At 4 weeks pregnant, you still haven't missed your period, but if you have been trying to conceive (get pregnant)you will probably be feeling very excited as you wonder if you have been successful this month. It can be devastating for you and your partner, if you have been trying to get pregnant, if menstruation does begin.
MOM
You will have the usual premenstrual symptoms because hormones at this time are the same as when you are not pregnant. Things change when implantation occurs. Implantation lets your body know that you are pregnant and it triggers the beginning of many changes that will occur throughout the following months until the birth of the baby. The premenstrual symptoms that usually pass once menstruation begins will continue and intensify during the pregnancy.
Early signs of pregnancy (same as premenstrual signs):
• Enlarged sensitive breasts
• Increased urge to urinate
• Cramping
• Full feeling in uterus
• Moodiness
• Tiredness
• Cervical changes
• Appetite increase
Spotting from implantation should not be confused with a period because it will make it difficult to determine the number of weeks pregnant and the due date.
Though pregnancy tests are accurate at this time, some women may be pregnant and have a negative result to a pregnancy test. Before thinking it is safe to drink or smoke, a you should repeat the test in a week or if you don’t start menstruation and it is lighter than what is normal for you.
BABY
The baby has traveled down the fallopian tube and is implanted in your uterus. A miscarriage at this time would go undetected due to it occurring at the time menstruation is expected. Rapid changes begin at implantation. The baby is .014 to .04 inches long and resembles a tadpole shape.
The placenta develops and the baby prepares its home for the next 8+ months digging in deep to the uterus. There is a rapid development and division of cells and it can be a critical time because the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances can affect the process. Many women who didn’t know they were pregnant who may have been exposed to harmful substances have healthy babies. There is no way to predict the resiliency of your fertilized egg, so it is best to be safe. You should avoid anything that can harm the baby before you know you are pregnant.
LIFE
When a woman becomes pregnant it can be scary even if it is planned. It can be just as scary as an unplanned pregnancy. This is a time for you to become educated on pregnancy and parenthood so that you can prepare yourself and gain confidence. Some women keep the positive test results to themselves the first couple months, especially if they have a history of miscarriages.
Communication between you and your partner is important. It is easier to deal with the fears and concerns of a new pregnancy together than to do it separately. Being excited together will create a special bond. Communication skills will become even more important when you are parenting your new baby together.
This is the week you will discover you will be parents, enjoy it!
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