WEEK4: Pregnancy Guide

If you are 4 weeks of pregnant means you’re in the 1st month of your pregnancy. And here we are going to let ourselves to know Week4 Pregnancy guide

During week 4 of pregnancy the ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta.

Some women experience those early symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, cramping, hormonal changes, fragrance sensitivity etc.

Pregnant belly:

Belly might be a little bloated but you don’t look like pregnant. You should start taking care of yourself and your baby.

Baby at 4 weeks of pregnancy:

At this stage the embryos are the size of the poppy seeds. They consist of 2 layers of cells which will later develop into organs. By the end of week 4 your baby will be approximately 0.08 inch long.

During this important phase of your pregnancy the embryo grows and develops within the lining of the uterus. The outer cells form links with your blood supply while the inner cells form 3 separate layers:

1. The inner layer becomes the lungs, stomach, gastrointestinal system and bladder.
2. The middle layer becomes the heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones.
3. The outer layer becomes the brain and nervous system.

During the first part of this stage of pregnancy, the embryo draws nourishment from a small yolk sac. During this week the baby’s face starts to form. This includes large dark circles for eyes, mouth, lower jaw and throat. Blood cells start to form and the circulation begins.

Ultrasound at 4^th week of pregnancy:

During 4^th week ultrasound, you would witness a small black gestational sac within the uterus lining. In the 4^th week, the gestational sac looks like a tiny black dot. You might also note that the embryo or the baby at 4 weeks is just like the size of the poppy seeds which is practically microscopic.

4 week of pregnancy diet:

Your diet should contain a wide variety of foods from all the recommended food groups including a mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables whenever possible. You should also drink 6 to 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Drinking enough fluids also can help you fight fatigue and possible constipation.

You need around 300 extra calories per day to provide for your baby.

Choose water or nutritious drinks such as skim milk or whole fruit juices.

Vegetarians need to focus on foods which are rich in protein. In addition to this iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements are also recommended.

Exercise during 4 weeks of pregnancy:

At 4 week of pregnancy regular exercise will continue to strengthen your body. This will help your body become better prepared to contribute to the health of your baby. However, don’t start exercising until your doctor gives you permission after your first prenatal appointment.

Healthy pregnancy diet plan:

It is a time for the mother to be to focus on being as healthy as she can because that care will translate to her baby in utero. Establishing healthy habits will now set a positive example that will benefit the child over his or her lifetime.

A well-balanced diet should contain the following:

1. Carbohydrates from whole grain sources and fruits and vegetables,
2. Protein from beans, nuts, seeds and hormone free animal products like meat and dairy,
3. Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados and the fats that occur in nuts, seeds and fish.

Pregnant women need more iron, folic acid, calcium, zinc, iodine and vitamin D. Malnutrition increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby or going into preterm labour. Pregnant women need the following daily:

1. Folic Acid:

Folic acid is also known as folate. It is a B vitamin that is crucial in helping to prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spinal cord known as neural tube defects.

Doctors recommend that women who are trying to have a baby should take a daily vitamin supplement containing 400 micro-grams of folic acid per day for at-least one month before becoming pregnant. During pregnancy they advise women to increase the amount of folic acid to 600 micro-grams a day.

Food sources: green leafy vegetables, cereals, breads and pastas, beans, citrus fruits.

• Calcium:

This mineral is used to build a baby’s bones and teeth.

Food sources: milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium fortified juices.

• Iron:

Pregnant women need 27 milligrams of iron a day, which is double the amount needed by women who are not expecting. Consuming too little iron during pregnancy can lead to anemia, a condition resulting in fatigue and an increased risk of infections.

Food sources: Poultry, fish, dried beans and peas, iron-fortified cereal.

Protein:

More protein is needed during pregnancy and it is described as “builder nutrient” Because it helps to build important organs for the baby such as the brain and heart.

Food sources: Meat, fish, dried beans and peas, eggs, nuts etc.

Below mentioned food products needs to be consumed for healthy pregnancy:

1. Milk and other milk products:

Include foods such as whole milk or skimmed milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, paneer. All these food items are rich sources of protein, calcium and vitamin B12.

• Pulses, Dals, Cereals, Nuts and whole grains:

If you are a vegetarian, include pulses, dals, cereals, nuts and whole grains in your everyday diet as your body requires a good amount of protein.

• Fruits and vegetables:

Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as your body requires good amount of fiber.

• Liquids:

Drink as much as water and liquids throughout the day as your body needs to be hydrated all the time.

Foods that should be avoided during pregnancy:

Avoiding the below mentioned foods will keep you and your baby healthy.

1. Fish containing mercury:

Fish such as shark, tile fish contain high levels of mercury. Mercury is an element which is found in oceans, lakes etc which converts into methyl mercury in the human body. It is a neurotoxin which leads to brain damage and development delays in babies.

• Raw or under-cooked eggs:

Raw or under-cooked eggs should not be consumed as they contain harmful salmonella bacteria, which causes food poisoning. You may also suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain etc.

• Unpasteurized milk:

It is not safe to drink unpasteurized milk or raw milk as it contains harmful bacteria called salmonella which can be dangerous to you and your baby.

• Unwashed fruits and vegetables:

Unwashed fruits and vegetables contain toxoplasma parasite which harms the developing baby.

• Excess caffeine:

Higher amount of caffeine could increase the chances of miscarriage and low birth weight babies. Other drinks which can be avoided are soft drinks, diet soda, alcohol, iced tea.

• Sugar rich foods:

Cut down on sugar rich foods such as desserts, candies, cakes, ice creams, sweetened beverages. They worsen pregnancy discomforts, increase weight, increase gestational diabetes etc.

How to manage morning sickness during the first 3 months of pregnancy?

Nausea can occur at any time of the day. But morning sickness usually settles after first 3 months. To manage morning sickness, try the below mentioned tips:

1. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
2. Get fresh air and avoid the smell of food which triggers the nausea.
3. Eat little and often. Having an empty stomach might even worsen the situation.

If your sickness continues even after 3 months and if you are finding difficulty in having the food please consult your doctor immediately.

Drugs that should be avoided during pregnancy:

1. Chloramphenicol:

This is an antibiotic that’s usually given in the form of infection. This drug can cause serious blood disorders and gravy baby syndrome.

• Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin:

These two are also types of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. These drugs cause problems with baby’s muscle and skeletal growth as well as joint pain and potential nerve damage in the mother. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics also increase the chances of having a miscarriage.

• Sulphonamides:

These are a group of antibiotic medications. They are also known as sulpha drugs. They are used to kill germs and treat bacterial infections.

Sulphonamides can cause jaundice in new-borns.

These can also increase the chances of having a miscarriage.

• prim sol:

This is also a type of antibiotic. This can cause neural tube defects if consumed during pregnancy. These defects affect brain development in a developing baby.

• Codeine:

This is a prescription drug which is used to relieve pain. It can lead to withdrawal symptoms in new-borns.

• Ibuprofen:

This can cause serious problems such as miscarriage, delayed onset of labour, jaundice, foetal kernicterus (type of brain damage) etc.

Seasonal pregnancy care:

Summer – Maternity clothes have come a long way nowadays and should be whole wholeheartedly opted for. Make sure you buy clothes that cool you off by making you look and feel great.

Monsoon – Keep your skin hydrated at all times and bathe daily to fight against high humidity levels in monsoon. Apply homemade creams, rose water and soothing oils and lotions to the areas where you might feel you are getting stretch marks.

Winter – Eat a fruit rich diet as it helps in developing a robust immunity level. Keep yourself hydrated enough by drinking healthy liquids such as water, homemade soups and green teas. Stay away from drinking too many coffees, black teas etc. Hope you liked the information and also you can watch video on this for the best guidance and check the week3 pregnancy guide from ours.