There are many reasons for a missed period, but pregnancy is one of the most common. If you have a 4 weeks pregnant belly, missing your regular period will be one of the first signs. At this stage of pregnancy, there will be few external signs. If you are not sure whether or not you are pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure.
How Big Will a 4 Weeks Pregnant Belly Be?
In most cases, at 4 weeks pregnant, your uterus will not significantly change in size. As a result, you most likely will not be able to tell that you are pregnant while looking in the mirror. If you're really curious about how big a belly should be at 4 weeks pregnant, here're pictures from other pregnant mom.
1st baby 4 weeks pregnant belly:
You can see from the picture that you can barely tell that she's pregnant simply from the belly. It just looks as if you've eaten too big a meal.
2nd baby 4 weeks pregnant belly:
With second pregnancy, according to many moms, the belly at 4 weeks pregnant is a bit bigger than that of a first baby. But still, the change is not big enough to show this early yet.
4 weeks pregnant belly with twins:
A mom pregnant with twins at 4 weeks pregnant, still not showing much. The best way to make sure of the pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test at home.
When Will Your Belly Show?
Most pregnant women visibly grow larger at around 12 to 16 weeks into their pregnancy, at the beginning of the second trimester. Sometimes, it takes longer for the pregnancies of first-time mothers to begin showing.
The average uterus is about the size of a lemon. By the second trimester, it grows into the size of a small melon. Rising above the pelvic cavity, it then starts to become visible. However, in the end, a variety of factors influence when pregnancy begins to show, including the build of your body, your weight, and even the way your baby is positioned in your uterus.
What About Other Body Changes at 4 Weeks?
Although missing your period is the most obvious sign that you are pregnant, watch out for other changes in your body as well. Many pregnancy symptoms will not have shown up with a 4 weeks pregnant belly, but there are some that might:
- Abdominal bloating that can feel similar to having a menstrual period
- Vomiting and nausea, which is known as morning sickness during pregnancy
- Tender and swollen breasts due to changes in hormones
- Intense fatigue, possibly also due to changes in hormones
- Lower backache
- Heightened senses, including different tastes to familiar foods and an increased sense of smell
- Heartburn
- Changes in mood
- Intestinal problems, including constipation and diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Hot flashes
However, in many cases with a 4 weeks pregnant belly, you will not notice any significant changes to your body at all. Each woman's body is different, and symptoms at this stage often greatly vary.
How Is Your Baby at 4 Weeks Pregnant?
With a 4 weeks pregnant belly, the tiny embryo is in the process of dividing into three parts. The circulatory system and heart begin to develop in one section. The intestines and lungs begin to develop in a second section. In the third section, the nervous system and brain are quickly developing. Altogether, the baby is around the size of a poppy seed and is still smaller than three millimeters. At this point, you and others still may not know that you are pregnant.
In the meantime, as the embryo is growing, a fluid-filled sac develops around it called the amniotic sack. This helps to protect the embryo. The placenta is a flat and round organ that delivers nutrients from the mother to the baby and delivers the baby's wastes back to the mother.
At this point, the baby is already developing a face, and the eyes appear as dark circles. The throat, the lower jaw, and the mouth are already developing. The circulation of the blood is almost ready to begin.
Even at the end of the first four weeks, the baby is still smaller than a grain of rice, about 1/4 inches long.
Tips for 4 Weeks Pregnant
1. Schedule an Appointment
To know for sure whether or not you are pregnant in the early stages, take a pregnancy test at home. If you see a positive result to the test, start by scheduling your first prenatal doctors visit with a healthcare provider. In case the doctor's schedule is full, you want to ensure that you can see a doctor by the time you are 10 weeks pregnant.
2. Eat Healthy
With a 4 weeks pregnant belly, maintaining adequate nutrition is extremely important. Begin taking prenatal vitamins and protect your health. Eat a balanced diet from all of the food groups. Drink six to eight cups of water daily. Initially, your weight may drop as a result of vomiting from morning sickness. However, if this is the case, your baby will be fine. Throughout your pregnancy, you only need to consume an average of 300 extra calories daily.
3. Check Your Environment
Finally, it is important to analyze your work environment for possible risks. Talk to your supervisor about modifications if you are regularly required to lift heavy objects or are exposed to strong chemicals.