What To Expect In Month 4 Of Pregnancy

(Weeks 16-20: After your last period)

YOUR BABY

  • Baby will measure about 10 inches long and weigh about 3/4 of a pound by the end of this month.
  • The amniotic fluid increases a lot this month and your baby enjoys moving about freely inside the amniotic sac.
  • It's kidneys now make urine.
  • Hair begins to appear on it's head.
  • A fine downy hair(lanugo) Begins to appear over your baby's body.
  • It's eyebrows and eye lashes begin to grow.
  • It's skin begins to fill out with fat.
  • It starts a growth spurt in both length and weight.
  • Baby's heartbeat will now be heard by the end of this month by a special stethoscope called a fetoscope: this usually marks the midpoint in pregnancy.
  • Baby's movements may become strong enough for the mother to feel by the end of this month.

YOUR BODY

  • Your uterus grows to just below your navel by the end of this month.
  • Your weight gain starts to increase by about 3/4 to 1 pound a week now: you may gain 3-4 pounds this month.
  • The placenta secretes hormones into your body that helps to soften some of your joints and muscles to make labor and delivery easier.
  • Your appetite increases, so you may find yourself hungry more often.
  • Cravings may start for certain foods and may continue throughout pregnancy.
  • Your nipples and the area around them become much darker in color.
  • A line down the middle of your abdnomen may darken(linea nigra) or also called "The mask of pregnancy."
  • You may become more susceptible to urinary tract infections, so you need to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily.
  • Your pregnancy is now beginning to show.
  • You are less tired and fatigued now, and may find that you are beginning to enjoy pregnancy much more.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Get your prenatal check-up this month.
  • Exercise is still okay, so continue that.
  • Make sure that seat belts fit low over your hips.
  • Learn and practice Kegel and pelvic rock exercises everyday.
  • Lie down and get your feet up for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Continue to take your prenatal vitamins and iron.
  • Pick out some comfortable clothes to wear as you increase in size.
  • If you are employed, find out about maternity leave.
  • Discuss with your partner(if hes in the picture) about what you both think the baby will be like: hair color, eyes, personality, and also what it will be like with the responsibility of a new baby.

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