy baby.
This page last updated on 3/17/08.