Pregnancy Month by Month – Month 4

Your Baby's Growth:

Your baby moves, kicks, swallows, and can hear your voice. The umbilical cord continues to grow and thicken to carry enough nourishment from mother to fetus. The placenta is now fully formed and functioning completely.

By the end of month 4, the fetus is six to seven inches long and weighs close to five ounces.

Your Body's Changes:

Your appetite increases now as any morning sickness disappears. You begin to feel more energetic as you feel better. Toward the end of this month (16-20 weeks), you might feel the faint movement of your baby for the first time (called quickening); tell your doctor when you do. Your belly begins to show and you will probably start to wear maternity clothes and bigger bras this month.

Prenatal Care:

Visit your doctor or health care provider for this your month 4 checkup. Pregnant women need extra iron, so your doctor may recommend iron supplements. You'll probably gain about one pound a week, or 12 to 14 pounds, during months 4, 5, and 6.

If your health care provider recommends prenatal testing using amniocentesis, or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing for neural tube defects, they will be done at 16 weeks pregnant to 18 weeks pregnant.

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