4 weeks of pregnancy what happens to the embryo. Possible complications during pregnancy. Protection from harmful factors

Signs and symptoms

In obstetric practice, the fourth week of pregnancy is equal to two weeks of pregnancy from conception. The actual pregnancy has already occurred, the fetus is still classified as an embryo, but it has already settled in the uterus. Now its development is inevitable, and with each new week, including the 4th week, the woman will increasingly feel the gradual growth of a new life inside her. In the meantime, the first 4 weeks of pregnancy are usually almost imperceptible for a woman. Although in some cases pregnancy is still indicated by not yet strongly and implicitly expressed symptoms and signs.

Some of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy at week 4 are similar to pre-menstrual symptoms. So, a woman may notice the appearance of irritability and nervousness, fatigue. In rare cases, a change in taste preferences and mild nausea can be added to everything else - especially due to intolerance to certain smells.

Feelings at 4 weeks pregnant

The emotional background of a woman often changes: if some of the women are not aware of the presence of pregnancy for already 4 weeks, then for others the sensations at the 4th week of pregnancy can be much more pronounced. Tearfulness, unreasonable resentment, an increased emotional reaction to irritating factors - all this may indicate an "arrangement" in the womb of an embryo, which in the future will turn into a little man.

Breast

The chest also undergoes separate changes: swelling of the mammary glands is noted, sensitivity and soreness of the nipples appear. Again, these changes can be explained by premenstrual syndrome, if the woman does not yet know about pregnancy. In fact, the breast at the 4th week of pregnancy changes due to hormonal changes in the body, adaptation to new conditions for further functioning.

Period

All the changes that occur in the body, a woman who does not know about pregnancy, “writes off” for the upcoming menstruation. And just about the 4th week of pregnancy, according to the laws of anatomy, menstruation should begin, but! .. Due to successful fertilization and the subsequent introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterus, there are no periods at the 4th week of pregnancy. There is a delay, which can also be considered as one of the symptoms and signs of pregnancy at week 4. In some cases, a pregnant woman may experience spotting, which has nothing to do with menstruation. This is the so-called implantation bleeding, which occurs due to the attachment of the blastocyst (embryo on the 5th-6th day of development) to the uterine wall.

Discharge at 4 weeks pregnant

Not only a delay in menstruation and bloody scanty discharge instead of them, the fourth week of pregnancy can be indicated. Also, the discharge at the 4th week of pregnancy may be more abundant, have a whitish or transparent color without the presence of any odor. This situation is also explained by hormonal changes, and also by increased blood flow. However, only discharges at the 4th week of pregnancy are considered normal, which are colorless (although they can be white) and smell, and are distinguished by a thick consistency. Bloody, brown, painful discharge, accompanied by back or lower back pain, as a rule, has nothing to do with pregnancy.

Bleeding and miscarriage

As well as bleeding at 4 weeks of pregnancy, which is usually taken by a woman in the dark about her new position for menstruation. Bleeding at this minimum term is usually a miscarriage at 4 weeks of gestation. It happens painlessly, a woman usually does not even realize that she was pregnant and takes bleeding at 4 weeks of pregnancy for menstruation. Many unfavorable factors, for example, an infectious disease with a high temperature, alcohol abuse, and excessive physical exertion, can lead to pregnancy fading, embryo death and subsequent miscarriage at 4 weeks of gestation.

Pregnancy test

Such bitter consequences can overtake a woman if the pregnancy was not planned and expected, because a pregnancy test at 4 weeks of pregnancy usually gives a negative result. The fact is that, despite the already slight increase in the blood of chorionic gonadotropin, it is still quite small in the urine. Therefore, a pregnancy test at 4 weeks of gestation may not yet “recognize” an already existing pregnancy.

ultrasound

Ultrasound at the 4th week of pregnancy, in turn, is able to show the corpus luteum of pregnancy, which gradually increases in size, nourishing the embryo until the formation and full functioning of the placenta. Among other things, the task of the corpus luteum also becomes the production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. In addition to the corpus luteum, highly sensitive ultrasound machines at the 4th week of pregnancy are able to determine the embryo that has settled in the uterus. But such examinations are extremely rare: at this stage, a woman often only suspects her possible “interesting position”, doubting whether it is worth doing the appropriate test.

Analyzes

If a pregnancy test at 4 weeks of gestation is not yet able to “determine” the presence of pregnancy, then blood tests for hCG at 4 weeks of gestation will quite clearly give a positive answer. After all, at this stage, the membranes of the embryo “release” a significantly larger amount of hCG into the blood, and its sharply increased level in the blood becomes a confirmation of the presence of pregnancy. The same applies to progesterone, which is actively produced by the corpus luteum for the normal course of pregnancy.

uterus at 4 weeks pregnant

Under the influence of progesterone, the uterus undergoes changes at the 4th week of pregnancy. This hormone “helps” the fetus to settle in the uterus - the uterus, due to the active production of progesterone, swells, softens, but does not yet increase in size. In addition, a special dense mucous plug is formed in the uterus: it will protect the “house” of the baby and himself from infections throughout his intrauterine development.

Fetus

The fetus at the 4th week of pregnancy is still undergoing a transformation from the fetal egg itself into an embryo. Outwardly, it is similar to a flat disk, which consists of three layers. In the future, they will serve as the basis for the formation of tissues and organs of the baby. So, the inner layer will cause the appearance of the lungs, liver, digestive system, pancreas. The middle layer will become the "base" for the formation of the skeleton, kidneys, blood vessels, muscular system, heart. The outer layer, in turn, is responsible for the formation of the skin, head, nervous system, tooth enamel, hair, eye lenses. In size, the fetus at the 4th week of pregnancy reaches 2 mm, its length is 5 millimeters. Yes, the embryo is still tiny, but its development is proceeding rapidly. So, the so-called extra-embryonic organs, which are extremely important for the embryo - chorion, amnion, yolk sac, are actively developing at this stage. Their main task is to provide nutrition, respiration, biochemical support and a variety of protection for the baby. In the future, the chorion will turn into a placenta, the amnion - into a fetal bladder.

It hurts and pulls the stomach

The "activity" of the embryo in terms of development and the woman's body rebuilding in accordance with the new position often lead to the fact that at the 4th week of pregnancy the stomach hurts and pulls. This situation is explained by the changes that occur in the body of a woman. In addition, at the 4th week of pregnancy, the stomach often hurts and pulls in women who have had painful periods in the past. However, it should be borne in mind that the 4th week of pregnancy is a critical stage - during this period, usually the pregnant woman should have started her period. Thus, a “pulling” stomach may also indicate an increase in the tone of the uterus. Unfortunately, it also happens that painful and pulling sensations end in a deplorable - fading pregnancy and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

Colds and fever at 4 weeks pregnant

An ordinary, not at all dangerous in the normal state, a cold at the 4th week of pregnancy can also lead to pregnancy fading. During this period, the embryo is unusually vulnerable, even the most seemingly insignificant factors influence it. But it’s not worth it to immediately get scared and panic about this: nervous breakdown and psychological stress are in many cases even more detrimental to the unborn baby than a cold at 4 weeks of pregnancy. If a strong temperature is not observed, it is enough to simply exclude trips to crowded places and take care of yourself at home for several days. Washing the nose with salt water, drinking plenty of warm tea with honey, cough syrup with licorice root will help to quickly cope with the symptoms of a cold.

But the temperature at the 4th week of pregnancy - about 38 degrees and above - is very, very undesirable for the development of the embryo. High temperatures can adversely affect the development of the fetus, and even lead to miscarriage. Therefore, even before the onset of pregnancy, it is necessary to prepare for the subsequent bearing of the baby and do everything to strengthen the immune system.

Alcohol

Alcohol at the 4th week of pregnancy is also extremely dangerous, which can cause the irreversible development of pathologies in the fetus and another cause of spontaneous abortion. As mentioned above, the laying of all organs and systems of the baby is unusually active, therefore, alcohol consumed at the 4th week of pregnancy has a significant damaging effect on this process. Alcohol, as a highly toxic substance, causes significant disturbances in the normal formation and development of the embryo, dramatically increasing the risk of the birth of a child with malformations and all kinds of anomalies. Therefore, for those mothers who are interested in the birth of a healthy and strong child, it is more logical to completely exclude alcohol from the diet from the first weeks of pregnancy. And even better - a few months before its onset, in the process of planning pregnancy and preparing for it.

Sex

But sex at 4 weeks of pregnancy usually does not represent any harm. True, this applies to those women for whom the threat of miscarriage is not relevant. Another thing is that in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman is not always aware of her new position, so sex at the 4th week of pregnancy does not undergo any changes. And, of course, one should not ignore the fact that during this period expectant mother it may no longer be time for sex: the symptoms and signs of pregnancy in the form of irritability and nervousness, fatigue and heaviness in the stomach may already be felt.

Nutrition at 4 weeks pregnant

The issue of nutrition at the 4th week of pregnancy will also be relevant for a woman planning a pregnancy. The fact that the embryo at this time is very susceptible to the influence of any negative factors has already been discussed above. One of these factors may be a lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal formation and development of the fetus. This means that the problem of a healthy and balanced diet takes on a new meaning. Nutrition at the 4th week of pregnancy involves the consumption of exclusively natural foods, foods containing a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Smoked meats, canned food, semi-finished products, fatty and salty foods, sweets are best left in the past. It is desirable to exclude from the diet and "artificial" products - with all kinds of dyes, flavors, food additives, sweet and tinted soda. Priority - for lean meat, dairy products, cereals, vegetables and fruits, fresh and natural food. You should also forget about diets and fasting days: for the fetus, the lack of nutrients and nutrients can be detrimental, at least it delays its formation, development and growth.

4 weeks after conception (6th week of pregnancy) is a fairly early period and the appearance of the fetus does not yet affect the appearance of the mother, i.e. the abdomen has not yet visually changed in shape or size. The increase in the uterus at this time is comparable to its condition during menstruation and does not attract attention.

There are several ways to detect pregnancy during this period:

fixing the absence of menstruation (however, if there is a delay, it is very insignificant);
using a special test (but, due to insufficient production of chorionic gonadotropin, this approach is usually ineffective);
signing up for an ultrasound.

The work of higher nervous activity will be adjusted under the influence of the dominant pregnancy. This can be expressed in the desire to comfortably equip your place of stay (even work).

In addition, tearfulness and irritability should be replaced by calmness (in the absence of strong irritating factors from the outside). But, in some cases, a harmonious emotional state can change up to a depressive one.

A change in taste preferences and a reaction of rejection to certain aromas is expected (or vice versa, enjoyment of toxic odors, such as the smell of fresh paint). Appetite can increase sharply (most often it happens), or vice versa, sharply decrease, then you may have to eat almost through force in order to provide the embryo with nutrients.

A violent reaction occurs not only to the taste and smell, but even to the type of food (regardless of whether this reaction is positive or not). In some cases, the 4th week from conception does not affect the condition of the expectant mother in any way, and no unusual symptoms are recorded.

It is noteworthy that those women who are very passionately waiting and hoping for the onset of pregnancy can feel the so-called imaginary pregnancy.

From the outside and according to my own feelings, it looks like a real pregnancy, with the only difference being that the main element, the embryo, is missing. But this does not prevent the formation of the dominant pregnancy and even the cessation of menstruation (this phenomenon is called amenorrhea).

Characteristics of the sensations of a woman during the 4th week after conception

The 4th week from conception is characterized by increased activity in the development of the fetus.

All the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy appear at this time. Usually, a woman during this period is particularly sensitive.

She carefully monitors all changes in the internal state. Among the "basic" set of sensations of a woman on the 4th week from conception (6th week of pregnancy) include:

emotionality associated with hormonal surges;
nausea and general weakness (toxicosis), but this symptom is usually characteristic of a later period;
pain on palpation (palpation) of the breasts;
in the lower abdomen, painful and pulling sensations may appear;
drowsiness.

However, these feelings become really problematic only in some cases.

In the absence of a threat of miscarriage (this is detected by a gynecologist), various discharges of an inexplicable nature, as well as an increased tone of the uterus, then you can safely continue to live in your usual rhythm, without excluding the lungs from the daily routine physical exercise. In part, this not only does not harm, but also helps the proper development of the fetus, and also reduces the risk of gaining excess weight until the end of pregnancy.

Fetal development in the fourth week of pregnancy

Of course, girls are interested in what happens at the 4th week of pregnancy from conception directly to the fetus? During the fourth week, the embryo has not yet reached the point of final localization. Therefore, at this stage there is a risk of formation ectopic pregnancy(fixation and further growth of the embryo inside the birth canal).

At the end of the week, the embryo normally reaches a size of 5.4 mm.

A special place in the fourth week from conception is given to the formation of extra-embryonic organs, which allow you to organize the environment where the fetus will live.

This implies the creation of systems that ensure the respiration and nutrition of the embryo, as well as the hormonal regulation of the process of gestation. But the unborn child is still extremely defenseless until the placenta is finally formed.

Vaginal discharge during the 4th week after conception

The criticality of 4-5 weeks from conception is due to the fact that with a stable cycle, the next menstruation should fall on this period. A well-established cycle over the years can to some extent affect the course of pregnancy, causing changes in the hormonal background and the occurrence of spotting spotting. However, usually everything ends with half-measures and real menstruation does not occur.

However, one should not lose vigilance. If there are secretions Brown color, uterine mucosal detachment may be suspected.

In these circumstances, the situation is not critical, but alarming. It is advisable, with all the necessary precautions, to go to the doctor observing you. Might have to go to save.

During the fourth week of pregnancy, as well as during the first trimester as a whole, the hormone progesterone has a strong influence on the state of the body. In particular, it changes the biochemical nature of vaginal discharge.

Their viscosity and ductility increase, the color becomes whitish. But, as long as the discharge is not accompanied by itching or burning, this phenomenon is within the normal range.

But abundant transparent discharge should alert.

Usually this is a consequence of an excess of the hormone estrogen and this situation requires the intervention of a specialist.

Analyzes and ultrasound

When performing ultrasound at the 4th week after conception, it is possible to establish the fact of the presence of the fetus and its localization in the uterine cavity.

During an ultrasound, the fetus looks more like a small dot on the screen and nothing can really be seen there. Accordingly, it is still impossible to determine the sex of the unborn child.

A four-week period is a fairly early stage in the development of the fetus, so an ultrasound examination is carried out only with the direction of a doctor. The procedure itself is performed using a transvaginal probe that is shallowly immersed in the vagina.

In a situation where the test shows the presence of pregnancy, but the fetus was not fixed in the uterine cavity on ultrasound, a second ultrasound examination is mandatory (after about 7 days).

In addition, a referral will be given for the delivery of an analysis that detects beta-hCG. These measures allow early detection of ectopic pregnancy and take the necessary actions.

It is also possible to perform a duplex scan, which reveals the expansion of the uterine vessels (a normal condition during pregnancy, ensuring the delivery of nutrients to the fetus).

How to recognize the threat of miscarriage?

The level of vulnerability of a four-week-old embryo is very high. If the symptoms of the course of pregnancy (previously quite noticeable) disappear abruptly, then there are good reasons to suspect the possibility of a miscarriage. In this case, you need to visit a specialist as soon as possible.

Another risk vector is uterine tone. May present with back pain. To overcome the problem, a dropper will most likely be prescribed.

There is also a high risk of miscarriage in the presence of a severe cold.

Another danger: hormonal imbalance. They provoke pathologies of fetal development, miscarriages and fading of pregnancy.

In addition, expectant mothers should be wary of endometritis (uterine inflammation). This problem can lead to placenta previa.

If at this stage the fact of pregnancy is no longer in question (thanks to a special test or ultrasound), then it is necessary:

We hope that the article was useful to you. See you soon!

Additional information about the 4th week of pregnancy is in the following video.

Pregnancy is a magical period for every woman, because every day she grows and develops inside her. new life. An interesting fact is that at this time in the body of the expectant mother there are many processes that affect her well-being in different ways. It can be both bouts of unprecedented joy, and states of deep depression. It is not uncommon for a woman to feel sick, tired, and very weak. But no matter what happens, this is always a very exciting period, because very soon there will be a long-awaited meeting with a tiny little man.

4 obstetric week pregnancy is 1 month, I trimester. The first month of pregnancy is coming to an end, and most women can only guess about their interesting situation, since no doctor will give 100% confidence in the onset of pregnancy.

What happens in a woman's body at 4 weeks?

At 4 weeks' gestation, the embryo can still begin its introduction into the uterine wall. When this happens depends on the patency of the fallopian tubes, the woman's menstrual cycle and individual characteristics. Therefore, at this time there is still a risk of ectopic pregnancy.

If the pipes have poor patency, then the embryo moves along them very slowly, overcoming many obstacles in its path. As it progresses, it constantly increases in size, as cells divide continuously. As a result, a situation may arise when the embryo cannot reach the uterine cavity, and begins to grow and develop directly in the fallopian tube. This is very dangerous and can threaten a woman with terrible consequences, up to the loss of a pipe.

Fortunately, an ectopic pregnancy is not a frequent occurrence, so you should not worry and get upset, especially since all the mother's experiences are now reflected in the baby's condition.

If the fetus is attached to the wall of the uterus at 3 weeks, then at 4 weeks of pregnancy hCG level should reach a level of 10-156 mIU / ml. And this means that the first tests will show the coveted two strips. The second strip may be still pale, but already distinguishable. By repeating the test in a few days, it will be possible to finally verify the onset of pregnancy.

What happens to the fetus at 4 weeks?

At the fourth week of pregnancy, the fetus looks like a small grain. In length, it has a size of no more than 0.35-1 mm, and weighs about 0.5 grams. Despite the fact that your baby is still quite a crumb, he is constantly actively developing. It is now that the child's head begins to develop. Now he no longer looks just like a ball, but becomes like an embryo.

At week 4, the placenta and amniotic fluid begin to develop.

The fetal egg at this time consists of three layers, from which the baby's skeleton, its nervous system, brain, liver cells, pancreas and all other tissues and organs will subsequently be formed. This is a very complex process that will take as long as 9 months. It seems incredible that just two cells of the parents can make a little man.

Feelings and first signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy at such an early stage often goes unnoticed by the expectant mother. Changes in the hormonal background have already begun, but so far they do not affect overall well-being. Most likely, a woman at 3-4 weeks of pregnancy feels the same as before menstruation: she pulls her lower abdomen, sometimes her lower back hurts and sips (the pain is aching, not strong), her chest fills up and becomes more sensitive, her emotional state is characterized by sharp changes, appetite disturbance may occur.

For each woman, the first signs of pregnancy appear to varying degrees, everything is purely individual. Expectant mothers with high body sensitivity may feel dizzy, weak, lethargic and drowsy, in rare cases even toxicosis is possible.

In women with a short menstrual cycle, there may already be a delay at 4 obstetric weeks. And this is a clear sign that the baby has already settled in the tummy. You can confirm your assumptions with a test.

On examination, the gynecologist can also draw conclusions about the onset of pregnancy by changing the cervix, it becomes more loose and soft, acquires a bluish tint.

It is too early to do an ultrasound, because the baby is still very tiny and cannot be detected by an ultrasound machine. The first ultrasound is prescribed at the first screening for a period of 12 weeks. But if there are pronounced pain in the lower abdomen, brown or bloody discharge, then it is better not to postpone the first ultrasound examination and do it at 5-6 weeks to exclude an ectopic pregnancy.

Caring for your baby from the first weeks of pregnancy

It is very important for the mother to maintain pregnancy and follow all the recommendations that doctors can give. For example, during planning and throughout the entire period, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol. The first trimester of pregnancy is the time of active development of the fetus and the period of laying all the main organs and systems, so the mother must create all the conditions for the normal development of the baby.

In addition to maintaining healthy lifestyle life and limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and nicotine, care should be taken to ensure that the child receives all the vitamins he needs. Many doctors recommend that you start taking complex vitamins for pregnant women at the time of planning. This will help the child to receive all the necessary substances for proper development, and the woman to keep the hemoglobin level under control.

If you haven't started taking folic acid yet, now is the time to start. It has a huge positive effect on the development of all the main organs and systems of the child, including the nervous system. It should be taken throughout the entire 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Any antibiotics should be abandoned, and taking medications in case of colds, allergies and other diseases should be agreed with the doctor, since many medications are contraindicated for pregnant women. It is also better to postpone dental treatment for 15-16 weeks, because any anesthesia is very harmful and dangerous for the baby for such early dates.

Frequently asked questions on the forums

V .: My husband and I dream of twins. The test showed a positive result at 4 weeks. Can I now find out if there will be twins or one child?

A: It's hard to know for sure right now. Fact multiple pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound at 5-6 weeks.

V .: 4 obstetric weeks, how much from conception?

A: Conception is different for everyone, depending on the length of the menstrual cycle. With a cycle of 28 days, conception occurs on the 13-14th day of the cycle, respectively, the 4th obstetric week is 2 weeks from conception.

V .: The temperature is 37.3 for two days. The test showed a weak line, before the delay for another 2 days. Is it normal that there is a temperature, there are no signs of a cold?

A .: During pregnancy in the very early stages, a slight increase in temperature up to 37.5 degrees is possible. So the body can respond to an increase in progesterone. If the temperature does not return to normal after a couple of days, it is better to consult a doctor, as this may be a symptom of inflammation or a viral disease.

How to find out the date of birth?

The first thing a woman thinks about when she calms her emotions after confirming her pregnancy is: “When will you give birth?”

Of course, it is impossible to calculate the exact date of birth, since each organism is individual. Babies spend an average of 38 to 42 weeks in the womb. The estimated date of delivery is calculated by adding 40 weeks to the first day of the last menstrual period.

4 weeks pregnant is considered very milestone in the life of the unborn child, although the embryo still looks like a small disk. Feelings in a woman can be similar to a slight malaise, premenstrual syndrome, and sometimes others are added. However, it is still difficult to determine pregnancy from them.

Week 4 of pregnancy is the 28 days that have passed since the beginning of the last menstruation, or about 14 days after conception. During this period, a woman usually expects the start of the next menstruation. Her absence is the first and most main feature pregnancy.

In addition, there are other signs:

Emotional instability, which is characterized by frequent mood swings, resentment and irritability.
The chest becomes larger and more sensitive.
During the day, there is a strong weakness, fatigue and drowsiness.
In the morning, nausea and vomiting appear, called toxicosis.
Food preferences are changing.
Drawing pains sometimes appear in the lower abdomen or in the lumbar region.
Urination becomes more frequent.
There is an increase in basal temperature up to 37°C.

Child development

At 4 weeks of gestation or 2 weeks after conception, the fetal egg becomes a full-fledged embryo. By appearance it resembles a disk that consists of three layers.

From the outer layer, the yolk sac, chorion and fetal membrane are formed. Each of these organs plays a specific role.

Chorion will become the placenta in the future. This transformation will last until approximately 12 weeks. Thanks to the placenta, the fetus will be able to receive the nutrients it needs from the mother.
The fetal membrane is also called the amnion. It is a cavity in which the embryo will grow and develop. With the course of pregnancy, it will turn into a fetal bladder. Inside this bubble is a liquid that protects the embryo from damage, is its drink and food.
The yolk sac is responsible for blood circulation.

The outer layer of cells is also responsible for the formation of the skin, nervous system, teeth, etc. The middle layer is called the mesoderm. It is involved in the formation of bones, muscles, ligaments, circulatory, excretory and reproductive systems. The organs of the digestive tract, pancreas and thyroid glands, lungs and other organs of the respiratory system will later develop from the inner layer.

In the last days of 4 weeks, the head appears in the embryo. A plate is also formed, which is the basis for the formation of the spinal cord and brain. During the same period, the child develops a face and even the rudiments of eyes.

Changes in the mother's body

Something new is happening in almost all organs and systems of the female body. After conception, the hormonal background changes, the state of the uterus, vaginal discharge, and so on.

Hormones

First of all, the changes relate to hCG and progesterone. HCG is formed due to the work of the chorion. This substance contributes to the preservation and development of pregnancy. It performs several functions:

Promotes the development of the corpus luteum up to 7 weeks.
Protects the embryo from rejection by the mother's body.

HCG levels rise every couple of days. Starting from a period of 10 weeks, it begins to decline. The presence of hCG in the body is determined using a blood test or a routine pregnancy test.

The amount of progesterone also increases. At first, it is produced by the corpus luteum, and then by the placenta. Progesterone is very important in the 4th week of pregnancy, and in the following days, because it:

Helps increase the uterus as the embryo grows.
It prevents the muscles of the uterus from contracting, protecting the pregnancy from interruption.
Thanks to progesterone, useful substances accumulate in the mother's body, which the embryo will need in the future.
Prevents a woman's body from rejecting an egg with foreign (paternal) genes.
Prepares the breast for lactation, and the bones and ligaments of the pelvis for childbirth.
Participates in the development of some organs of the fetus.

In most cases on this period the amount of progesterone is 18 nmol / l.

Uterus

What happens to the uterus at 4 obstetric weeks, or 14 days after conception? It increases in size and becomes softer. This is especially true for the neck. In the mucous surface, blood circulation becomes more intense. This leads to the fact that it acquires a bluish tint - this can be seen on examination by a gynecologist.

A mucous plug appears in the cervix, which plays the role of a protective barrier. Throughout pregnancy, it will protect the fetus from infections.

The endometrium becomes cyanotic. Glandular cells appear on it, due to which the embryo is nourished. In the future, they will become the placenta. Every day the endometrium becomes thicker. By the time of 4 obstetric weeks, it reaches 20 mm.

Milk glands

The breast continues to prepare for feeding. It increases in size and becomes sensitive. The nipples and the area around them darken. Sometimes there is pain.

Stomach

So far, nothing is happening to the stomach, because the uterus does not protrude beyond the small pelvis. Sometimes a pulling sensation may appear in the lower abdomen. This is fine. They usually disappear after a couple of days.

Allocations

In the fourth week of pregnancy, the discharge becomes thicker. They are white or transparent, odorless and non-irritating. Sometimes a light brown mucus appears. This indicates that the implantation of the egg is over. If such discharge passes after a few days, you can not panic.

Possible violations

During this period, a woman should carefully listen to her feelings. Lack of attention to one's health can lead to serious problems. What should be paid special attention to?

Brown or bloody discharge from the vagina

Light brown mucus is normal. Its appearance is due to the fact that the woman's body is adjusted to pregnancy and childbirth. But if the discharge becomes dark brown and pain appears in the lower abdomen or in the lumbar region, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Often this indicates the death of the embryo, ectopic pregnancy, the threat of miscarriage or the presence of erosion.

Discharge with blood can appear in several cases:

The embryo has implanted outside the uterine cavity.
After intercourse.
As a result of examination by a gynecologist.
Embryo frozen.
There is cervical erosion.

Pain in the lumbar region

It appears for the following reasons:

the body of a woman is preparing for future childbirth;
body weight increases;
there are posture disorders, osteochondrosis, etc.;
woman suffers from kidney disease.

Abdominal pain along with bloody discharge may indicate a threatened miscarriage. Contact a doctor

Body temperature

On average, the temperature reaches 37.3°C. She can stay like this until birth. If there are no accompanying symptoms, you should not worry. The temperature can rise with SARS or inflammatory processes inside the body, for example, pneumonia.

At the 4th week of pregnancy, many organs and systems of the child begin to form. Therefore, do not ignore the increase in temperature. Also, do not self-medicate. The attending physician should prescribe treatment and monitor the condition of the pregnant woman.

Thrush

Often occurs in pregnant women, which is associated with hormonal changes in the body. Accompanied by itching in the genital area and the appearance of white curdled discharge. When thrush appears, it is strictly forbidden to be treated with folk methods. Firstly, they will only relieve the symptoms, and secondly, they can harm the child.

In order for the pregnancy to go smoothly and the baby to be born healthy, you must follow some rules:

Starting from the first day of the fourth week of pregnancy, serious changes take place in the body of the expectant mother. He is preparing for the bearing of the child and subsequent childbirth. This period has its own characteristic signs, for example, toxicosis, frequent mood swings and breast swelling. To provide the fetus proper development You need to be careful about your feelings. At the slightest discomfort, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Often a woman does not suspect that life is born in her body when the 4th obstetric week of pregnancy is underway. What is happening inside her, are there any unusual sensations, and should the usual rhythm of the future mother's life change?

fetus at 4 weeks pregnant

The fourth week of pregnancy does not mean at all that the unborn baby is the fourth week. The problem is that the period from conception and the obstetric period differ by about 2 weeks. Doctors, due to the fact that it is difficult to reliably establish the date of fertilization, the first day is set as the start date for the pregnancy countdown. last menstrual period. It is more convenient to use the obstetric method of determining the term, which will be taken into account when calculating the date of birth, onset maternity leave and all prescribed tests and procedures.

Size and weight

Did the doctor set the 4th week of pregnancy? Only the second week has gone from conception, and this means that the actual age of the fetus is the same. So, what is he, the future baby at 3 full weeks obstetric term?

The intrauterine development of a child is usually divided into 2 periods: embryonic (development of the embryo) and fetal (development of the fetus). A person is considered an embryo (embryo) until the end of the 10th week of the obstetric period. In addition, the entire pregnancy is also divided into trimesters - three main stages of fetal development, approximately 12 weeks each. And, if it comes to 4 weeks of pregnancy, then this means that the embryonic period of development and the first trimester of the course of pregnancy are implied.

In 3 full obstetric weeks, the embryo consists of only a few dozen cells. It seems to be so small! But the cells are dividing exponentially, and only a few weeks will pass, and the future baby can already be seen on the monitor screen on ultrasound! In the meantime, the weight of the embryo is about half a gram! And the size does not exceed 1 millimeter! If you think about it, the embryo is now the size of a poppy seed. But it develops, grows by leaps and bounds - and this is a real miracle of Nature.

What develops in the fourth week?

The development of the future baby began from the moment when the mother's egg was fertilized by the father's sperm in the fallopian tube. From that hour, the union of parental cells gave rise to a new life: a zygote was formed. For the first three days, it moves towards the uterine cavity, and already “along the way” it grows, dividing, or rather splitting up, since the embryo does not yet increase in size, but only the number of its cells increases.

After leaving the fallopian tube into the uterus, the embryo already becomes like a ball - this stage is called the blastocyst. At first, there are only about 30 cells in it, but by the end of development there will be seven times more. The blastocyst, formed from trophoblast cells, contains embryoblast cells inside, from which the development of the embryo begins. Sometimes a blastocyst may contain 2 sets of cells that will become two embryos - just like identical twins begin pregnancy.

In three complete obstetric weeks (approximately on the 7th day from fertilization), the blastocyst is implanted in the uterine cavity. The development of embryonic tissues begins. Speaking about the structure of the embryo, physicians use such a term as "germ disk". It consists of germ layers - three layers of cells:

endoderm - the cellular inner layer that gives rise to the development internal organs: liver, lungs, digestive organs, pancreas;
mesoderm - the middle layer, which serves as the beginning of the skeleton, muscles, kidneys, blood vessels and heart;
ectoderm - the outer layer that will develop into the nervous system, head, skin of the child.

In addition to the rudiments of the organs of the child itself, extraembryonic organs also develop. They provide the embryo with nutrition and everything necessary for growth. It:

chorion - the basis of the future placenta;
amnion - the future amniotic sac;
The yolk sac is the source of nutrition for the embryo until the placenta is formed.

The future little man is translucent and unusually small. And mom may not be aware that he already exists.

Feel

Can a woman without an examination know that she is 4 weeks pregnant? Some women, especially not with their first pregnancy, feel the signs and sensations of the beginning of a new life quite clearly.

Physiological changes in a woman

In general, the sensations at the 4th week of pregnancy are not much different from those experienced by women before the onset of menstruation. As such, there is no delay yet, so symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, a change in taste preferences and sipping in the lower abdomen can be attributed to the approach of menstruation.

Outwardly, the expectant mother may change a little: even in such a short period of time, the waist circumference may increase by a couple of centimeters, and the usual clothes will sit a little differently. The tummy itself still does not betray itself at all.

How does the uterus react in the fourth week of pregnancy?

In three obstetric weeks, the implantation of the fetal egg into the wall of the uterus occurs. The blastocyst sheds the top layer of cells (hatching), and the trophoblast cells release small processes that are needed to sink into the endometrial cells of the uterus. The thickening endometrium envelops the blastocyst, a special hormone begins to be produced - human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG), which is called the pregnancy hormone. HCG also stimulates the production of progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. Progesterone reduces the immune response, allowing the uterine endometrium to accept the embryo, and then regulates uterine contractility so that the embryo is not rejected.

Sometimes the process of implantation may be accompanied by bleeding, which is called implantation bleeding. Some women mistake it for menstruation - and this common cause the fact that pregnancy is detected quite late. Isolation during implantation bleeding, as a rule, is more meager and short-lived compared to menstrual bleeding.

Breast at 4 weeks pregnant

Usually women note engorgement and a slight increase in the breast, which, again, is considered a harbinger of menstruation. The chest, indeed, can already undergo changes - this is due to the influence of hormones. The nipples become more sensitive. There should still be no discharge from the mammary glands. The exception is the situation breastfeeding previous child. At the same time, many mothers observe that the child may refuse milk - perhaps, under the influence of hormones, its taste changes.

Nausea at 4 weeks pregnant

Nausea is a frequent companion of pregnancy. Often it appears in the morning on an empty stomach. Sometimes sick when traveling by transport, at the sight of certain products, from smells. Nausea is often accompanied by vomiting. Nausea also occurs during the normal course of pregnancy. For the most part, it disappears by the end of the first trimester. There is no reason to panic if nausea and vomiting occur up to 2-3 times a day and do not disturb the general condition of the expectant mother. However, it happens that nausea is a symptom of severe toxicosis, which can cause a pregnant woman to be hospitalized.

Discharge at 4 weeks pregnant

As mentioned above, implantation bleeding is the norm; this type of discharge does not pose a threat to either the woman or the child. Under the influence of hormones, quite abundant mucous secretions may also appear, which are odorless, whitish or transparent in color. This is also a variation of the norm.

The presence of pus, bloody clots, an unpleasant odor is a reason to visit a doctor. Quite often, candidiasis or vaginal dysbacteriosis can be observed in the early stages - they are caused by a change in the hormonal background of the body. As a rule, these problems are easily treatable, but a doctor should prescribe it: not all drugs are indicated for pregnant women!

Problems in the fourth week of pregnancy

The 4 week gestation period is the very beginning of the development of the child. However, at the very beginning, many problems can lie in wait.

Toxicosis

Toxicosis is referred to as pathological manifestations of pregnancy. This term is used for the first trimester. Further, in the second and third, the pronounced clinical symptoms of toxicosis are called preeclampsia.

Toxicosis is accompanied by dyspeptic disorders and disorders of all types of metabolism in the body.

Symptoms of toxicosis:

vomiting - mild to excessive;
salivation;
heartburn;
dermatosis;
bronchial asthma (rare).

The causes of toxicosis have not yet been established with certainty, but the most likely ones are:

neuropsychic changes in the mother's body;
hormonal changes;
the reaction of the mother's immunity to the fetus;
lack of folic acid.

Toxicosis in a mild form can be successfully treated on an outpatient basis, but in severe cases, inpatient treatment is required.

It hurts and pulls the stomach

At the 4th week of pregnancy, slight sipping in the lower abdomen is not necessarily an alarming symptom. It can be accompanied by pain in the lower back and sides of the abdomen. If these sensations are not permanent, not accompanied by bleeding, temperature, most likely, the discomfort is caused by stretching of the abdominal muscles due to an increase in the uterus.

Sometimes abdominal pain is caused by a banal indigestion - during pregnancy, this is a very common nuisance.

In case of severe pain, you should immediately call an ambulance! The threat of miscarriage is quite possible.

In any case, even a slight regular pain in the abdomen should be consulted with a doctor.

Bleeding at 4 weeks pregnant

The big trouble is that at this time, many women do not even know about their situation, and they take it for menstruation. A very large percentage of women endure spontaneous abortion on their feet, without even knowing that they were pregnant. But bleeding, unlike menstruation, is more prolonged, often does not stop on its own. The woman is in severe pain, the sanitary napkin gets wet through in less than an hour. All this should alert and serve as a reason for contacting a gynecologist.

What should not be frightening: slight light pink or brown leaks lasting no more than a day without abdominal pain is a symptom of implantation of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity.

Threat of miscarriage at 4 weeks pregnant

Why can an early miscarriage occur?

There are quite a few reasons, among them:

genetic mutations of the fetus;
physical stress of the mother;
stress;
habitual non-carrying in history;
previous abortions;
infectious diseases;
abuse of bad habits.

A miscarriage can occur within a short time (in an hour or even less) or for a long time (within a week). The threat of miscarriage, as a rule, can be detected during a gynecological examination (uterine tone, for example) or by the woman herself, who knows about her situation.

Symptoms of threatened miscarriage:

pain in the lower abdomen;
cramping pain in the lumbar region;
ineffectual frequent urge to the toilet "in a big way";
heat;
bleeding, increasing every day (hour).

According to statistics, up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. But in a large percentage of cases, timely application for medical care allows you to save pregnancy and the health of the expectant mother.

Ectopic pregnancy

Even after fertilization, there is a risk that something will go wrong. For example, with an ectopic pregnancy. The egg, as expected, is fertilized, but implantation does not occur in the uterus, but instead it attaches to the inner surface of the fallopian tube. Such a pregnancy is called tubal. In some situations (2% of all non-uterine pregnancies), a fertilized egg develops in the ovary, cervix, or abdomen.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the symptoms are the same as with a normal one, and even the test shows 2 strips. Accurately diagnosing pathology is possible only with ultrasound or on examination by a gynecologist.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the woman has no chance of becoming a mother this time. Such a pregnancy requires surgical intervention. If it is not diagnosed in time, it will lead to rupture of the fallopian tube and may be fatal. Timely detection of pathology (up to 6-8 weeks) avoids the removal of the fallopian tube and preserves the reproductive health of the patient.

What are the prognosis after a successful resolution from an ectopic pregnancy? In 50% of cases, a normal course of pregnancy in the uterus is possible, in 20% of cases - a recurrence outside the uterus.

Frozen pregnancy at 4 weeks

A frozen or non-developing pregnancy is a condition in which the growth and development of the fetus stops. Spontaneous abortion does not occur, therefore, such a term as "delayed miscarriage" often takes place. As a rule, this occurs in the first trimester, including at 4 weeks of pregnancy.

The prerequisites for a missed pregnancy are mainly:

infectious diseases of the mother;
fetal mutations.

Indicators of a missed pregnancy are:

stop the growth of hCG levels;
Ultrasound, diagnosing the lack of dynamics in the development of the embryo or an empty fetal egg.

After the medical removal of the fetal egg, a normal progressing pregnancy is possible, but it is recommended to start planning it no earlier than six months later and after a detailed examination of both partners.

Termination of pregnancy at 4 weeks

A woman can intentionally terminate a pregnancy at 4 weeks, this is called an abortion. Abortions are officially allowed in Russia for up to 20 weeks, or, if it is not possible to determine the exact period, until the fetus reaches a mass of 400 grams.

Induced abortion can be:

medication, for up to 12 weeks with the help of drugs "Mifepristone" or "Misoprostol" or a combination thereof;
surgical: vacuum aspiration or curettage.

But abortion can be natural (spontaneous). Causes can be infectious diseases, genetic mutations, low progesterone levels, and so on.

Usually, physically, a woman quickly bounces back after a miscarriage, but morally, she can recover for a very long time, especially if the pregnancy was desired and planned.

Colds. SARS, fever, flu. Whether it is possible or probable antibiotics?

Getting sick during pregnancy is dangerous. And the point is not only that it is not easy to choose medicines for a future mother. A common cold at the 4th week of pregnancy can turn out to be very deplorable for the fetus. Complications can affect the health of the child, and especially - on his cardiovascular system.

Meanwhile, the sores stick to the pregnant woman. This is because nature provides for this: so that the fetus as a foreign object is not rejected by the mother's body, immunity decreases. How to be?

Of course, prevention is more effective than treatment, and therefore a pregnant woman should avoid contact with sick people, maintain immunity during the cold season and beware of hypothermia. But the widely recommended flu shot as a preventive measure should be excluded! Even if a woman only vaguely guesses about her situation and symptoms of pregnancy do not appear at week 4, the trip to the medical room should be postponed: vaccination is contraindicated for pregnant women!

If, nevertheless, the pregnant woman is ill, no self-treatment is appropriate here. The doctor examines the patient and prescribes adequate treatment using safe drugs. But if it’s bad here and now, but it’s impossible to call a doctor?

When the temperature rises, you can:

rubbing with cool water;
paracetamol (Panadol) tablet.

With a runny nose:

nasal toilet (washing with saline);
inhalation (without temperature);
some vasoconstrictor drops (Pinosol, Nazivin) allowed during pregnancy.

When coughing:

folk remedies (for example, milk with honey);
some pharmaceutical preparations allowed during pregnancy (Gedelix, Stodal, Dr. Mom).

Antibiotic treatment is possible when the expected benefit to the pregnant woman outweighs the risk to the health of the fetus. Antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor, he also controls their intake.

Food poisoning - what to do?

No one is immune from poisoning, including a pregnant woman. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the expectant mother does not yet strictly control the diet, as she is not sure of the onset of pregnancy.

Poisoning is quite dangerous for the fetus in that a general intoxication of the mother's body develops, which disrupts the blood supply to the fetus.

As soon as the first symptoms of poisoning appear, it is necessary to empty the stomach. Often vomiting occurs by itself, but it can be caused artificially.

Then it is important to take sorbents (for example, activated charcoal) and drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention in case of poisoning!

Analyzes and examinations

Despite the fact that the 4th week of pregnancy is a short period, and they are not even registered in the antenatal clinic yet, the expectant mother is waiting for a lot of procedures.

Ultrasound at 4 weeks pregnant

Assign ultrasound diagnostics at this time to confirm pregnancy. There can be no question of what gender the baby is (it is possible to find out later, for example, in a 12-week screening). The ultrasound will show if the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus. Now it may even be erroneously diagnosed as a “missed pregnancy” due to the fact that the embryo in the fetal egg is difficult to see. It is too early to panic: the diagnosis can be repeated after 2 weeks.

HCG at 4 weeks pregnant

At the 4th week of pregnancy, the test may still not show 2 strips: the level of hCG in the urine is still low. But in the blood, its concentration is noticeably higher, which is why the hCG test is a reliable way to confirm pregnancy.

Norm of progesterone

What role does progesterone play during pregnancy? Considerable:

contributes to the fact that the uterine endometrium grows to a level sufficient for implantation of the fetal egg;
reduces the contractility of the uterine muscles, which can cause miscarriage;
participates in the formation of embryonic tissues;
helps prepare the mammary glands for lactation.

What will the progesterone test show at 3 obstetric weeks of embryo development? Progesterone control in the first trimester of pregnancy is usually not carried out, however, analysis may be required for timely detection of pregnancy complications. For example, low progesterone signals a threatened miscarriage. An elevated one can suggest problems such as:

malfunction of the adrenal glands and kidneys of the mother;
diabetes;
cyst formation in the corpus luteum.

The norm of progesterone is an average indicator, but at week 4 it should not be lower than 35 nanomoles per liter and not higher than 200 nanomoles per liter.

Endometrium at 4 weeks pregnant

Endometrium - cells of the inner lining of the uterus. It creates conditions for the normal implantation of the ovum into the uterine cavity. The endometrium thickens by the 4th week of pregnancy. According to its thickness, one can judge whether the pregnancy is proceeding normally. In the first weeks of development, it is from the endometrium that the embryo receives what it needs for development. On average, at this time, the thickness of the endometrium should be 17-20 millimeters.

Ultrasound helps to determine the thickness of the endometrium.

Sex at 4 weeks pregnant

Often in the 4th week of pregnancy, the “belly” is still unknown, and intimate life spouse proceeds as usual. And this is not bad: mom just needs positive emotions now! However, if the pregnancy proceeds under the supervision of a doctor and has potential risks, it is worth abstaining from intimacy in the first weeks or resorting to alternative methods of sexual satisfaction.

Sometimes it is sex that can cause a threatening abortion: this happens with an increased tone of the uterus.

Sports at 4 weeks pregnant

It is known that during pregnancy, the level of hormones increases, and many champions achieved unimaginable records in an “interesting position”.

However, it is better to postpone professional sports until the baby is born: excessive physical activity is dangerous for the normal course of pregnancy.

However, this does not mean that, having learned about the upcoming motherhood, a woman should observe bed rest. Pregnancy is not a disease! And sport is very useful in this state. True, not all. If the mother is a weightlifter, of course, this will not do her any good, as well as:

deep sea diving;
a ride on the bicycle;
long distance running;
horseback riding;
jumping.

But useful:

water aerobics for pregnant women;
fitness for expectant mothers;
Pilates;
general strengthening exercises for the muscles of the back and spine;
yoga for pregnant women.

An alternative to sports can be ordinary walks in the fresh air.

Travel: travel and flights

Positive emotions for the expectant mother are good. However, traveling at 4 weeks of pregnancy should be treated with caution. Climate change can equally likely affect both positively and negatively on the body of a pregnant woman. In addition, a tiring road, increased nervousness and worries are also bad.

Air travel in the three full obstetric weeks of pregnancy is safe only if the pregnancy proceeds without pathologies. Pressure drops during takeoff and landing, a weak vestibular apparatus of the mother, severe toxicosis - all these are good reasons to reconsider, if not the time of travel, then at least the mode of transport.

Diet in the fourth week of pregnancy

Eating for two, as our mothers and grandmothers taught us, is not true today. But there is for two - a reasonable approach. Not only her well-being, but also the health of the unborn baby largely depends on the mother’s nutrition. So how to eat in three obstetric weeks of pregnancy?

What can't be eaten

Firstly, you should forget about fasting days and mono-diets - this is not necessary for the child, and it is harmful for the mother. With a rational approach to nutrition, the mother will not gain extra pounds, preserve her beauty and give birth healthy baby. It is worth refusing products containing a lot of sugars, dyes and preservatives.

You need to exclude from the menu or limit:

white bread and muffins - they contribute to gas formation and constipation;
fast food;
sausages (especially smoked);
citrus;
chocolate;
coffee;
mushrooms;
soda;
mayonnaise;
moldy or very salty cheeses;
semi-finished products;
chips and crackers.

Spicy foods should also be limited.

What can you eat

And what can mom eat at 4 weeks pregnant? Healthy and wholesome food!

It is convenient to adhere to the principle of the Food Pyramid: this is a nutrition system developed by the National Institutes of Health of America. It allows you to understand what foods are important for a balanced diet not only for the expectant mother, but for the population in general.

In the diet of a pregnant woman should be:

soups on meat broth (secondary);
bread made from wholemeal flour or whole grain;
cereals (excluding semolina and peas);
milk (not whole) and fermented milk products, cottage cheese;
boiled eggs (up to 2 pieces per day);
meat - veal, rabbit, poultry;
lean fish (cod, navaga, pollock);
vegetables and herbs (boiled, raw);
fruits (except citruses);
natural juices and fruit drinks, compotes.

But how to deal with an irresistible craving for some, often harmful products - after all, the food addictions of pregnant women are sometimes amazing? "Forbidden" is possible, but occasionally and in small quantities. It's so nice to pamper yourself!

Supplements, vitamins

At the 4th week of pregnancy, there is no need to take vitamin and mineral complexes if the woman's nutrition is complete. It is much more useful to get vitamins from food. However, with some complications or for preventive purposes, the doctor may advise taking additional vitamins.

In addition, all pregnant women will benefit from taking:

folic acid - it is important for the prevention of toxicosis and is necessary for the formation of the child's nervous system;
vitamin E - it stimulates the production of hormones and protects against harmful effects environment;
vitamin C, which is involved in the development of the child's cartilage tissue and strengthens the mother's immunity;
vitamin A, necessary for the development of the placenta;
iodine, which normalizes the work of the endocrine system.

An overabundance of vitamins is not always good, and sometimes dangerous! Everything should be in moderation, and therefore you can not rush to take dietary supplements and vitamin complexes.

Is alcohol allowed?

Alcohol is a taboo for a pregnant woman, especially in the first trimester, when all the organs of the fetus are laid. So, even an insignificant dose of alcohol at 3 weeks of pregnancy can cause pathologies in the development of the fetus and manifest itself in the external deformity of the baby or cause the newborn to become unviable.

It is already at the stage of pregnancy planning to exclude the use of alcohol, and not only for the mother, but also for the father!

So, the 4th obstetric week of pregnancy is a short period. But already now, the expectant mother should reconsider her lifestyle, give up negative habits, eat right and get a lot of positive emotions. And perhaps the most important thing is to strictly follow the recommendations of the gynecologist!