4 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is developing rapidly and has now transformed into an embryo that is made up of three layers. The first layer will become the lungs, liver, digestive system and pancreas. The second layer will be the skeleton, muscles, kidneys, blood vessels and the heart. The third layer will transform into the skin, hair, eye lenses, coating of the teeth and the nervous system.

Proof Positive

Tender breasts, feelings of nausea and a missed period are often the first signs of pregnancy, however, only a blood test to check your pregnancy hormone (hCG ) can tell that for sure. This is a good time to schedule your first prenatal appointment with your doctor. From there you will have a visit monthly until you are closer to your due date. The last month of your pregnancy he will want to see you bi-weekly and then weekly.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

The symptoms you may experience during your pregnancy start to add up this week. You may feel like you need a nap to get you through the day, find yourself running to the bathroom more often since there is added pressure on your uterus, experience mood swings that are beyond your control, feel some discomfort in your pelvic area and have increased vaginal discharge. Some women experience all of these, some experience none of these symptoms and each pregnancy will be different. To some it may feel more like a case of P.M.S.

Importance of Rest

Due to a higher level of hormones in your body at this time, you may be more tired than usual. It is not uncommon for the Mother-to-be to feel the need for an afternoon nap. To cope with the strain that is being put on your body, getting enough rest is of utmost importance. Just as infants need to eat and sleep often, so do pregnant women.