4 weeks pregnant what to do: New parents confirm pregnancy

At 4 weeks pregnant, you may not know yet that you’re carrying a child. However, you may already be experiencing the first signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, and mild cramping, among others.1 

If a doctor or a pregnancy test has confirmed your pregnancy, you might feel anxious and excited about this first trimester in your pregnancy journey. But don’t worry; you’ve got this! Feel free to ask your doctor about any concerns regarding these first few weeks of pregnancy.  

In this article, we share important information about:

4 weeks pregnant what to do: Asian couple look forward to pregnancy

At 4 weeks pregnant, the fertilised egg has made its way down into your uterus and implanted itself into the endometrium, kicking off the next phase of development.2

Alongside the growth and development of the embryo, you may experience some changes in your body, which are good signs of a healthy pregnancy. 

 

What Can You Expect?

At the end of this week, you’ll probably be waiting on your period—will it come or not? If it doesn’t, then you might just be pregnant! To be sure, you can take a pregnancy test or a blood test at the doctor’s clinic even though you haven’t yet missed your period.

Your body will start producing more HCG hormones and flood your body, which may result in headaches – one of the very first signs of pregnancy3. Drink plenty of water and get some rest. You may take paracetamol as prescribed by your doctor. Remember, seek medical help if the pain from the headaches becomes severe.

 

What's Happening This Week?

The fertilised egg is now a tiny ball of rapidly developing cells known as a blastocyst, around 2mm in size (or the size of a poppy seed)1. The blastocyst has comfortably settled inside your uterus, which has been preparing for this moment by developing a lining thick with nutrient-rich blood.2

Amniotic fluid is collecting, and a yolk sac is forming. Part of the blastocyst will grow into your child, while another part will turn into the placenta. Upon implantation into the rich lining of your uterus, the blastocyst becomes an embryo2.

At this point, your child’s neural tube has started to develop,4 which will eventually become the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.

 

What Can You Do to Support Your Pregnancy?

At 4 weeks pregnant, you’re probably mainly preoccupied with having a safe and healthy pregnancy. You can do that by maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. In addition, start nourishing your child’s brain growth by consuming folic acid and DHA daily.

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that prevents brain and spinal cord defects. The recommended intake is around 400 mcg during early pregnancy and at least 600 mcg for the second and third trimesters5. Folic acid decreases the risk of premature and low birth weights in newborns.6

It is recommended to take 1,000 mg of DHA a day. An omega 3 fatty acid, DHA is essential for brain development. It influences immune response during pregnancy, potentially decreasing the risk of preterm birth7. 

 

Dealing with Constipation at 4 Weeks Pregnant 8

Constipation is a common symptom of pregnancy and one that you might experience soon. Be prepared for it with these tips:

  • Eat more fibre. Fibre helps to move your stools through your system more efficiently. Good fibre sources include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, such as breads and cereals.

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated has plenty of health benefits, including the prevention of constipation.

  • Exercise. A daily walk not only helps you stay healthy but also helps regularise your bowel movements. Take a look at our recommended Pregnancy Fitness Plan here!

Want to learn more about prenatal nutrition and how to stay healthy during pregnancy? Get free advice, promotions, and support from our community at the Enfamama A+ Club. Try out the newest products and FREE samples here!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

At 4 weeks pregnant, you undoubtedly have many questions about your first trimester and what to expect. Learn more important information as we answer some of new moms’ most commonly asked questions.

1. 4 weeks pregnant symptoms: What to watch out for?1

This early, some women may already be experiencing morning sickness, along with other 4 weeks pregnant signs symptoms.

  • Fatigue

  • Sore breasts

  • Metallic taste

  • Frequent urination

  • Light spotting

  • Cramping

  • Heightened sense of smell

  • Thick, shiny hair

  • Bloating

  • Dark patches on your face

If you’ve missed a period and are experiencing any of those above, consult your doctor to confirm a pregnancy. It’s important to note that some women may not experience symptoms even when pregnant. 

2. 4 weeks ultrasound: Is this recommended? 9

Have an ultrasound taken at week 5 or later, per recommendations.

At 4 weeks, a pregnancy may not be visible yet as the fertilised egg has just started to split into the embryo and placenta. The scan may only capture the gestational sac, which appears as a tiny dot on the ultrasound.

3. 4 weeks pregnant: What to do in preparation?9

If you’re expecting, there’s no better time to start preparing for a healthy pregnancy. You can do the following at 4 weeks pregnant. 

  • If your pregnancy is not yet confirmed, schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately. They can help assess your health, and your pregnancy, and answer any questions and concerns.

  • Stop any harmful vices, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.

  • Start making better lifestyle choices such as eating healthier and exercising more regularly.

  • Start taking prenatal vitamins such as folic acid. 

 

Related articles:

  1. Harmful foods to avoid during pregnancy

  2. Pregnancy Nutrition: The Healthiest Food to eat during Pregnancy

  3. Your baby's development in Week 5

  4. How To Strengthen Your Immunity During Pregnancy

 

Expert Resource:
Dr. Veena Angle
MBBS, MD (Medical Doctor),
CMPP (Certified Medical Publication Professional), Singapore

References:

  1. Week 4, Retrieved February 2, 2024, https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/1st-trimester/week-4/

  2. Fetal development: The 1st trimester. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2017, from, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302

  3. Headaches in pregnancy, Retrieved February 2, 2024, https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/headaches/#:~:text=Headaches%20can%20be%20common%20in,it%27s%20not%20monitored%20and%20treated

  4. Pansky, B. (n.d.). 19. Week 3 of Development: The Notochord, Neural Tube, and Allantois. Retrieved April 05, 2017, from, https://discovery.lifemapsc.com/library/review-of-medical-embryology/chapter-19-week-3-of-development-the-notochord-neural-tube-and-allantois

  5. Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Nutrients You Need, Retrieved February 2, 2024, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/moms-nutrients.html

  6. Pregnancy Diet: Focus on these essential nutrients, Retrieved Feruary 2, 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082

  7. Science Update: High-dose DHA influences immune responses during pregnancy, may reduce risk of preterm birth, Retrieved February 2, 2024, https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/news/012122-DHA

  8. Murry, M. M. (2011, August 19). Pregnancy constipation: Seeking relief. Retrieved March 21, 2017, from, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-constipation/faq-20058550

  9. 4 Weeks gestations or 4 weeks pregnancy. Retrieved February 2, 2024 from, https://ultrasoundcare.com.au/4-weeks-gestation-or-4-weeks-pregnancy/#:~:text=Is%20it%20necessary%20to%20have,until%20it%20is%20further%20advanced