In our difficult time, the fourth pregnancy is not so common, especially when the previous three ended in the birth of a baby. Nevertheless, even today, such major events as the birth of a fourth child occur in the lives of some women. The main thing is that the family takes this step consciously and with full responsibility.

As a rule, experienced women in labor without much fuss cope with bearing a child. Most everyday situations related to pregnancy do not present serious difficulties for them. However, things don't always go smoothly. Sometimes you have to seek professional medical help.

Course 4 pregnancy

Usually the fourth pregnancy proceeds quite favorably. The average age of women with many children awaiting the next replenishment in the family is 35–37 years. However, at this age, the risk of the appearance of certain pathologies increases, which can affect the period of bearing a child. What you should pay attention to first of all in order to avoid an unfavorable course of the fourth pregnancy:

• Chronic diseases.
• Phlebeurysm.
• Anemia.
• Condition of the anterior abdominal muscles.
• Placenta previa.
• Rhesus conflict.
• Postponed pregnancy.

Even if you have repeated experience of bearing a child, it is categorically not recommended to ignore planned consultations with specialist doctors.

chronic diseases

When a woman is already over 35 years old, there is a high probability of developing various chronic diseases that can aggravate the course of pregnancy. With age, the risk of the following diseases of the female reproductive system increases:

• Adnexitis.
• Salpingitis.
• Salpingoophoritis.
• Endomithritis.
• Endometriosis.
• Myoma of the uterus.

An exacerbation of absolutely any chronic disease of the respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine or other systems in the body is considered no less dangerous for the health of the mother and baby. In order to prevent a serious disruption of the organs, their thorough examination and full treatment is necessary.

Many clinical studies show that chronic pathology can provoke late toxicosis and lead to the appearance of such diseases during pregnancy as pyelonephritis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

It has been established that with the age of the parents (mother over 35 years old, father - 45 years or more), the risk of malformations in the child increases. To avoid such problems, you should undergo genetic counseling.

Phlebeurysm

With each pregnancy, the chances of getting varicose veins increase significantly. Its first clinical sign is the appearance of a characteristic vascular pattern (like a grid) on the lower extremities and swelling, which increases in the late afternoon. This is due to the fact that during the bearing of a child there is a natural increase in the volume of circulating blood by about 30-40%.

The situation can be aggravated by excess body weight, endocrine disorders, increased blood clotting, etc. The walls of the veins cannot cope with the increased load, overstretch and expand, forming a tortuous vascular pattern on the surface of the legs. To prevent the appearance of varicose veins, most experts recommend:

• Wear special compression stockings or wrap your legs with an elastic bandage.
• Sleep with the lower extremities elevated.
• Perform therapeutic exercises.
• Follow a diet.

If you notice the first symptoms of varicose veins, you should consult a specialist and complete a full course of therapy. This will help prevent the progression of the disease.

Anemia

Almost every fifth woman faces such a problem as anemia. During pregnancy, this risk increases significantly. An insufficient level of hemoglobin in the blood leads to oxygen starvation, which adversely affects both the mother's condition and the formation of the fetus.

With anemia, a woman will feel weakness, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations. In no case should such symptoms be ignored. It is recommended to do regular blood tests and monitor the hemoglobin and iron levels. Also, stick to a balanced diet.

Pregnant women should undergo mandatory therapeutic courses for the elimination and prevention of anemia, which consist of taking medications containing iron. The duration and course of treatment is determined by the doctor in charge of you.

Condition of the anterior abdominal muscles

Another pregnancy affects the condition of the anterior abdominal muscles.

with each new period of bearing a child, their overstretching is more and more pronounced. In addition, there is an increase in the fetus during repeated pregnancies, which leads to even greater stretching of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. As a rule, multiparous women will often feel unpleasant pain in the lumbar region and sacrum than during the first pregnancy. Usually, the doctor advises wearing a special bandage that will support the stomach and reduce the load on the lower parts of the spinal column. When the pregnant woman is lying down, the bandage can be removed.

In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to perform certain physical exercises to strengthen the anterior and oblique muscles of the abdomen. You will not only relieve the load on the spine, but also prevent the appearance of striae (stretch marks) on the abdomen. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the muscles and ligamentous apparatus of the pelvic floor. Their weakening can lead to an inability to retain urine during the tension of the abdominal muscles.

The incidence of urinary incontinence in multiparous women increases significantly with each subsequent pregnancy.

placenta previa

A lot of obstetric problems are created by presentation or low position of the placenta. If such a situation is observed, then the exit from the uterus will be partially or completely closed by the placenta. The reason for this may be the "worn out" uterine mucosa due to previous births or premature terminations of pregnancy.

Placenta previa, to one degree or another, quite often provokes the appearance of bleeding even before childbirth. However, with the growth of the pregnant uterus, the position of the placenta may change, helping to stop bleeding.

Rhesus conflict

Pregnancy is a potential risk of Rh conflict between mother and fetus. This situation can develop when the blood of a pregnant woman is Rh-negative, and the fetus is Rh-positive. Fetal erythrocytes enter the mother's bloodstream, leading to the formation of antibodies that return through the placenta to the child's body. In the fetus, a specific reaction occurs to the ingress of maternal antibodies, which contributes to the destruction of its red blood cells. The so-called hemolytic disease of the fetus develops, manifested by jaundice.

If all necessary medical measures are not taken, hemolytic disease can cause irreparable harm to the health of the fetus.

Postterm pregnancy

According to clinical statistics, with the fourth pregnancy, the risk of getting a large fetus increases by 20-30%. Several factors can influence this. Some of the most important points that provoke a large fetus, experts consider the following:

• Psychological aspect. Mothers with at least three children are more comfortable with pregnancy and childbirth, which creates a favorable environment for the growth and development of the fetus.
• Well-established circulatory system between mother and fetus. This provides a significantly better supply of nutrients to the child.

A large fetus plays an important role in the fact that the period of bearing a child is delayed and lasts more than 42 weeks. For example, a decrease in the volume of amniotic fluid or a decrease in the activity of the baby may indicate a post-term pregnancy.

As clinical experience shows, if a comprehensive examination was completed and negative factors were eliminated in a timely manner, then 4 pregnancy and childbirth proceed quite favorably.

Management of 4 births

If there were no serious obstetric problems, and the pregnancy proceeded normally, then the fourth birth is much easier compared to the previous appearances of babies. However, some complications are possible. Features of the fourth birth:

• Contractility of the uterus.
• birth rate.
• Fetal position.
• Perineal tears.

Delivery rate

A woman who is preparing to become a mother for the fourth time will be characterized by a quick birth. This is due to the more rapid opening of the cervix. As a rule, the entire birth process takes about 4 hours. The supervising doctor should warn that at the first sign the woman should immediately be sent to the maternity hospital. Due to transient childbirth, the option of having a child in conditions outside a medical institution (in an apartment, car, in the country, etc.) is not excluded.

You should not be afraid of the occurrence of sudden contractions, but it is advisable to be as close as possible to the maternity hospital with the approaching dates.

perineal tears

Based on clinical practice, it can be quite confidently stated that if there were no ruptures and episiotomy (an incision of the perineum and the posterior wall of the vagina) during previous births, then now there is a high probability that this will not happen. However, even if such a situation happened, such complications and surgical intervention can be quite successfully avoided.

What preventive measures need to be taken? It is recommended to prepare the perineum for labor. From about the 28th week of pregnancy, the areas of previous tears should be lubricated with the drug Contratubex, which will make the scars more elastic and pliable to stretching.

Some women in labor use folk remedies to prepare the perineum (for example, peach oil). Nevertheless, it is better to get professional advice from your supervising doctor in advance in order to prevent the development of unwanted side effects.

contractility of the uterus

Previous births could not but affect the overall tone of the uterus. Frequent stretching causes the muscles to become flabby and not contract enough during childbirth. There is a so-called weakness of labor activity. What a woman can do to try and prevent it:

• Strengthen your abdominal muscles.
• Eat enough vegetable oils.
• Control your weight.
• If necessary, use a special support bandage.
• Do a contrast shower on the abdomen in the last weeks of pregnancy.

With severe weakness of labor activity, they may resort to the use of drugs that will increase the contractility of the uterus.

Fetal position

Overstretching of the uterus and abdominal muscles leads to the fact that during the fourth birth, the child in the womb may not take the correct position for a long time. Naturally, this causes some concern. However, in most cases, the fetus still makes the necessary turns and takes the optimal position for childbirth.

Sometimes it may be necessary to apply a special technique to rotate the fetus. But they resort to it from about 36 weeks of pregnancy. At the same time, it happens that the baby makes a turn literally on the day of birth and takes the correct position.

postpartum period

One of the main problems in the postpartum period is the increased risk of bleeding due to the decreased ability of the uterus to contract. It should be noted right away that the normal separation of the placenta significantly reduces the likelihood of this pathological complication. What else can be done to improve uterine contraction in the postpartum period:

• Attach the newborn to the breast as soon as possible. The first feeding, which is very important for both mother and baby, should be approximately 2 hours.
• Feed the baby according to his every requirement. In the process of sucking the breast, an active contraction of the uterus occurs. The more often you feed, the faster the uterus will recover.
• Go to the toilet regularly.
• In the first days after the birth of a child, plant foods should predominate in your diet.
• Do not limit yourself to drinking ordinary pure water. The optimal drinking regime is at least 2 liters per day.
• It is better to lie on your stomach, especially when you sleep.
• Do not forget about the motor mode. The more you move, the faster the contraction of the uterus occurs.

In addition, another problem may arise in the postpartum period. In some multiparous mothers, the process of uterine contraction is quite painful, especially during breastfeeding. If the pain is very noticeable, you can do the following:

• Take pain medication prescribed by your doctor about half an hour before feeding. It is noted that intense uterine contractions are observed precisely when you are breastfeeding your baby.
• If there are no contraindications, during feeding it is recommended to put a warm heating pad on the abdomen, which will help reduce pain.
• Feeding position also matters. It is best to feed lying on your side, with your legs tucked in towards you. At the same time, you, as it were, take the “embryo position” yourself. A similar position can be used at any time when there is an increase in pain in the abdomen.
• Not emptying the bladder or intestines on time can increase pain, so you need to go to the toilet regularly.

Do not forget that taking any medications or using folk remedies during pregnancy and in the postpartum period without the permission of the supervising doctor is strongly discouraged.

Proper management of the fourth pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of possible complications and gives a good chance of having a healthy baby. Experienced women in labor, who do not ignore planned consultations, successfully cope with childbirth and recover quickly enough in the postpartum period.

Pregnancy is a physiological process in which a new human organism develops in the uterus of a woman, resulting from fertilization.

Pregnancy in women lasts on average 280 days(40 weeks, which corresponds to 9 calendar months or 10 lunar months). Pregnancy is also usually divided into 3 trimesters of 3 calendar months each.

Signs of early pregnancy

In the early stages, the diagnosis of pregnancy is established on the basis of doubtful and probable signs.

Doubtful signs of pregnancy- various kinds of subjective sensations, as well as objectively determined changes in the body, outside the internal genital organs: taste whims, changes in olfactory sensations, easy fatigue, drowsiness, pigmentation of the skin on the face, along the white line of the abdomen, nipples and areola.

Possible signs of pregnancy- objective signs from the genitals, mammary glands and when setting up biological reactions to pregnancy. These include: the cessation of menstruation in women of childbearing age, an increase in the mammary glands and the appearance of colostrum when squeezed out of the nipples, cyanosis of the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, a change in the shape and consistency of the uterus, an increase in its size.

You can first verify the presence of pregnancy at home using a rapid test for the content of the hormone chorionic gonadotropin in the urine of a woman (the test is carried out from the first day of delaying the next menstruation).

Confirm the fact of pregnancy allows.

Changes in the body of a pregnant woman

Numerous and complex changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. These physiological changes create conditions for intrauterine development of the fetus, prepare the woman's body for the birth act and breastfeeding of the newborn. Menstruation stops, mammary glands increase in volume, nipples darken.

Many pregnant women in the first trimester experience nausea, sometimes vomiting - these symptoms are commonly called. Weakness, drowsiness, heartburn, drooling, changes in taste, and frequent urination often occur. These disturbances of well-being are characteristic of a healthy and normal pregnancy.

Particularly large changes occur in the female genital organs. The uterus increases with each, the blood supply to the internal and external genital organs increases. The tissues swell, acquire elasticity, which contributes to their better stretching during childbirth. In the mammary glands, the number and volume of glandular lobules increase, their blood supply increases, they become tense, from the nipples. There is a sharp increase in the amount of gonadotropic hormones, as well as estrogens and progesterone, produced first by the corpus luteum (a temporary gland formed at the site of the follicle from which the mature egg came out) and then. Hormones secreted by the corpus luteum (progesterone and, to a lesser extent, estrogens) contribute to the creation of conditions for the proper development of pregnancy. The corpus luteum undergoes reverse development after the fourth month in connection with the formation of the hormonal function of the placenta.

For the management of pregnancy, it is necessary (3-4 weeks after the delay of menstruation), where the doctor conducts an examination and examination of the external and internal genital organs, and, if necessary, additional examinations are prescribed.

Sex organs during pregnancy

Uterus. During pregnancy, the size, shape, position, consistency and reactivity (excitability) of the uterus changes. The uterus gradually enlarges throughout pregnancy. The increase in the uterus occurs mainly due to hypertrophy of the muscle fibers of the uterus; at the same time, there is a reproduction of muscle fibers, the growth of newly formed muscle elements of the mesh-fibrous and argyrophilic "frame" of the uterus.

The uterus is not only a fetal place that protects the fetus from adverse external influences, but also a metabolic organ that provides the fetus with enzymes, complex compounds necessary for the plastic processes of a rapidly developing fetus.

Vagina during pregnancy, it lengthens, expands, the folds of the mucous membrane protrude sharper. The external genitalia loosen during pregnancy.

Lifestyle of a pregnant woman, regimen, nutrition and hygiene

The developing fetus receives all the necessary nutrients from the mother. The well-being of the fetus depends entirely on the health of the mother, the conditions of her work, rest, the state of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Pregnant women are exempt from night duty, heavy physical work, work associated with body vibration or adverse effects on the body of chemical agents. substances. During pregnancy, sudden movements, heavy lifting and significant fatigue should be avoided. A pregnant woman needs to sleep at least 8 hours a day. Walking before bed is recommended.

A pregnant woman must be carefully protected from infectious diseases that pose a particular danger to the body of the pregnant woman and the fetus.

During pregnancy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the skin. Cleanliness of the skin contributes to the removal of metabolic products harmful to the body with sweat.

A pregnant woman should wash her external genitalia twice a day with warm water and soap. Douching during pregnancy should be administered with great caution.

During pregnancy, you should carefully monitor the condition of the oral cavity and make the necessary.

The mammary glands should be washed daily with warm water and soap and wiped with a towel. These methods prevent cracked nipples and mastitis. If, then they should be massaged.

maternity clothes should be comfortable and free: you should not wear tightening belts, tight bras, etc. In the second half of pregnancy, it is recommended to wear a bandage that should support the stomach, but not squeeze it.

A pregnant woman should wear shoes with low heels.

We live in a world of stereotypes - they are familiar, understandable and easy to use. Like ready-made semi-finished products: I chose the right package, warmed it up, swallowed it - and my head does not hurt. For example, if when meeting you you say: “I am 35 years old, I am a manager in a foreign company; I can’t stand my job, but I get eighty thousand rubles a month,” you will immediately get approval: “Wow, that’s great, eighty thousand, and even, probably, there is medical insurance!”

And if, under the same circumstances, you say: “I am 35 years old, I am a mother of three children, I do not work; I love my kids, ”they will certainly express sympathy for you:“ Well, uh ... uh ... you're done; you get really tired, don't you?" Dislike for work is easily forgiven, three kids are not. Because getting tired, not getting enough sleep and being nervous at work is possible, necessary and even prestigious. And spending the same resources on a home, family and children is not very good. Because children, children... And what is “children”?

These are nine months of burden, childbirth, sleepless nights, frequent crying of a small, demanding little man. This is attachment, constant control: where did he get in, what did he grab, did he knock over the ironing board, did he brush off the flower pot. It's a waste of time, money, and - a big complication - yourself. Without salary and social approval. That is, from the point of view of stereotypes, a mother of many children is an unhappy woman.

Well, really unfortunate. The arithmetic is very simple. We take a mother of many children and subtract - minus quiet time for yourself, minus a weekly beauty salon and gym, minus salary and annual bonuses, minus communication with colleagues, minus professional development, minus nice trips to restaurants and cafes, minus freedom of movement, minus more a lot of things remain ... love.

But this is the most important thing! Without love, no matter how much you add, you still get zero. The familiar world of stereotypes is dull. There are two main colors - black and white. With any mixture of them, you will not get anything other than gray. Love gives us so many colors and colors, so many nuances and halftones. But in order to fill your life with love, you need to forget about stereotypes. At least the most common ones. Let's start with mothers with many children. So what do we know about them?

Of course, they get tired, sleep little and therefore look bad. And in this state they will live until the end of time - this is their sad fate. They probably don’t have money, because it’s impossible to feed such a crowd on a regular salary. After all, a horde daily destroys a supply of food comparable to the needs of a small African country. They also do not have decent clothes, because we know how quickly children grow up, and clothes get dirty and torn. They also lack a good education, interesting recreation, hobbies and hobbies, because, again, we know ...

These were my thoughts on the topic of "mother of many children" a year and a half ago - until I settled in the online community dedicated to motherhood. Then I was carrying a son and longed for "communication on the topic." The community of mothers with many children turned out to be one of the most pleasant teams on a multi-million dollar site. I was interested in every diary, every message. A few days later, I was surprised to find that mothers with many children have time with three, four, five children more than I do with one pregnant belly!

Many mothers bought excellent clothes for themselves and their children, skillfully planned the day, took their children to mugs and sections, and could cook a delicious dinner in twenty minutes. I will notice, at absolutely average incomes. But the general standard of living was an order of magnitude higher than mine - the experience of managing a large family affected.

It was also amazing how much they adore their babies! Yes, yes, “problem” babies who have colic, poor sleep and frequent tears. With great tenderness, many mothers wrote notes specifically about newborns - the very ones that one mother calls “More-Never-On-Such-I-Don’t-Decide.”

Not to decide, of course, is the easiest thing. I have friends who did just that - they ran away to work as soon as the child was one year old. Not from need, not from home boredom, not from brilliant talents. And because if you stay at home, you will get fat and turn into a klucker, a large family is not affordable, it is better to give birth to one and give him everything. And then: you will give birth to a lot - you will plow on them all your life.

On the same mother's site, it turned out that they feel sorry for large families. Compassionate aunts-grandmothers shamelessly ask: well, how are you, my dear, pulling everyone? And not just to offend, but out of interest and pity - to endure so many, to give birth to so many. And it’s not enough to give birth - then you need to dress them, feed them, educate them! ..

And they scold many people, but not old women, but women and men - the same as you and me. They scolded in the queues - because “I brought such a crowd to the store”, they scolded in the children's clinic: “Where are you, woman, going ahead with yours?” (although large families have benefits for admission out of turn), they scold in the kitchen and on the Internet: “No, Vasya, can you imagine, these families with many children live at our expense: they have so many benefits, plots are free, all sorts of kindergarten circles, but ours Petenka…”

Don't think anything bad. The story is not at all about how you feel about large families and how many children you have - one or six. This issue is closed from public discussion. Probably, how much is - so much and good. And it's not about quantity, but in relation to it. How is it that it is easier for us to condemn than to rejoice. Hit than hug. To taunt than to encourage. Why is there a dislike for large families? Saving time in queues and hospitals? Zeal about the targeted use of tax funds? Something is unbelievable...

I think it's a false superiority complex. We give birth to one or two maximum, plow at work - often unloved, but what can we do - we “pull” mortgages, loans, a car, everyday life, sections, circles, English for a child. A load lifted by hard work. But it's still better, more correct, because a decent life needs decent money. We bend under the weight of worries, we are almost bent over, and here on the playground - no, you look - she gave birth to three, the fourth is pregnant and smiles!

Everyone has their own concept of a decent life. Some have money, some have children. And you can endlessly argue what is “right” and what is not. Everyone has their own story, their own experience.

Yes, and a mother of many children does not need reasoning. She needs warmth and support, because a big family is really difficult. It is very important that we can tell her from the bottom of our hearts: skip the line. Or smile. Or just ask: how to help? Without a touch of melancholy and pity. Well, if a large family - all of a sudden - touches you with something, please do not judge those who let love into their lives.

On the birth of the fourth baby, people with material security can usually decide. After all, this is another crisis moment in the family.

More often this pregnancy is planned, which means that the woman prepares for it in advance. Pregnancy goes along already known, beaten paths.

However, repeated pregnancies, childbirth and the postpartum period differ in some features.

The fourth pregnancy usually goes well, without obvious toxicosis, although the body of each woman is individual.

But still there are significant differences between the first pregnancies and subsequent ones.

After 35 years, there is a possibility of manifestation of late toxicosis of pregnancy and the development of diseases such as pyelonephritis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus.
- with repeated pregnancies, the likelihood of developing anemia and varicose veins is high.
- overstretching of the abdominal muscles. Babies during repeated pregnancies usually weigh more than during previous ones. Therefore, a woman is stronger, feels heaviness and pain in the lower back and sacrum, in the lower abdomen.
- failure of the pelvic floor muscles, a relaxed ligamentous apparatus due to stretching or tearing of the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor due to past births can manifest itself in the form of urine leakage when laughing, coughing.
- low location of the placenta. The reason is usually the "worn out" uterine mucosa by previous births or abortions.
- failure of the pelvic floor muscles. This can cause hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
- Rhesus conflict. With each new pregnancy, the risk of developing antibodies increases.
- prolongation of pregnancy. Due to the overstretching of the uterus, the body becomes less sensitive to hormones, which, acting on the uterus, start its contraction, and the onset of labor is delayed.

childbirth

The fourth birth is usually quicker and easier. Reduced birth trauma due to the good stretching of the tissues of the perineum.

Quick delivery. In the fourth birth, a softer opening of the uterine os is characteristic, a fairly rapid course of the birth process as a whole. Childbirth can be fleeting (up to 4 hours), so they can catch a woman anywhere: at work, on the street, in transport.

postpartum period

Bleeding. Due to a decrease in uterine contractility in the postpartum period, bleeding may occur.
The tendency to lethargy of the uterus may be present in the future, which leads to a delay in the uterine cavity of postpartum discharge. Against this background, inflammatory processes of the inner lining of the uterus develop.

Of course, the fourth pregnancy and childbirth is not an easy test. But knowing the features of repeated pregnancies and childbirth, as well as the experience of bearing and giving birth, allows a woman to more confidently go through the process of childbirth and easily recover in the postpartum period.

The fourth obstetric week of pregnancy is the end of the very first month of pregnancy. All the most important thing that had to happen - the conception and implantation of the fetus, has already happened.

It is this week that the completion of such an important and significant period in the life of the embryo - blastogenesis takes place. This is the first two weeks of pregnancy before the introduction of the blastocyst into the uterus, and then the intrauterine development of the human embryo begins. There are completely new morphological and biochemical changes, both in the woman's body and in the development of the unborn baby.

Thus, the female body and the body of the unborn child have come a long way over the past three weeks:

• fertilization of a female egg by a spermatozoon and the formation of a single stem cell - a zygote;
• division of a single cell into blastomeres and its advancement through the fallopian tube into the uterus;
• the gradual transformation of the zygote into a morula, which is already beginning to look for a place of attachment to the uterine mucosa (pre-implantation development);
• blastocyst implantation (first critical period of pregnancy) and decidual transformation of the endometrium;
• placentation (that is, the formation of primary and secondary chorionic villi) and blastogenesis (differentiation of the germ layers) - this is considered the second critical period of your pregnancy.

What happens at 4 weeks

In most cases, women are not yet aware of their magical condition. The fourth obstetric week of pregnancy is only the second week after conception.

Since there is still a very short period, a woman can feel everything the same as with approaching menstruation.

The most global changes are now taking place in the uterus. According to experts, even at such an early date, the waist can already increase by a couple of imperceptible centimeters.

Under the active action of hormones in the female body, the uterus begins to change and prepare to become a good "house" for the future baby, this is the main task of the progesterone hormone. It becomes softer, loosens, a dense mucous plug forms in the cervix - to protect the "house" from external penetrations and infections for a long nine months. Steady rise in level

Well-being of a woman at 4 weeks

Possible physical sensations

1. Soreness of the mammary glands and sensitivity of the nipples - the female body is preparing to feed the baby.
2. Strange sensations in the lower abdomen- both pulling pains, and you can find that they began to feel a pulse there - this is due to the fact that the uterus is actively rebuilding.
3. Allocations- from similar to menstruation, and more abundant, but colorless. If the discharge is pink and has a smearing character, then it's okay. It is necessary to pay attention to profuse bleeding with clots, which is accompanied by pain and spasms. Read about the nature of discharge during pregnancy
4. Headache- due to cardinal changes in the body, this can happen even in women who previously had no idea what a headache is.
5. Increased sleepiness and fatigue - this is due to the fact that the pregnant body works for two and needs rest.
6. mild nausea- it is caused by hormones in the blood.
7. Change in taste preferences. This can be seen by the fact that you no longer want to smoke or drink alcohol - you should listen to your body, trust your desires, our body is smarter than us.

If the pregnancy is expected, then fear and doubt whether it turned out to become pregnant or not is quite natural for the expectant mother. If there is no strength to wait for a delay, then now there are other ways to determine early pregnancy:

• pregnancy tests(probability of truth 50/50). Due to the early date, full certainty is not given. But if the cherished second strip nevertheless appeared, but weakly, then this is more likely a “yes” than a “no”. Read about the types of pregnancy tests
• ultrasound examination(probability of correct answer 70/30). Depends on the quality and modernity of the equipment and the professionalism of the specialist.
• blood test on the pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - gives an almost one hundred percent result. Read about the blood test for hCG levels

Read about the physiological signs of pregnancy

Remember that the longer the gestational age, the more accurate the result will be.

Possible emotional experiences

Reviews of women at 4 weeks

Svetlana: “For the first month we are trying to get pregnant, I feel exactly the same as before menstruation - I want to sleep, I’m absent-minded, my breasts have grown and hurt, it’s generally disgusting to touch the nipples, I beat my husband’s hands. We hope that everything worked out?

Marina: “Girls, I felt with some sixth sense that I was pregnant, although there were no signs. I tell my husband, but he cannot be! Adults, already two children, where are you from?! Well, here's where you come from ... 4 weeks. So ... now we are waiting ... "

Angela: “We tried for several years, nothing worked, so many doctors came, they almost waved their hand, and then ... I began to feel strange, well, something is wrong with the body, in the morning a strange malaise, some scattered in the afternoon, nauseated in the evening . It never even crossed my mind that finally! Has made the morning test - has shown, an infection, one strip. And I felt worse and worse, I had to go to the clinic, and yes! We are pregnant!

Christina: “And my eccentric nature could not resist! I did a test - two strips were very weakly expressed, well, I decided to make sure for sure, and went to the laboratory and took a blood test for hCG, or whatever it was, I could hardly wait for the result! But now I know for sure - I'm pregnant! I've already told everyone!"

Elena: “I have been waiting for this pregnancy for so long that I am afraid of literally everything. There were problems with sex - I'm terribly afraid of him. It began to reach the point of absurdity, I understand with my head that it’s impossible to refuse my husband, but for me sex has turned into hard labor, I deliberately choose positions with the least penetration, pull my husband - not so deep, not so hard, not so fast, but I shrink myself and think only about when it will end."

Fetal development at 4 weeks of gestation

On the fourth obstetric week embryo, as a rule, already firmly embedded in the uterus and the primitive circulatory system begins to function, which is already able to provide every cell of a small organism with oxygen.

What does the future baby look like now? First of all, let's start with the fact that the baby now still looks like a small fish. And this "fish" already head begins to form, eyes appear, they already have a cornea, a lens and a double wall.

The future baby weighs only about 2 grams, and measures from two to four millimeters.

The embryo now consists of two layers of layers - the top is called the ectoblast, and the bottom is the endoblast. Between them, a middle layer is formed - the mesoblast. It is not surprising, but it is from these three layers that all the organs and tissues of the future person are formed. Thanks to active cell division, the ectoblast will give rise to the nervous system and our skin, the mesoblast is the progenitor of the skeleton, muscles and circulatory system, and the endoblast is responsible for the formation and development of the digestive and respiratory systems.

As the ovum develops in the fourth week of pregnancy, extra-embryonic organs begin to form- these are organs that are not inside the embryo, but around it. The role of the fetal membrane is now performed by the amniotic vesicle, the nutrients are contained in the yolk sac, and the chorion forms the placenta.

Embryo photo

photo of ultrasound during pregnancy twins:

Tips for men

• do not forget compliment your wife about her body;
• understand her fears and try to dissuade her of them;
• take care of her and give support in household chores;
• maybe you are now feel like more father than a lover, you will need some time to get used to the new role;
• don't be surprised if your wife turns into a "tigress", especially in the second trimester. Fear of miscarriage recedes, hormones calm down, and a woman's sexual desire increases;
• try to calmly discuss your desires, do not put pressure on your wife, try to find a compromise and a way to please both of you.

Respect and understanding of each other's sexual desires and needs during pregnancy is a very important stage in the life of spouses, and it is up to you whether you bring love and understanding into your life or there will be another conflict.

1. Keep a pregnancy diary- this will be the story of your baby's development.

Why write? Your connection with the future baby will become even more real when you write down your feelings and sensations, your condition and the condition of the child. In addition, writing down your thoughts, feelings, and fears on paper will help you deal with them and calm down.

These recordings will help your husband better understand your condition. And imagine how in a few years you will like to reread all this, you can show your diary to adult children, and they will find out how they developed and grew in their mother's tummy. In addition, rereading the records in the future, you will again return to this magical state.

What to write? You can write whatever comes to your mind - describe how you found out about pregnancy, your feelings, emotions and experiences, joys and anxieties, husband's reactions, the first push of the child, the first ultrasound, in general, all records depend on you.

If you want, keep a diary chronologically, if you want - in the form of a conversation with a child. Write to him whatever you want to say. After reading this as an adult, the child will become closer to you. It is especially good to write down your actions that are aimed at improving your condition, which helps with toxicosis, for example, or heartburn. This may help you in future pregnancies. Invite your husband to take notes with you, because he also has feelings.

How to write? Now issue special diaries for expectant mothers, but if you don’t want to look for them in stores or you don’t feel well, get a regular notebook. Perhaps someone wants to use a voice recorder.

Write as it is written - don't think about wording or grammar. This is not a test, but a pleasant pastime.

It is quite possible that you will enjoy keeping a pregnancy diary so much that you will continue these entries even after the birth of the child, there will definitely be something to write down there.

2. Enjoy sex during pregnancy. For most women, making love during pregnancy is completely safe. Now there is no need to worry about pregnancy - it has already come, there is no point in worrying about contraception. You need to relax and enjoy. What to do if the fear of sex during pregnancy interferes with sexual life?

• be ready for change - your body changes and your feelings too;
• accustom yourself to the idea that your body is now at the peak of sexuality, it is beautiful, say goodbye to your old figure in advance and enjoy your new body;
• make your appearance more beautiful and attractive - change your haircut or styling, choose a new make-up and wardrobe, try to choose beautiful clothes, new sexy lingerie and sleepwear that will emphasize your new figure. This will support you and get your husband's attention;
• trust that in the eyes of your spouse you are still sexually attractive;
• talk about sex, do not hesitate to hint, explain or even show your husband where and how you are most pleased now, and what his actions can cause pain;
• arrange romantic evenings with your husband - such “sprees” for yourself, because after the birth of a child, there will be very little time left for the two of you;
• tune in to the positive, because your positive thinking affects your attitude towards sex. Learn to think right . Think about what you are gaining, not losing.
• do not look at sex as a duty - the husband will feel it very quickly, and he must feel that he is still loved and desired.

Often, most of all pregnant women can make love all nine months right up to the very day of delivery, but whatever it was, there are certain cases when it is desirable to abstain from sex

It is better not to have sex if:

• if you and your partner had untreated sexually transmitted diseases before pregnancy, because the causative agents of this disease can enter the uterus during sexual intercourse;
• if you have had or are currently experiencing bleeding or vaginal discharge pinkish brown colors, that your gynecologist may forbid you to make love for a while;
• if your doctor obstetrician-gynecologist suspects that there may be a threat of premature birth. This is due to the fact that during the female orgasm, uterine spasms can provoke contractions, and this can be a direct cause of the birth of a premature baby;
• if an ultrasound shows placenta previa, having sex can cause the placenta to separate from your uterus;
• if you have already had miscarriages, then your doctor may also advise abstinence, especially in the first months of pregnancy;
• if you have been diagnosed with cervical insufficiency;
• if there is a rupture of the amniotic membrane;

What to stop doing:

Video about 4 weeks pregnant