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In Month 4, your baby is
the size of an Avocado

Month 4 of Pregnancy 

In Month 4 of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly! Expect more energy, visible baby bump, and exciting developments as your pregnancy journey continues.

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All you need to know

Welcome to the beginning of your second trimester - the fourth month of pregnancy! This month is often referred to as the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy. Many women find this stage more enjoyable as early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue often ease up. At the same time, your baby is growing rapidly, and you might even begin to notice the first hints of a baby bump. 
 

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Your Baby in Month 4

Your baby is growing rapidly this month, with exciting developments in size, features, and movement. Here's what’s happening week by week:
 

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Week 13: Developing Reflexes

Your baby's head is now proportionally large compared to the rest of their body. Soon your baby might start sucking their thumb, a key reflex that develops during this time. Inside the umbilical cord, your baby's intestines are continuing to grow but will soon move into their abdomen as the space inside develops.  Meanwhile, the placenta is gradually growing to provide essential support for your baby.

Week 14: Proportional Growth

Your baby is about 8 cm long and weighs around 45 g. He or she is roughly the size of a kiwi fruit. The baby's body is growing faster than the head, bringing it into the right proportions, the neck has developed, and the arms are nearly their final length.

Week 15: Fine Details and Movement

In the 15th week of pregnancy, your baby is developing finely detailed features, like eyebrows and hair, and their skeleton is beginning to harden. By now, the ears are formed properly on the sides of the head and the eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face. Your active baby is moving constantly, though you can't feel it yet.

Week 16: Upright and Growing

Your baby's legs are more developed, their head is more upright, and their ears are close to their final position. Hair is still starting to grow, although isn't visible yet. Your baby is the size of an avocado.

 

Your Baby in the Fourth Month of Pregnancy

Your baby is growing steadily, and each week brings new milestones. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible changes happening in your womb during this month.
 

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Organ Development

During the fourth month, your baby's organs continue to develop and mature. The nervous system is becoming more complex, with the brain and spinal cord undergoing rapid growth. The baby's lungs are forming tiny air sacs called alveoli, which will eventually allow them to breathe independently after birth. The digestive system is also developing, with the intestines continuing to grow and the liver beginning to produce bile.

Physical Features

By the end of the fourth month, your baby's facial features are becoming more distinct. The eyes, nose, and mouth are visible, and the baby can even make facial expressions like squinting and frowning. The baby's ears have moved into their final position on the sides of the head, and the neck is becoming more defined. The baby's arms and legs are growing longer, and their fingers and toes are no longer webbed. Fine hair, known as lanugo, begins to cover the baby's body, helping to regulate their body temperature.

Weight of the Foetus

At the end of the fourth month, your baby typically weighs between 110 to 140 grams and measures approximately 10 to 13 centimetres from crown to rump. This rapid growth is supported by the nutrients you provide through your diet and the placenta, which is now fully developed and functioning efficiently. You can track your baby bump's growth using pregnancy weight gain calculators.

Baby Movement

While you may not feel it just yet, your baby is starting to move! They’re practising stretching, flexing, and even hiccuping. By the end of the fourth month, you might feel the first faint flutters, often called “quickening.”

Here's what your baby looks like

quote img

At 4 months, your baby is growing stronger every day. Keep nurturing yourself—you're building the foundation for a bright future together!

Dr. Veena H

Changes You May Notice During the Fourth Month

This month, your body is adapting to support your growing baby. Here’s what you might experience:
 

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Baby Bump

Your uterus is expanding, and you may notice a small bump appearing.

Increased Energy

Many women feel more energetic this month as nausea and fatigue subside.

Breast Changes

Your breasts may feel fuller, and the areolas may darken as your body prepares for breastfeeding.

Skin Changes

You might notice a pregnancy glow due to increased blood flow or darker patches of skin (melasma) caused by hormones.
 

Your Baby in the Fourth Month of Pregnancy

Your baby is growing steadily, and each week brings new milestones. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible changes happening in your womb during this month.
 

Content Banner

Organ Development

During the fourth month, your baby's organs continue to develop and mature. The nervous system is becoming more complex, with the brain and spinal cord undergoing rapid growth. The baby's lungs are forming tiny air sacs called alveoli, which will eventually allow them to breathe independently after birth. The digestive system is also developing, with the intestines continuing to grow and the liver beginning to produce bile.

Physical Features

By the end of the fourth month, your baby's facial features are becoming more distinct. The eyes, nose, and mouth are visible, and the baby can even make facial expressions like squinting and frowning. The baby's ears have moved into their final position on the sides of the head, and the neck is becoming more defined. The baby's arms and legs are growing longer, and their fingers and toes are no longer webbed. Fine hair, known as lanugo, begins to cover the baby's body, helping to regulate their body temperature.

Weight of the Foetus

At the end of the fourth month, your baby typically weighs between 110 to 140 grams and measures approximately 10 to 13 centimetres from crown to rump. This rapid growth is supported by the nutrients you provide through your diet and the placenta, which is now fully developed and functioning efficiently. You can track your baby bump's growth using pregnancy weight gain calculators.

Baby Movement

While you may not feel it just yet, your baby is starting to move! They’re practising stretching, flexing, and even hiccuping. By the end of the fourth month, you might feel the first faint flutters, often called “quickening.”
 

Changes You May Notice During the Fourth Month

This month, your body is adapting to support your growing baby. Here’s what you might experience:
 

Content Banner

Baby Bump

Your uterus is expanding, and you may notice a small bump appearing.

Increased Energy

Many women feel more energetic this month as nausea and fatigue subside.

Breast Changes

Your breasts may feel fuller, and the areolas may darken as your body prepares for breastfeeding.

Skin Changes

You might notice a pregnancy glow due to increased blood flow or darker patches of skin (melasma) caused by hormones.
 

Foods in the Fourth Month of Pregnancy

By now, your appetite may have returned, and you might feel hungrier than before. Focus on balanced, nutritious meals to support your baby’s growth and your own health.
 

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Foods to Eat:

  • Iron-rich Foods: Your baby needs iron for their developing blood supply. Include spinach, lentils, beans, and lean meats in your diet.
  • Vitamin D: Helps your baby’s bones grow stronger. Sources include eggs, fish, and fortified milk.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish like salmon and walnuts, omega-3s are crucial for your baby’s brain and eye development.
  • Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables provide calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread give you energy and fibre.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Raw or Undercooked Foods: Avoid sushi, raw eggs, and undercooked meats to prevent infections.
  • High-Sodium Foods: Limit processed and salty snacks to reduce the risk of swelling.
  • Excessive Caffeine: Stick to less than 200 mg of caffeine per day (about one cup of coffee).
  • Unpasteurised Dairy Products: These can carry harmful bacteria and should be avoided.
  • Street or extremely spicy food: These contain harmful bacteria and often contain MSG that is harmful to pregnant women.
     

Exercises in Month Four of Pregnancy

Staying active during this month is a great way to improve circulation, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labour.
 

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Safe Exercises to Do:

  • Walking: An easy and safe way to stay active.
  • Swimming: Reduces pressure on your joints while giving you a great workout.
  • Light Strength Training: Use light weights to build strength, but avoid overexertion.
  • Stretching: Gentle stretches can help relieve back pain and improve flexibility.

Exercises to Avoid:

  • High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, aerobics, and other intense exercises can be strenuous and should be avoided.
  • Risky Sports: Steer clear of sports like skiing or horse riding that involve a risk of falling or injury.
  • Heavy Lifting and Intense Core Workouts: Skip heavy lifting and exercises that intensely target the abdominal area.
     

Medical Scans and Check-Ups

Regular prenatal check-ups are essential during this month to ensure your baby is growing well and you’re staying healthy.
 

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Common Check-Ups

  • Fetal Heartbeat: Your doctor will check your baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler device.
  • Weight and Blood Pressure: These are monitored to track your health.
  • Glucose Screening: Your doctor may test for gestational diabetes.

Ultrasound

If you haven’t had one yet, this month might include an ultrasound. This scan checks your baby’s growth and may even give you a chance to find out the baby’s gender if you wish.

Mental Health

In the 4th month of pregnancy, many women feel relief as early symptoms like nausea and fatigue subside, but emotional ups and downs may still occur due to hormonal changes. Focus on self-care by staying connected with loved ones, exercising gently, eating well, and getting enough rest. Engaging in enjoyable activities or prenatal classes can help improve your mood. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consult your doctor for support.

 

FAQs

Why do I feel more energetic in the second trimester?

The reduction in early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue often brings a renewed sense of energy.

Is it okay to sleep on my back?

No sleeping on your back is not recommended for pregnant women. It’s best to start sleeping on your side to improve circulation, especially after week 20.

Can vaginal discharge indicate a problem with the pregnancy?

While normal discharge is harmless, a sudden increase in watery discharge or discharge mixed with blood could indicate amniotic fluid leakage or other concerns. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.

Why am I experiencing nasal congestion during pregnancy?

Nasal congestion, often called "pregnancy rhinitis," is common due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Using a saline spray or humidifier can help relieve discomfort.

Can I start doing prenatal yoga in the fourth month?

Yes, the fourth month is a great time to start prenatal yoga if your doctor approves. It helps improve flexibility, reduce stress, and prepare your body for childbirth. Just ensure you're practising under a qualified instructor and avoiding poses that put pressure on your abdomen.