Month 4 |
By the end of the fourth month, the placenta is complete and is nourishing the fetus. The fetus has grown to about 4 inches and is starting to suck and swallow. At this point the fingers and toes are well defined.
Your Body: You May Be Experiencing:
- continued breast enlargement
- ear and nose congestion
- bleeding gums
- swelling in ankles, feet, hands, face
- varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids
- whitish vaginal discharge
- a decrease in urination
- an end in nausea
- constipation
- fatigue
- occasional headaches
- occasional dizziness
- heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating
- irritability, mood swings, irrationality
- frustration with clothing fit feeling
- scatterbrain and forgetful
Your Baby: Weeks 14 - 18
This is a period of very rapid growth and the fetus lengthens quickly from about 10 cm to almost 17 cm (4-6.5 in.) and will weigh just under a half pound by the end of the fourth month. Many of the major organs, such as the kidneys, are beginning to work. The fingernails and toenails have begun to grow. The head is much more in proportion with the rest of the body.
Slight movements of the fetus may be felt by mothers. These movements "fluttering" may seem like butterflies or bubbles moving across the stomach. With some practices, the mother may be able to find out the sex of the baby after the 16th week.
Medical Care - Prenatal Visit 4
During the fourth prenatal visit your physician my check the following:
- weight and blood pressure
- urine, for protein and/or sugar
- fetal heartbeat
- uterus size by external palpation
- fundal height
- edema of hands and feet
- varicose veins in the legs
- any other symptoms you have questions about
This information was provided by Clinical Tools' Health Center (http://www.health-center.com) and is copyright, Clinical Tools, Inc.
