You are entering your fourth month of pregnancy. This time, for many expectant mothers, curves are starting to appear in the lower abdomen. Sometimes you might even exclaim, “Oh he moved! ". Patience, more than a few weeks and you will know the sex of your baby, but in the meantime zoom in on this important points of the 4th month of pregnancy.
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The priority of this 4th month: Medical examinations and procedures.
This month, you will be followed very closely. Your gynecologist will offer you a series of tests, which are designed to detect a possible abnormality in the fetus. You will have one or more blood tests to do. Although it is not very pleasant, it is a necessary passage.
A blood test will look for the levels of two hormones:
A blood test will look for the levels of two hormones:
– HT21 : An enormously high level of the pregnancy hormone at 15 or 16 weeks can hide a chromosomal abnormality: trisomy 21.
Depending on your age, the indicated rate and the nuchal translucency measurement from the first ultrasound (nuchal translucency measures the translucent space between the muscles and skin of the fetal neck, a space that is only visible between 9 and 14 weeks pregnant), you may or may not be offered a amniocentesis. Under ultrasound, your doctor will insert a hollow, very fine needle through your abdominal and uterine walls to remove a sample of about 15 to 20 ml of amniotic fluid in which the fetus is bathed. The amniocentesis will sometimes be replaced by a trophoblast biopsy which has the immense benefit of providing the distressed mom with results very quickly.
To know : In any case, although this exam is strongly recommended, it is never mandatory. Whether you want to take it is up to you.
– The dosage of alpha-fetoprotein : this assay makes it possible to identify a possible spina bifida (defect in the closure of the spine and the spinal cord which results in paralysis and mental handicaps). If the rate is too low or too high, it is a sign of a problem that the amniocentesis will be responsible for determining. This disease is however quite rare.
During this fourth month, your visit will also be punctuated by the measurement of uterine height. Your uterus is growing, which will give you frequent, sharp pain in your lower abdomen which can happen at any time. Finally we will observe the cervix. If the latter opens, you will be required to strapping the neck.
In case of ligament pain, burning or urinary pain, consult your doctor.
The best positions during pregnancy:
How your baby is at 4 months pregnant: Baby is getting bigger and bigger.
- It is during this month that you will feel it move baby for the first time… Sometimes you will feel it like little bubbles, sometimes like little gurgles, when you recognize it it will be a great time!
- Baby's body is covered with lanugo (a fine down) which will disappear afterwards. Hair and nails grow. Your baby's head, which was bigger than everything else, becomes proportional to the body. The cerebellum expands. The limbs lengthen as you go. Its small hands are fully trained.
- The amniotic liquid enters and leaves the lungs. But the respiratory function is not yet in place.
- The sensory organs are still developing and are nearing completion. Your baby is sensitive to touch. You can stroke it through the thin layer of your skin, it will feel your gesture. Its small mouth can move and its taste is refined. The auditory circuit is in place. He is also sensitive to light but cannot see yet.
- Your baby is approximately 19 cm tall and weighs between 200 and 250 grams.
4 months of pregnancy: The practical steps
Take the exams indicated above. Also, it is possible at this stage (and sometimes only at the fourth month ultrasound) to know the sex of your child. You can also choose to be in suspense until the time of delivery.
Not yet registered with the maternity ? Do it! Choose between the three possible types of maternity. If you prefer a double room, social security will reimburse the costs in full. If you choose the privacy of a single room, be sure to check your mutual fund's reimbursement rates. This will prevent you from having rather unpleasant surprises.
Your diet
For your 4 months of pregnancy, as for the previous months, the advice remains the same.
- Eat lots of fiber and drink lots of water. Indeed, a high production of progesterone will greatly slow down your intestinal transit.
- You are also advised to eat 80 grams of protein per day, half vegetable, half animal, because your baby is asking for more. From the second trimester, he eats about 9 grams every week.
- Provide your body and your child with trace elements, vitamins and nutrients.
- Vary your diet and consider eating four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. However, avoid meals that are too heavy, too spicy and fried foods.
- Avoid taking medication.
The evolution of my pregnancy in ultrasounds
Where are you at 4 months of pregnancy?
Girl or boy ? The second ultrasound (around the end of the month) is especially necessary to check the genitals of the fetus. But it's also an emotional moment that will sometimes divide you and your partner. Talk about it together and choose to wait for the real moment or to quickly find out the sex of your child. One thing is certain: at this point the fetus truly becomes a human being … a little girl or a little man. This is also the time when things are cleared up for the first name.
Enjoy your free pregnancy follow-up on auFeminin, week by week
To find out more about your 4th month of pregnancy:
– The 14th week of pregnancy
– The 15th week of pregnancy
– The 16th week of pregnancy
– The 17th week of pregnancy
Pregnancy, month after month:
1 month pregnant
2 months pregnant
3 months pregnant
4 months pregnant
5 months pregnant
6 months pregnant
7 months pregnant
8 months pregnant
9 months pregnant
Childbirth
The birth