WEEK 4: Getting Ready for the Ride

Symptoms of Pregnancy in First Month

Symptoms of Pregnancy in First Month

Pregnancy
Article
May 21, 2018
3 mins

Almost one month already! So many exciting things are happening inside you this week. Read on to find out what they are - and for a sneak peek into how your baby's doing.

BABY DEVELOPMENT

Developing is hard work! And your baby’s now settling in and getting ready for it. The egg cell has implanted in the uterus, plus the amniotic fluid (the liquid that will hold and protect your baby) and placenta are starting to form.

 

The organs and bloodstream also begin to take shape at around this time. By the end of the week, the fetal placental circulation – which is how your baby gets oxygen and nutrients – will be up and running.

 

Right now your baby is just a tiny decimal point floating in amniotic fluid, but amazingly, the weight of that precious dot has already multiplied by 10,000 since conception!

 

 

YOUR BODY

It’s been six weeks since your last period, and now you’re in your 4th week of pregnancy.

 

The tiny dot that is your baby has moved all the way from the fallopian tubes to find a comfy spot in your uterus to burrow in. This may cause implantation bleeding, which is very mild spotting that’s often mistaken for the start of one’s period, but is actually an early sign of pregnancy.

 

The moment your baby attaches to your uterine lining, a big wave of hormones is released. Essential for your baby’s healthy growth, these hormones help form the placenta that supplies your baby with oxygen, nutrients, and protection against germs and pollutants. It’s those very same hormones that prevent you from having a period again while you’re carrying a baby.

 

 

NUTRITION

Eating healthy is important throughout all pregnancy stages, but that can sometimes seem like a tall and vague order. Always consult with your doctor and follow expert advice on what you can and cannot eat.

 

A good rule of thumb is to focus on quality, and to try to develop good eating habits early on in your pregnancy.

 

On top of what to eat, you also need to pay special attention to how you prepare it. Thoroughly cook your meats, clean your veggies, and wash your hands before and after prepping meals to avoid the risk of food poisoning, both for you and your baby. Avoid eating leftovers in which bacteria might have had a chance to grow. As much as possible, clean the fridge regularly using soapy water and bleach.

 

It may seem like a lot of work, but remember that a little caution can go a long way to keeping you and your baby in the pink of health.

 

 

TIPS

“Is it a good idea to take a vitamin-mineral supplement while pregnant?”

 

It’s best to consult a doctor who can give you a recommendation more suited to your specific case.

 

Generally, the medical community tends to agree that vitamin and mineral needs are usually covered by a balanced diet. However, the reality is that many women today have an unbalanced diet. The requirements for iron, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid are also higher for pregnant women.

 

But as with all medication, always consult with your doctor first before taking any dietary supplements for your pregnancy. Wrong doses of certain nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, selenium, and fluorine can be bad for your baby.

 

By the way, have you visited your gynecologist yet? Don’t forget to schedule a first consultation before the end of the third month. Your doctor will order a blood test for early pregnancy and schedule your first ultrasound, which will take place around the 12th week.

 

As for what happens on the 5th week, you’ll have to read this to find out.

Related articles

View details How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth
Article
How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

Expecting moms can do these exercises to prepare for labor and delivery. Here’s how to do them.

4 mins to read

View details Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?
Article
Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

All nutrients are considered important for brain development in the growing child, but some appear to have a more pronounced effect on the developing brain.

4 mins to read

View details Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
Article
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

4 mins to read

View details Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?
Article
regnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Christia S. Padolina, M.D. lists symptoms that typically accompany pregnancy to help you know what to expect.

4 mins to read

View details Understanding Cravings or Paglilihi
Article
Understanding Cravings or Paglilihi

Understanding Cravings or Paglilihi

Yesterday, I found myself finishing off our hazelnut spread in one sitting! Even though I knew I shouldn’t, it was too good to resist.

3 mins to read

View details How to Stay Healthy at WEEK 9
Article
How to Stay Healthy at WEEK 9

How to Stay Healthy at WEEK 9

You're 9 weeks pregnant, and your baby is now about an inch long - the size of an olive or duhat. Read on for an inside look at all the excitement that's unfolding within.

3 mins to read

View details Three ways to boost baby’s IQ while in the mom’s womb
Article
Three ways to boost baby’s IQ while in the mom’s womb

Three ways to boost baby’s IQ while in the mom’s womb

Learn three simple and easy steps from Christia S. Padolina, M.D. to boost your baby’s brain growth and development while he’s still in your tummy. 

4 mins to read

View details Good Night, Mommy: Sleeping Tips Para sa Buntis
Article
Good Night, Mommy: Sleeping Tips Para sa Buntis

Good Night, Mommy: Sleeping Tips Para sa Buntis

Madalas hindi nakakakuha nang sapat na tulog ang buntis pagkatapos ng first trimester. Sundan ang mga suggestions na ito na maaaring makatulog nang mahimbing habang nagbubuntis:

2 mins to read

View details Pregnancy Wonders at WEEK 20
Article
Pregnancy Wonders at WEEK 20

Pregnancy Wonders at WEEK 20

There's a lot of development going on for the life inside you this week! Read to find out what these exciting milestones are.

3 mins to read

View details Pregnancy Concerns and Diet Solutions
Article
Pregnancy concerns and diet solutions

Pregnancy Concerns and Diet Solutions

While every pregnancy is different, soon-to-be moms often share the same concerns. We’ve listed the most common pregnancy issues below, plus tips on how to deal with them.

6 mins to read

View details How to Flourish at Week 36
Article
How to Flourish at Week 36

How to Flourish at Week 36

At Week 36, your baby hasn't stopped growing yet! The little bundle of joy is now about 18 ½ inches long and weighs roughly 6 pounds.

4 mins to read

View details Iron-Rich Foods For A Stronger Pregnancy
Article
Iron-Rich Foods For A Stronger Pregnancy

Iron-Rich Foods For A Stronger Pregnancy

From adolescence to adulthood and especially during pregnancy, the nutrient iron is every woman's best friend.

3 mins to read

View details Getting Busy at WEEK 10
Article
Getting Busy at WEEK 10

Getting Busy at WEEK 10

You're now 10 weeks pregnant. Still another 29 weeks to go before you get to meet your little love. Learn more about what's going on this week.

3 mins to read

View details Safe Pampering During Pregnancy
Article
Safe Pampering During Pregnancy

Safe Pampering During Pregnancy

Carrying a human in her belly means a pregnant woman deserves every bit of happiness and pampering her partner can give her.

5 mins to read

View details 6 na Hadlang sa Mahimbing na Tulog ng Nagbubuntis
Article
6 na Hadlang sa Mahimbing na Tulog ng Nagbubuntis

6 na Hadlang sa Mahimbing na Tulog ng Nagbubuntis

Sa simula ng pregnancy, sapat o sobra ang nakukuha mong tulog dahil sa hormones.

2 mins to read

View details How your baby develops
Article
How your baby develops

How your baby develops

Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation.

2 mins to read

View details How to Work Things Around at WEEK 21
Article
How to Work Things Around at WEEK 21

How to Work Things Around at WEEK 21

Your baby now weighs around 400 g and the taste buds are starting to find its rightful places! Read on to follow your baby's developmental milestones at week 21.

3 mins to read

View details How Eating Healthy Benefits Baby
Article
How Eating Healthy Benefits Baby

How Eating Healthy Benefits Baby

When an expecting mom eats the right food for pregnant women, this lessens the risk of her child developing illnesses that could carry on into adulthood.

5 mins to read

View details An Inside Look at Week 37
Article
An Inside Look at Week 37

An Inside Look at Week 37

Whew, it's getting a bit crowded in there!

3 mins to read

Register Now!

  Register Now!

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

Feeding guidance

Learn about various feeding options and what each means for you and your child.

review logo

Expert Tips And Advice

Access helpful tips and advice tailored to your little one's development.

Free Samples

Receive tons of free samples from brands you and your baby will love!

Super-Sized Savings

Get Extra savings in your inbox and mailbox as your child grows.