Table of Contents
This Week’s Highlights
Buy a pregnancy test kit and choose a doctor
Purchase a pregnancy test kit to check if you don’t get your period on time next week. Learn how to conduct the test now. Also, decide which doctor to see if you confirm the pregnancy.
Avoid exposure to smoke
Being around smokers can have adverse effects on your unborn baby. If someone smokes at home, talk to them about this concern.
Continue taking iron-folic acid tablets
It is necessary to consume iron-folic acid tablets daily for the healthy development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. If you are not already doing so, start taking iron-folic acid tablets from this week without delay.
Pregnancy Progress:
- How many days in a month? 1 month
- Which trimester? First quarter
- How many weeks left? 36
Baby Growth at 4 Weeks
Even though you may not feel it from the outside yet, significant developments are taking place inside your body. The embryo, formed by the union of your egg and partner’s sperm last week, is now establishing itself securely within the uterus.
Last week, the embryo traveled down the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. This week, it is fully implanting itself in the uterus, where it will grow over the coming months.
The embryo is still very small, approximately the length of a poppy seed. This tiny embryo consists of a single cell, divided into two parts by a thick scar—the outer cell and the inner cell. The outer cells will form the uterus, providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby, while the inner cells will gradually shape the baby’s body parts.
Mother's Body at 4 Weeks
At this point, you may not have realized you’re pregnant. Here are some key things to know during the weeks when you are trying to conceive.
Delayed Menstruation as a Sign of Pregnancy
The most common sign of pregnancy is missing a period, which you may notice in the coming weeks. After conception, the fetus’s cells produce a special hormone called hCG, leading to the cessation of menstruation.
This hormone is also detected by pregnancy tests available in the market. If the hormone is present, the pregnancy test will yield a positive result, which you may observe as early as next week.
Other Signs of Pregnancy
Some early pregnancy symptoms may be present at this stage, such as:
- Slight pain or pressure in the breasts
- Increased fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or feeling like you have flatulence
- Increased amount of white discharge
- Cramping pains in the lower abdomen, similar to period or menstrual cramps
- Frequent urination
- Aversion to a favorite food or a strong desire for a new food
- A strange taste in the mouth
- Strong sense of smell
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may appear before menstruation in some cases, such as breast pain, flatulence, and a strong desire for certain foods. In many cases, no symptoms are observed during this period, leading to delayed conception.
Buying a Pregnancy Test Kit
If you don’t get your period next week, you may wonder if you’re pregnant or not. In such a case, consider buying a pregnancy test to confirm.
A pregnancy test can determine pregnancy. The sooner you confirm, the sooner you can take appropriate steps for yourself and your unborn baby. Refer to this article for details on when and how to take a pregnancy test.
Choosing a Doctor in Advance
A checkup is essential soon after conception. It is crucial for your good health and the proper growth of the baby in the womb. Contact the doctor immediately after the pregnancy test is positive.
If you haven’t decided which doctor to see, start looking. Your partner can assist in finding a list of potential doctors, chamber addresses, and patient appointment schedules, making your decision easier.
Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
Following a healthy diet is crucial during this time, as your food provides the necessary nutrients and energy for both you and your unborn baby. Maintain a balanced diet to ensure good health for both.
Consume at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily. You can incorporate half a plate of vegetables and fruits into each meal. Eating in this manner over three meals will fulfill your daily requirement. Additionally, you can have various fruits, cucumbers, carrots, or tomatoes as light snacks between meals. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with sufficient water.
Father's To-Do This Week
Your partner may not yet realize she is pregnant, so you may not be aware that you are going to be a father. Here are some things to do during the weeks when you are trying to conceive.
Plan Meals Together
A balanced diet is crucial for the healthy development of the baby during the first weeks of pregnancy. Collaborate to plan meals for the day, focusing on more vegetables and fruits and less processed foods.
Stay Informed about the Market
Once meals are planned, assist in grocery shopping accordingly. If you are in charge of the market, prioritize buying more fruits and vegetables during this time. Opt for a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure both taste and nutrient diversity. Avoid processed foods as much as possible.
Quit Smoking
If a pregnant mother is exposed to smoking, there is a possibility of harm to the unborn child, increasing the chances of prematurity, low birth weight, birth defects, and other complications. If you smoke, consider quitting. If someone else in the house smokes, have a conversation with them about it.
Encourage Exercise
Contrary to popular belief, exercise is beneficial during pregnancy and may even reduce the chances of needing a cesarean section during delivery. Encourage your partner to exercise regularly, and if possible, exercise together.