Inside Your Body
Your body is like a madhouse as many things are happening this week with some changes continuing into the next few weeks.
Firstly, your sweet blastocyst has developed into an embryo and should be snuggling comfortably in the uterine wall/lining (implantation), its home until birth. During this period, the embryo splits into two groups, half of which will become your baby, while the other half will develop into the placenta, which will eventually take over the role of the uterine lining and nourish your baby through the transfer of nutrients from you to your baby until birth. It also will transfer wastes from the baby once your baby is ready. The complete development of the placenta will only take place at the end of the first trimester.
Secondly, the miracle of life starts forming its shape, although at week 4, it is still unrecognizable and about the size of a poppy seed.
Thirdly, the amniotic sac, (a “water bag” inside your uterus) in which your baby will reside is also being formed and be filled with fluid. The amniotic fluid provides a cushion that protects your baby from any sudden movement or force against the uterus. That’s right- you are already a protective mother.
Your Signs And Symptoms
If you still are not certain if you are pregnant, the end of week 4 is when you should start doing a home pregnancy test. If it comes out negative, don’t lose hope, repeat again in week 5 as week 4 may still be too early to detect.
Your gynaecologist may wish to conduct an ultrasound of your uterus and pelvis to verify your pregnancy. It can confirm the actual date of conception and this makes it easier to determine the due date. Unfortunately this procedure is invasive but you will get over it once you see your baby on screen. Such ultrasound will be routine in almost all your future visits to monitor the progress of your baby. At this stage, your baby is a blurry dot on screen – but how precious it is the moment your doctor points your baby out to you. Treasure this moment by saving the first ultrasound scan for your scrapbook.
What Tests To Expect
If you still are not certain if you are pregnant, the end of week 4 is when you should start doing a home pregnancy test. If it comes out negative, don’t lose hope, repeat again in week 5 as week 4 may still be too early to detect.
Your gynaecologist may wish to conduct an ultrasound of your uterus and pelvis to verify your pregnancy. It can confirm the actual date of conception and this makes it easier to determine the due date. Unfortunately this procedure is invasive but you will get over it once you see your baby on screen. Such ultrasound will be routine in almost all your future visits to monitor the progress of your baby. At this stage, your baby is a blurry dot on screen – but how precious it is the moment your doctor points your baby out to you. Treasure this moment by saving the first ultrasound scan for your scrapbook.
