At 4 weeks pregnant, you're at the beginning of an exciting journey! This early stage of pregnancy is often when most women find out they’re expecting. While your baby is still microscopic, big changes are happening inside your body. Let’s explore what’s going on with your baby, your body, and what to expect at this pivotal point in pregnancy.

Your Baby at 4 Weeks Pregnant

At 4 weeks, your baby is just a tiny ball of cells, called a blastocyst, that is rapidly dividing and growing. This cluster of cells will soon form the embryo and placenta. Here’s what’s happening with your baby this week:

• Implantation: The fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of your uterus. This is a crucial step in early pregnancy and may cause light spotting, known as implantation bleeding, which is normal.
• Rapid Development: The cells are already beginning to form the foundations of your baby’s organs and body systems, including the heart, brain, and spinal cord.
• Size: At this stage, your baby is about the size of a poppy seed—tiny, but growing fast!

Your Body at 4 Weeks Pregnant

You might not notice major physical changes yet, but your body is hard at work adjusting to support your developing baby. Some early pregnancy symptoms might already be appearing, including:

• Missed Period: One of the first signs of pregnancy is missing your period. If you’ve missed yours, it’s a good time to take a home pregnancy test.
• Mild Cramping and Spotting: As the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, you might experience light cramping and spotting. This is different from a menstrual period and is usually very light.
• Fatigue: Your body is producing more progesterone, which can cause feelings of exhaustion. You might feel the need to nap more or get extra rest.
• Breast Tenderness: Your breasts may start to feel sore or tender due to hormonal changes.
• Nausea: While more common around weeks 6–8, some women experience mild nausea or food aversions as early as 4 weeks.

What to Do Now

1. Confirm Your Pregnancy

If you haven’t already, take a home pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. Most tests are accurate by the time of your missed period. For the most accurate result, take the test in the morning when your urine’s hormone levels are more concentrated.

2. Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment

Once you confirm your pregnancy, it’s important to schedule your first prenatal visit. Your doctor will discuss your health history, perform blood tests, and give you an estimated due date.

3. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

If you haven’t started already, now is the time to begin taking prenatal vitamins that include folic acid. Folic acid is critical for preventing neural tube defects and supporting your baby’s early development.

4. Watch Your Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is key. Focus on consuming foods rich in iron, calcium, and folic acid to support your baby’s growth. Stay hydrated and consider eating small, frequent meals if you start feeling queasy.

5. Rest and Listen to Your Body

Fatigue is a common early symptom, so give yourself permission to rest more. Listen to your body’s needs and don’t push yourself too hard.

Common Questions at 4 Weeks Pregnant

Is It Normal Not to Feel Pregnant Yet?

Yes! Some women don’t feel any pregnancy symptoms at 4 weeks. Every pregnancy is unique, so if you don’t have symptoms yet, don’t worry. They might appear in the coming weeks as your body adjusts.

Can I Exercise at 4 Weeks Pregnant?

Absolutely. Exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, but it’s best to stick to moderate activities like walking, swimming, or yoga. Avoid intense workouts until you’ve talked to your doctor, especially if you were very active before pregnancy.

When Will I Have My First Ultrasound?

Your first ultrasound typically occurs between 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy. At that point, your doctor will confirm the pregnancy, check the baby’s heartbeat, and estimate your due date.

What’s Coming Next?

As you move forward in your pregnancy, your body will continue to adjust, and your baby will grow rapidly. In the coming weeks, you may start to experience stronger symptoms like morning sickness and heightened emotions due to hormonal changes. Rest assured, these are all signs that your body is doing exactly what it needs to do to nurture your growing baby.