Body Changes in the Fourth Month of Pregnancy

Month four comes with a lot of changes, whether physically or psychologically. You’re more likely to feel balanced and self-aware by now. The unfamiliar feeling and discomfort you were feeling at the beginning are fading. Your energy levels rise, your appetite increases, and for the first time, you may experience the little one move inside you, tiny flutters in your tummy, known as quickening.

What's happening to your Fourth Month of Pregnancy:

• Increased hunger because your body is not only feeding you but also the baby now.

• As your uterus rises, you may feel ease in your bladder and feel less frequent urination.

• Increase in body temperature.

• A milky white discharge through your vagina helps your body prevent infections.

• Increase in sensitivity of gums.

Noticeable physical symptoms:

• Heartburn and indigestion

• Backache

• Stretch marks

• Varicose veins or spider veins

• Shortness of breath

• Nasal congestion

• Constipation

By the fourth month, you are more familiar with your pregnancy and know what is going on with and around you. The doubts and anxiety you had at the beginning are being replaced with excitement, and you feel more connected to your baby.

Here’s what you may experience emotionally:

• You may feel a newly found energy. You might start planning things for the future and decorating stuff for your baby.

• The very first movements may give you a sense of motherhood.

• You feel fewer mood swings as your hormone levels are balanced now.

• You may feel the need for intimacy coming back to you.

Pregnancy hormones can still influence your emotions. You may still feel sensitive at times, but it's all part of your body's natural rhythm.

Fetal Development: Your Baby at Four Months

The baby is now strong and keeps getting stronger. At four months, weighing 3 to 4 ounces and measuring around 4 to 5 inches long, your baby is now the size of an avocado. Day by day, the growth and development are remarkable.

Here’s what’s new for your little one:

• The backbone and tiny muscles are gaining strength, allowing your baby to straighten its head and neck.

• Features like eyelids, eyebrows, and hair are forming.

• Heartbeats can now be heard clearly using a Doppler.

• You can know the gender of your baby now.

• Active movements begin to happen now, such as their cute facial expressions, stretching, yawning, and thumb-sucking.

• The brain and nerves continue to mature, improving their reflexes.

Your baby is now preparing for a life outside the womb. Moving actively and learning essential skills.

Embracing your fourth month

The fourth month is a turning point in your journey. From feeling stronger to having a sudden burst of energy, you hit a milestone. With the visible progress and emotional warmth, you are adjusting to this new chapter of your life.

Cherish all these moments: the soft flutters inside your belly, the glow in your skin, and the curve on your belly; all of these are symbols of a new life blooming within you.

Take proper care of yourself, give rest to you and your baby when needed. Every little heartbeat of your baby is a step toward motherhood.