Fourth month of pregnancy: weight gain and other things to know
The fourth month of pregnancy marks the beginning of a new phase, no less crucial and delicate than that of the first trimester. Among the first things we can tell you, you will notice weight gain, to be kept under control, and the baby will begin to move. This is one of the most exciting experiences that can happen to a woman, so enjoy every moment. Let's see specifically what are the characteristics and conditions of mother and baby in the fourth month. Before this, discover an extraordinary video on growth of the fetus.
The development of the fetus in pregnancy: an exciting video!
In this video, discover how the baby develops, from the moment of conception to the moment just before delivery. From the embryo, during the months from the first to the third, we pass to the fetus, and then to the child. Until it is time to come to light ...
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The analyzes and checks to be done
Starting this month, you will begin to be followed more closely. Your gynecologist will propose a series of tests aimed at identifying any abnormalities in the fetus, such as the common tri test. You will need to do several blood tests. It may not be pleasant, but it is an obligatory and necessary step. The analyzes are used to determine different values, such as:
- HT21: an extremely high rate of this pregnancy hormone, between the fifteenth and sixteenth week, could hide a chromosomal abnormality, trisomy 21, also called down syndrome. Depending on your age, the indicated rate and the measurement of nuchal translucency from the first ultrasound (nuchal translucency measures the translucent space between the muscles and skin of the fetus's neck, a space that becomes visible only between the ninth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy), you will be advised or not to do an amniocentesis, which consists in inserting a very thin needle into your abdominal and uterine wall, in order to take a sample of about 15-20 ml of the amniotic fluid in which it is found the child
- alphafetoprotein dosage: this dosage allows you to identify any spina bifida (a suture defect between the spine and the spinal cord that causes paralysis and mental deficiencies). This disease, however, is quite rare, and it is an "amniocentesis to ascertain its possible presence
- uterine height: the neck of the uterus is observed, to establish its possible dilation. If it is dilated, a cerclage of the cervix is imposed, especially to avoid the risk of premature birth
The evolution of the fetus in the fourth month
The fourth month is special, because the baby begins to move and it is possible to feel it. It is a great moment, which all future mothers await. It resembles intestinal pain, but don't be afraid of it, because you quickly learn to distinguish internal pains from those "caused" by the baby. During these weeks the nails grow, the head becomes proportionate to the rest of the body, and the cerebellum develops. The limbs lengthen, and the hands finish forming. The respiratory function, on the other hand, is still incomplete, and the amniotic fluid enters and exits the lungs of the fetus. The sense organs are complete, so the baby could feel your touch: it's time to caress his belly, and maybe get some answers! The formation of taste and hearing is completed, the mouth is refined and can make the first involuntary movements. At the end of the fourth month, the baby weighs between 200 and 250 grams, and is about 19 centimeters long.
The diet to follow during pregnancy
As always, especially in the first few months, pregnancy nutrition is crucial. During the first month, and then the second and third, it is good to avoid foods that are too salty or too fatty, to avoid the dangers associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Furthermore, it is advisable not to touch raw or lightly washed foods, especially meat and fish, to avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis. The rule is always to drink lots of water, eat fruit and vegetables (well washed) and take supplements such as folic acid and magnesium. You can eat almost everything, with balance of course, without eliminating pasta or starchy foods. Carbohydrates will help you not to have drops and to create a reserve of energy, and in fact right from this month some mothers are starting to put on weight. One of the frequent ailments as pregnancy progresses is constipation, which can be resolved with a little movement, lots of water, and fiber from fruit and vegetables. As for proteins, it is good to take at least 80 grams per day, half of vegetable origin and half animal (meat and fish). The child alone, in fact, consumes at least 9 grams of protein per week. As always, avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, and fried, too fatty or too spicy foods.
