At 4 weeks pregnant, your journey has just begun, even if there’s little to see on the outside. To the world, you’ll look the same, but deep inside, something extraordinary is happening — your embryo is now about the size of a poppy seed!
Baby’s Development
By week 4, the fertilized egg has successfully implanted itself in the uterus. It’s starting to divide into layers that will form all the different organs and body parts. Though tiny, your baby is growing fast, and the placenta is beginning to develop to nourish your little one throughout pregnancy.
How You Might Feel
Many women don’t feel much different at this stage, but early symptoms can include:
- Mild cramping or spotting (from implantation)
- Fatigue
- Sore or tender breasts
- Nausea or food aversions
- Mood swings
- A missed period – often the first sign that prompts a pregnancy test
These symptoms vary greatly; some may feel a lot, others nothing at all.
Belly Size
At 4 weeks, there’s no visible baby bump. Your uterus is still its normal size, and if this is your first pregnancy, you likely won’t show until around week 12. If you’ve been pregnant before, you might start to show a bit sooner since your abdominal muscles may be more relaxed.
Health Tips for Week 4
- Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid to support baby’s neural development.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine in high amounts.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and whole foods.
- Get rest – your body is doing hard work behind the scenes.
- Stay hydrated and keep gentle physical activity in your routine if approved by your doctor.
This is an exciting time filled with anticipation. Even though your baby is just a tiny poppy seed now, they are already making big changes in your body!