4th Month Of Pregnancy - All You Need To Know

4 months pregnant is kind of a big deal. Lots of exciting milestones occur this month as you get closer and closer to the big arrival.

4 Months Pregnant: Common Pregnancy Symptoms

While you might not experience all of them, these pregnancy symptoms are common during the 4th month of pregnancy:

• Weight gain

• Itchy skin around your growing tummy and breasts

• Appearance of stretch marks

• Nasal problems

• Increased energy

• Varicose veins

• Spider veins

• Changes in skin pigmentation.

At 4 months pregnant, there are relatively few nagging symptoms. That’s why this time is referred to as the ‘honeymoon’ period of pregnancy — when many mums-to-be take on decorating, shopping, travelling, and any other preparations that require more energy.

4 Months Pregnant Ultrasound Test

Also known as the anatomy scan, the important 20 weeks pregnant ultrasound scan will allow your doctor to check that everything is OK with both you and your little one.

The ultrasound scan is a painless process. A cool jelly is rubbed on your tummy, and a wand is passed over your bump. A grainy image of your baby can be seen on a screen next to the bed.

Four Months Pregnant: Baby Development & Bodily Changes

Your Baby's Development: Though your baby is still tiny, he's already developing all kinds of features — even eyebrows and eyelashes. Plus, he may soon have a crop of hair on his head, but right now the body is covered with a waxy coating called vernix and fine hair called lanugo.

Your baby may also be sucking his own thumb, should his hand float to his mouth.

Changes to Your Body: At 4 months pregnant, perhaps between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, you may sense your baby moving for the first time. The sensation will feel like butterflies fluttering in your tummy. What a sweet time.

Your growing tummy will likely be a little more obvious by now, and you might notice that people are curious about whether you are pregnant.

• During 4th month of pregnancy, some pregnant women will notice some pigmentation, like brown patches on your face or a dark line down your abdomen, due to hormonal changes. These will fade after delivery. Try exploring our pregnancy calendar that will guide you through your pregnancy & baby care journey

Fourth Month of Pregnancy Quick List

• Your anatomy scan at 20 weeks pregnant: By 20 weeks, you're at the halfway mark of your pregnancy, and it's time for that all-important ultrasound. Also, read about pregnancy symptoms at 20 weeks pregnant along with expert pregnancy care tips

• Start browsing maternity wear: Although you may not need full-on maternity clothing at four months pregnant, your pants might start to feel a little snug. This could be a good time to start browsing local or online maternity stores to get inspired about trendy maternity wear.

• Handle hunger pangs: You might experience more intense hunger pangs than you did before; if so, try to maintain your healthy pregnancy diet. Rather than eating twice as much, follow your doctor's recommendations and add just a little more healthy food to your diet.

• Take a vacation: Use that second trimester burst in energy, and the fact that your tummy is not yet so big, to get any bigger pregnancy preparations out of the way and take a relaxing getaway with your husband. You can also try exploring second trimester symptoms & tips to ensure the well-being of mother & baby. If this is your first baby, then this could be a great chance to spend some one-on-one time with your husband before your little one joins you.

What Does a Fetus Look Like at 4 Months? 

Check out these illustrations for a glimpse at what your baby might look like when you’re four months pregnant:

Checklist for When You’re 4 Months Pregnant 

• If you’re ready to share your special news, check out these fun and exciting ideas for how to announce your pregnancy to friends and family.  

• After you have told your boss that you’re pregnant, you might like to start sharing the news with coworkers. We’ve got you covered with some great ideas on how to tell your colleagues you’re pregnant. 

• Ask your healthcare provider whether any genetic screening tests are recommended for you this month. Tests that may be mentioned include amniocentisis and the Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) test. 

• Although it might seem like early days, starting your baby shower registry sooner rather than later can help ensure you don’t have to rush it at the last minute. Keep in mind, your baby shower’s organizer will need your finalized registry when creating the invitations so ask the host when they plan to send those out so you have your deadline. To get you started, here are some baby registry must-haves.  

• Check out our Baby Name Generator, which lets you play with different settings to help you land on a name you love. 

• Look into possible places where you could give birth. These can include local hospitals or birthing centers. Your healthcare provider and your insurance company can let you know what’s available and what's covered in your area.  

• Start browsing maternity wear. Although your baby bump at four months pregnant may not need full-on maternity clothing, you might want to start looking for some more comfortable clothing options so that you’re prepared when the time comes. 

Plan a getaway if you're feeling up to it. Need some inspiration? Take our What Is Your Ideal Babymoon Destination? quiz to get some ideas!