In Month 4, your baby is
the size of an Avocado
In Month 4 of pregnancy, your baby is growing rapidly! Expect more energy, visible baby bump, and exciting developments as your pregnancy journey continues.
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.
Your baby is growing rapidly this month, with exciting developments in size, features, and movement. Here's what’s happening week by week:
Your baby's lower jaw is developed, and soon, your baby might start sucking their thumb, a key reflex that develops during this time. Your baby’s muscles and bones are proliferating, and they may be stretching, kicking, or making small movements within the amniotic sac.
Your baby's kidneys produce urine, the liver makes bile, and the thyroid gland produces hormones to support growth. The intestines are growing and will soon move to the abdomen, while the placenta is fully functional, providing essential support.
In the 15th week of pregnancy, your baby develops finer features like eyebrows, tiny eyelashes, fine lanugo hair and fingerprints while their bones begin to calcify, becoming stronger and more defined. Tiny facial muscles are developing, allowing your baby to practice expressions like frowning or squinting.
Your baby is the size of an avocado. Its body is growing faster than its head, bringing it into proportion. The baby can form fists, punch, kick, roll, and grasp as limb movements become more coordinated.
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.
During the fourth month, your baby's organs continue to develop and mature. The nervous system is functional and developing further. The reproductive organs are fully developed. The baby's lungs form tiny air sacs called alveoli, eventually allowing them to breathe independently after birth.
By the end of the fourth month, your baby's facial features are becoming more distinct, 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. The baby's arms and legs grow 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 the body temperature.
At the end of the fourth month, your baby typically weighs 110 to 140 grams and measures approximately 10 to 13 centimetres from crown to rump. The nutrients in your diet support this rapid growth through the placenta, which is now fully developed and functioning efficiently. You can track your baby bump's growth using pregnancy weight gain calculators.
While you may not feel it yet, your baby is starting to move! They’re practising stretching, flexing, thumb sucking and even hiccuping. By the end of the fourth month, you might feel the first faint flutters, often called “quickening.”
At 4 months, your baby is growing stronger every day. Keep nurturing yourself—you're building the foundation for a bright future together!
This month, your body is adapting to support your growing baby. Here’s what you might experience:
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.
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.
Staying active during this month is a great way to improve circulation, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labour.
Contraction care
Practice deep breathing and visualization techniques to stay focused during contractions.
Prep for labour
Explore different positions such as walking or squatting to find movement that supports you.
Support circle
Labour can be demanding, surround yourself with loved ones for support and encouragement.
Labor check-up
If your labour feels abnormal let the doctor examine you first for a correct diagnosis
Childbirth prep
Enrol yourself in prenatal courses to learn different labour stages and what to expect.
Regular prenatal check-ups are essential during this month to ensure your baby is growing well and you’re staying healthy.
Weight and blood pressure
Regular checks to monitor your overall health and ensure there are no signs of complications.
Urine and blood tests
Additional tests may be conducted to check for infections or other potential issues.
Ultrasound
A routine ultrasound may be recommended to assess the baby’s growth, development, and position. It helps your doctor monitor the baby’s size, the placenta’s position, and amniotic fluid levels and provides a general overview of your baby’s health.
Cell-Free Fetal DNA (cffDNA) Test
This blood test can assess your baby’s risk for chromosomal disorders, such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, and Down syndrome. It’s typically offered to those at higher risk. If results are positive, further diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be recommended to confirm any abnormalities.
Amniocentesis
Unlike screening tests, amniocentesis provides a definitive diagnosis by analysing your amniotic fluid for chromosomal or genetic conditions. This procedure involves inserting a needle through your abdomen into the amniotic sac to collect a sample. While it’s a reliable test, it is invasive and carries a small risk of miscarriage. It’s typically performed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
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,
The reduction in early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue often brings a renewed sense of energy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
