How to Survive the Fourth Week of Pregnancy

Week 4 of pregnancy is a milestone and is often the time when a woman suspects she may be pregnant. From a missed period to early signs and symptoms, the fourth week of pregnancy is a time for celebration. Here's what to expect during this exciting time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Outward physical changes. Fatigue is often the first real pregnancy symptom that women experience. Along with cramping and bloating often associated with a normal period, a pregnant woman at week 4 will definitely start looking for a period. When it doesn't show, that's a good sign.

2. Inward physical changes. Your body is starting to pump out progesterone that it needs to grow a healthy baby. Also during week 4, the placenta is forming to start taking over the job of supplying nutrients to the tiny being growing inside you.

3. Baby changes. The tiny bundle that has burrowed itself deep in the uteral lining is just about a millimeter long. However, rapid growth includes the beginning formation of the organs and nervous system. These next few weeks are critical for development, so eliminate any exposure to harmful substances.

4. Emotional changes. Your body is producing enough hormones now to take a pregnancy test, and if you get a positive, go ahead and schedule a visit with your doctor. However, don't let a negative test get you down. It's possible that you just haven't accumulated enough pregnancy hormones to show up on a test. Watch for your period and try another test in a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you take care of your body by eating healthy and taking a multivitamin prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs during pregnancy.