4weeks
pregnant

Highlights this week

It's a date! Find out your baby's due date.

Your baby-to-be is now an embryo and is starting to develop organs.

Whatever you consume, so does your baby. Make sure you know all about folic acid and vitamin D.

Baby development at 4 weeks

The ball of cells dividing in your uterus is now an embryo, about the size of a poppy seed. The next five weeks are especially critical to your baby's development. The rudimentary placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to the baby, are already functioning. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

embryo made up of hypoblast and epiblast

This mass of cells becomes the embryo
The blastocyst will implant in the uterine lining
Some of these outer cells eventually become the placenta

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Your baby is the size of a poppy seed

How your life's changing

If your baby wasn't planned, this may be the first time you have an inkling that you're pregnant. Don't worry: our early pregnancy resource centre has all the information you need to get your pregnancy on track. If your pregnancy test was negative or inconclusive but your period still hasn't arrived, you can repeat it now. Need help with reading it? Find out if the faint line on your home pregnancy test means you're pregnant.

It may seem an odd time but in fact it's a great idea to start an exercise routine now. Exercise helps you develop good muscle tone, strength and endurance. It helps you manage the extra weight you'll put on (or prevent you putting too much more on if you're already overweight), gets you fit for labour - and makes getting your figure back after birth easier too. Choose a safe, moderately vigorous activity you like: walking and swimming are fine when you're pregnant.

You might also want to do some easy yoga stretches - there are special classes adapted for pregnancy. Make sure the exercise instructors are qualified to instruct pregnant women and, if it isn't a class specifically for pregnancy, let the instructor know that you are pregnant. Know your limits and make sure you don't overdo it if you are new to exercise. If you are a bit of an athlete normally, we also have some tips for you.

You may get a positive pregnancy test result this week

Pregnancy tip

"To prevent stretch marks, I've been rubbing olive oil into my stomach since the day I learned I was pregnant. A friend told me stretch marks are hereditary, but I'm not taking any chances!" -- Cheryl

Things to consider

Make an appointment to see your GP to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your antental care options.

Will you be able to work throughout pregnancy? Find out about safety at work, especially if you work with x-rays or chemicals or have a strenuous job.

Find out how to get the benefits of a healthy diet in pregnancy?

Is it safe to jog or run when you're pregnant?

Feeling a bit light-headed? Find out what you can do about dizziness and fainting.

Megan Rive

Megan Rive is a communication, content strategy and project delivery specialist. She was Babycenter editor for six years.

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