The baby in your belly is officially called a fetus. During the fourth month of pregnancy, it will increasingly take on the shape of a real baby. The proportions will even out – but the head still remains relatively large.
In addition to growth, your baby's internal organs are also continuing to develop. The heart, liver, and kidneys continue to form and practice their function. Through the sound transmission of the bones, your baby already hears noises outside your belly. Its ears are currently not yet able to perceive sounds.
The ears take their final position on the sides of the head in the fourth month of pregnancy. The eyes are also now in the middle of your baby's face. The sexual organs also form during this phase of pregnancy.
Towards the end of the 4th month of pregnancy, lanugo hair forms on your baby's skin. This is a fine down that protects your baby's skin from the amniotic fluid. However, the lanugo hair will fall out again before birth.
Although your baby is still quite small, it is already moving lively in your belly. However, it still has plenty of room in your growing uterus, so you probably won't feel the baby's movements yet. Many expectant mothers already talk to their unborn baby: This can help to build an even more intense bond.
Size & weight in the 4th month of your pregnancy
In the 4th month, you are in the second trimester of pregnancy. Your baby will double its size in the coming four weeks. While it was tiny in the first few weeks, it is now the size of a plum. By the end of the fourth month, it will be as big as an apple. The size develops from 6 cm to 10 cm.
At the same time, your baby is also gaining weight. At the beginning of the 4th month of pregnancy, your baby already weighs 14 g. In the coming four weeks, it will gain weight and weigh 75 g by week 16. Slowly, you as an expectant mother will also notice weight gain due to the pregnancy.
Your gynecologist will determine your weight at every appointment and record it in your maternity record. Based on this record, your weight gain can be tracked.
How your body changes in the 4th month
You have now been pregnant for four months and surely notice how your body is changing. A pregnancy is a journey associated with many changes for you. We summarize how your body changes in the 4th month:
Subsiding of morning sickness:
Have you suffered from morning sickness in recent weeks? With the beginning of the 4th month, the nausea subsides for many women. Many women report that morning sickness disappears from one day to the next. If you have to vomit several times a day, you should talk to your doctor or midwife about it.
Weight gain:
In the 4th month of pregnancy, weight gain begins for expectant mothers. This month you will gain around 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms. Try to supply your body with many nutrients and vitamins. This also ensures moderate weight gain at the same time. You don't have to eat for two when you are pregnant.
Growth of your baby bump:
Many women notice in the fourth month that their baby bump is growing. A curve is slowly forming, revealing that a baby is growing in your belly. Surely you want to enjoy your pregnancy especially – showcase your belly with pretty maternity wear.
Baby movements:
You might feel a slight tickle or bubbling in your belly towards the end of the 4th month. This could be your baby doing gymnastics in your belly. If you have already had a baby, you will probably feel the movements a bit earlier and can categorize them better.
More energy:
Your body has now slowly gotten used to the new hormones. While you were often tired and sluggish in the first weeks of pregnancy, you are now blossoming again. Many pregnant women are full of energy in the second trimester and can enjoy the pregnancy to the fullest.
The baby's development progresses while you feel better and better. Your belly is growing slowly and the fatigue and nausea have vanished. Enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest. Buy yourself pretty maternity wear and travel with your partner: The second trimester is the best opportunity for this. Towards the end of the pregnancy, your large belly will restrict you and travel will only be possible to a limited extent.
Pregnant in the 4th month: Common symptoms of expectant moms
Many pregnancy complaints subside after the first three months: In return, new symptoms can appear. Your baby is now pressing on your bladder. This can be associated with an increased urge to urinate. However, you should still make sure to drink enough. Exercises for your pelvic floor will help you now and throughout the entire pregnancy to hold your urine.
Digestive problems can occur not only in the 4th month of pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones slow down your digestion. Make sure to drink enough with your meals and move around after eating. This can alleviate the symptoms.
Furthermore, your skin may itch now. It stretches particularly on the belly and breasts, which is associated with itching. You can care for your skin with special oils and creams for pregnant women. These also prevent stretch marks at the same time.
Pregnancy weeks 13 to 16: What you should look out for
If you are 4 months pregnant, you can have various examinations carried out. In recent weeks, your doctor has surely already done an ultrasound. You can now decide whether you also want to have an amniocentesis.
A blood test can also provide information about whether your baby has a disease or abnormality. During the first-trimester screening, the risk for chromosomal disorders can be determined.
To ensure that your baby can continue to develop well, you as an expectant mother should observe a few points. Definitely abstain from alcohol and nicotine and avoid passive smoking. Sleep a lot and relax. Many expectant mothers treat themselves to extra care in the second trimester and skillfully showcase their baby bump.
Many pregnant women are already wearing new bras in the 4th month of pregnancy. Your breasts may have already grown and need more support. Get advice and opt for a special pregnancy bra that supports your breasts.
It still applies that you should continue to avoid raw meat and raw fish: This applies to the entire duration of the pregnancy. Soft cheese and raw milk cheese should also be avoided by pregnant women. What you eat is passed on to your baby via the placenta – therefore, pay attention to a balanced diet.
If you love the forbidden foods, you have to be patient: They will only be allowed again in the time after pregnancy once you have finished breastfeeding.
Automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep: Reminds your baby of the time of pregnancy
During your ultrasound examination, you have already seen your baby: It already has arms and legs and looks like a little human. Slowly you realize that in a few months you will be holding your baby in your arms. Until then, you still have a lot to prepare and set up the room for your baby.
What should not be missing is a cozy place to sleep. Your baby feels particularly comfortable in the automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep. It provides your baby with natural security: You place your baby in the hammock, where it lies snugly. Your baby knows this feeling from your belly, where it was also snugly enclosed. Therefore, this position calms it and helps it fall asleep.
At the same time, the intelligent automatic baby hammock motor performs gentle movements. They rock your baby to sleep and promote sleeping through the night. You can control the motor via the app and also receive push notifications when your baby wakes up.
