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4th Month of Pregnancy - Symptoms, Body Changes and Diet
Becoming a mother is welcoming happiness into your life. As parents, the voyage can be full of ups and downs and many milestones. The body undergoes many changes to accommodate the growing child and there are various noticeable signs to watch out for. As parents, you have to prepare for what’s to come next and, hence, some precautions also need to be taken to bring a healthy and happy child into this world. Here are some fourth-month-pregnancy tips to ensure good health for you and your baby.
4th-Month-Pregnancy Symptoms
They say that the first trimester is the hardest in any pregnancy and you have just completed the first three months of your journey into motherhood. As you enter the fourth month, here are some symptoms you may notice.
Some women experience haemorrhoids due to the pressure created by the growing baby on the rectal veins, which can be very painful.
Bleeding gums occurs in many pregnant women due to the increase in pregnancy hormones, which makes your gums softer and more sensitive. It is the reason why you may brush your teeth and see a little bleeding. This symptom usually disappears after pregnancy.
You can expect to run to the washroom quite often, as there will be pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination.
Some women experience shortness of breath due to the 4-month-foetus in the womb. This is because the uterus is expanding to make space for the baby to grow, thereby, putting pressure on the surrounding environment and organs.
Heartburn is a common symptom for a lot of pregnant women. This is mainly due to the fact that digestion slows down during pregnancy, leading to heartburn. The way to avoid this is to have lots of water and not have too many heavy meals in a day, making it easier for the body to digest food.
Your skin also undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some women may see blotchy skin due to the increase in pregnancy hormones. It is important to take care of your skin at this point by using mild moisturisers and lotions.
The nipples and the areolas will acquire a darker shade and the veins of the breasts will also be more pronounced during pregnancy.
At this stage, the foetus can cause a lot of changes to the mother’s body. Nosebleeds are one of them. Bleeding is never a good sign, but during pregnancy, some women experience mild nosebleeds. These mainly occur because of a high volume of blood being pumped by the body to manage the pregnancy. If it persists, consult a doctor.
What to Expect During the 4th Month of Pregnancy
Your emotional, physical, and psychological characteristics will change a lot once you finish your 3rd month. 4th-month-pregnancy care will vary greatly and will involve a lot more medical assessments as you go along. A few things you can expect in the 4th month of pregnancy are
Your doctor will give an ultrasound recommendation to be conducted to know the growth of the baby.
Some women can notice thin, reddish lines on the thighs, which are superficial varicose veins. After birth, these lines will fade and completely vanish.
At 4 months of pregnancy, your belly will be the size of a cantaloupe.
Morning sickness will disappear, but you may still feel tired and irritable.
Your appetite will change and it is important to take nutritious, delicious food, as you are now eating for two.
Changes in Your Body When You’re 4- Months-Pregnant
The biggest thing you may notice is the 4-month pregnant belly. But there are more changes happening inside your body as much as on the outside.
As the uterus expands, you will feel pain in your back, thighs, abdomen, and groin area. This ache will continue for the next 5 months.
The breasts increase in size and fullness during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes.
Constipation occurs in some women due to higher levels of hormones in the body, which slows down digestion.
Higher urination frequency and leakage is also fairly common due to the pressure on the bladder and urethra as the baby grows.
Some women experience tingling hands or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is mainly due to swelling of tissues around the wrists. This usually disappears after delivery.
Due to the increase in blood volume in the body, veins on the legs enlarge, causing varicose veins. This too will disappear after delivery.
Heartburn is another common change, as digestion slows down during pregnancy.
You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge due to the hormonal changes in the body.
Common Concerns During the Fourth Month of Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you may have some worries and concerns that are bothering you and your partner. When you visit your gynaecologist, make sure to discuss anything that is worrying you.
Here are a few common concerns:
Increase in appetite is very common, and so is weight gain, during the fourth month of pregnancy. This is because the mother is eating for two and needs to nourish the baby and herself. The 4th-month- pregnancy diet may also differ from your regular diet.
Heartburn and constipation are common during this time. If you need any medical advice about it, ensure you consult a doctor.
Doctors will also recommend taking a tetanus vaccination during pregnancy– the first within the first three months and the second a month before delivery.
It is safe to have sex during pregnancy, unless the doctor advises otherwise, in cases where there is a medical history of miscarriage or if it’s a high-risk pregnancy. Couples should discuss this with their doctor before going ahead.
The Baby’s Development in the 4th Month of Pregnancy
While you experience changes in your body, the foetus is also developing and undergoing its own changes.
The top things that happen are:
The foetus starts developing facial features.
Eyelids, eyebrows and lashes also develop in the baby.
At 17 weeks the baby is nearly 13.1 cm (5 inches) from crown to rump.
The baby also develops unique fingerprints.
The baby starts developing slight movement and will start kicking.
The baby’s skin is covered in fine hair called lanugo.
Ears are starting to develop, hence, the baby can now start hearing the sounds outside.
The tail has completely disappeared from the foetus at this stage.
How to Take Care of Yourself in the 4th Month of Pregnancy
As you move into the second trimester in your pregnancy, 4-month- pregnancy care must be taken to see a happy and healthy baby by the end of the journey. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
A growing baby needs a lot of nourishment, and so does the mother. So, it’s important to ensure that you are taking enough vitamins. If you aren’t getting enough, ask for supplements from your doctor.
Exercise regularly. It is important to continue your normal routine and go for yoga and walks when you are pregnant, as mobility helps during delivery.
Get plenty of sleep. Your body is working for two people and, hence, ample rest of 7-8 hours is a must.
Eat a lot of seafood. Fish is rich in Omega 3 and other minerals. Hence, a portion of cooked fish is a must. Make sure it is fresh and thoroughly cleaned. Avoid eating raw fish and fish with a high mercury content.
Do have sex. It is important to keep the intimacy between you and your partner alive, as your body prepares for the next adventure. However, consult your doctor first.
Make sure you get a flu shot so that you do not contract any diseases while you are pregnant.
Gaining weight is natural, but make sure you gain weight smartly by eating healthy.
Make sure you go to your dentist for a regular checkup to avoid bleeding gums or any other dental complications.
Don’ts
Do not have too much caffeine, as it can increase your baby’s heart rate.
If you have pets like cats, do not clean the cat litter, as you could contract a parasite from the litter.
Do not sit in a hot tub or a sauna, as the high heat environment can cause complications in pregnancy.
Avoid eating meat cooked outside, as you do not know if it is cleaned and cooked properly.
Don’t drink alcohol, as the foetus can develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Do not smoke, as expectant mothers who smoke can deliver babies with low birth weight and are at a greater risk of disabilities.
Diet
Iron, calcium and folic acid are extremely important for pregnant women. Since the mother is eating for two, she shouldn’t worry about weight gain, as long as the food is healthy and nutritious. It is also important to talk to your gynaecologist and take any supplements necessary, such as Vitamin D, to keep your vitals up. Food should typically be home-cooked to keep it hygienic and can include grains, fruits and vegetables. Food that is rich in protein, like fish and chicken, can also be consumed. Every meal should include all the three things mentioned above to ensure optimal foetal development.
Tests and Checkups Recommended in the Fourth-Month of Pregnancy
You will see your doctor more frequently from the fourth month onwards to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. The top tests and check-ups that are necessary are,
A Physical Check-Up– Your gynaecologist will physically check parts such as the vagina, breasts and abdomen.
4th-Month Pregnancy Scan– An ultrasound will be conducted to see the changes to foetal development.
Fetal Heartbeat– Your doctor will check if the baby’s heartbeat is too slow or too fast using a Doppler Ultrasound.
Edema Test– Your doc will check for swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Abnormal swelling may indicate preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or a blood clot.
Dangerous Signs to Watch Out for
There are some signs which are out of the ordinary for pregnant women, and women need to stay alert and cautious to take the right action at the right time.
Keep an eye out for the following signs, and consult a doctor if you see any of them.
If you experience bleeding after sex, contact the doctor immediately.
If you notice bleeding, and it is like menstrual blood, you could be in danger of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
If you experience severe nausea and vomiting, especially if you cannot eat or drink without throwing up.
If you experience contractions.
If your water breaks.
If you have persistent abdominal pain and headache.
If you have persistent flu i.e. fever or cold or a cough, which doesn’t seem to go away.
Tips for To-Be-Dads
As the mother undergoes changes, even the father has several things to understand and cope with. Fatherhood is an important journey as well, and here are a few tips to keep in mind to help along the way.
Right Balance
When it starts getting difficult to manage work and home and the preparation for the newborn, take a break. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. What’s important is to channel that energy and give it a rest. You will be able to find the right balance when you take a break.
Family Comes First
No matter what is going on at work, family is always a top priority. Make time to spend quality hours with your partner to avoid missing out. You don’t want to look back and regret all the things you could have done.
Communication
A lot of things are going to change when the baby arrives. So, when your partner is pregnant, try to build an open and honest communication, so that you can be in sync once the baby arrives. Be extra patient and caring during these crucial months and go on dates to keep the spark going.
Talk to Other Dads
Build a network of dads, either online or offline and have a conversation to understand how to care for your baby better. Make sure to discuss your fears, worries and feelings, and get tips from other dads.
It’s time to start preparing for a baby shower now, as many women say that this is the happiest time in the entire pregnancy journey. Once the fourth month is over, you will be a step closer to the birth of your baby. Read more
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Cold Avocado Soup
Surprise! This velvety-rich avocado soup contains no cream or milk. The avocado's healthy fats and just pureeing in the blender fills the mixture with air, making it thicker. It's delicious topped with the the tomato and herb salsa and tortilla chips. Trying adding it to your kid's menu this summer!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
5 Minutes
5 Minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup
2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy or almond milk
1/4 cup plain or low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup ice water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tsp (teaspoon) salt freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Salsa
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup minced green onion
1-2 tbsps (tablespoons) fresh lime juice
2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or coriander
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 tsp salt
For the Tortilla chips
½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp hot smoked paprika
2 soft corn tortillas
Method
For the soup
Step 1
Halve avocados, deseed and remove flesh with a spoon.
Step 2
In a blender, purée the avocado, green onion, almond or soy milk, yogurt, ice water, lime juice and salt.
Step 3
Season to taste with black pepper and/or cayenne pepper.
Step 4
Thin down the consistency with additional soymilk if desired.
Step 5
Serve garnished with fresh tomato salsa.
For tomato salsa
Step 6
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Step 7
Serve as garnish for avocado soup or with tortilla chips as an appetizer.
For the tortilla chips
Step 8
Preheat the oven to 200ºC.
Step 9
Combine the oil and paprika, then brush over both sides of the tortillas.
Step 10
Bake on a baking tray for 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 11
Season well and set aside to cool, then break into pieces.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories
95
Total Fat
7.0 g
Saturated Fat
1.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.8 g
Monounsaturated Fat
4.3 g
Cholesterol
1.2 mg
Sodium
39.4 mg
Potassium
351.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate
6.7 g
Dietary Fiber
3.5 g
Sugars
2.4 g
Protein
2.3 g
Vitamin A
3.4 %
Vitamin B
12 1.1 %
Vitamin B
6 8.2 %
Vitamin C
11.5 %
Vitamin E
3.2 %
Calcium
5.4 %
Copper
6.2 %
Folate
12.8 %
Iron
2.7 %
Magnesium
6.0 %
Manganese
5.6 %
Niacin
4.5 %
Pantothenic Acid
8.4 %
Phosphorus
6.3 %
Riboflavin
7.4 %
Selenium
1.2 %
Thiamin
4.1 %
Zinc
3.6 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tip: Add more broth if you like a thinner consistency. Read more
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What to Do When You Need a Breastfeeding Break
For many mothers, breastfeeding is far from easy. It can be painful, exhausting, uncomfortable, and emotional. If you feel like you need a break from it, that’s completely okay and normal.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting some time for yourself. You’re not alone in feeling ‘touched out.’ It’s alright if your partner or another caregiver intends to play a role in feeding your baby. It’s natural to feel frustrated that everything falls on you 24/7. You’re justified for wanting someone else to take over some night provides so you can catch up on sleep.
It’s all incredibly overwhelming, particularly in the early months, but it doesn’t mean that you have to stop breastfeeding altogether if that’s not what you want. It also doesn’t mean that you have to start offering formula unless you want to. You can have a break from breastfeeding without having to worry about your supply (or feeling any guilt) if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Wait until your milk is established:
Lactation specialists advise new moms to wait until about the 4-6 week mark before offering a bottle (or a bottle alternative, such as a cup). This way, you and the baby are settling into a good rhythm, and the best way to establish your milk supply is through frequent breastfeeds.
Step 2: Don’t leave it too long to get started
Your baby’s sucking reflex will be triggered when offered a bottle up until about 8-12 weeks, but once that reflex disappears, it gets a bit trickier for them to accept a bottle. So, ideally, you’ll introduce one between 6-8 weeks for a smoother transition.
Step 3: Choose a breast pump if you don’t have one:
Choose an electric breast pump that’s soft, comfortable, and portable if you want to pump while you’re out and about. Ask your maternal and child health nurse or lactation consultant to recommend one that best suits your needs.
Step 4: Select bottles specifically designed for breastfed babies:
To make it easier to change from breast to bottle, use a bottle that has a teat that’s as close to a nipple as possible. Usually, these teats would have several tiny openings modeled on the milk ducts, allowing for a more natural flow and familiar feeling.
Step 5: Start pumping if you haven’t yet:
People may have already advised you to express breast milk to boost your supply in the early weeks, but if you haven’t used a breast pump yet, you will need to start expressing, usually at the same time as you would normally breastfeed.
Step 6: Choose the right baby formula if that’s your preference:
If you’re unable to pump or choose not to, rest assured that you can still safely meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Step 7: Ask someone else to offer the bottle:
Your baby is more likely to accept a bottle from someone else, and it’s even better if you’re not present. So, go for a walk around the block, or your partner could take your baby for a walk so you can rest. They might enjoy sitting in a park or cafe where they could offer a bottle.
Step 8: Ask your partner/caregiver to follow these bottle-feeding tips:
Not all babies take to a bottle straight away, so it’s essential to go slow without pressuring them. Send your partner or caregiver this list of helpful tips to encourage your breastfed baby to take a bottle, including following the baby's hunger cues, offering the bottle for fun (rather than a feed), paced feeding, and finding the right place, time, and position. Plus some helpful ideas if your baby still refuses a bottle.
Step 9: Weigh up your options and do what works for you:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to feeding your baby. It might even vary from day to day or month to month. You might choose to breastfeed but have your partner do a bedtime or midnight bottle feed. You might decide to express if that’s a better fit for you exclusively. You might do mixed feeding every day or only part-time (when you return to work, for example). You might do it all: breastfeed, express, and offer formula. The choice is yours.
Step 10: Enjoy your breastfeeding break:
As long as you feel supported and informed about your choices to feed your baby, know that you’re doing an incredible job. Permit yourself to enjoy this time – guilt-free. Breastfeeding and pumping are hard work. Parenting is hard work! Do what works for you, your baby, and the rest of your family, but don’t feel you have to justify your parenting choices to anyone.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
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A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
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Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
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5 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
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Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
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A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
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- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive