At 4 months pregnant you've officially entered the second trimester of pregnancy. Your baby is growing and you might start seeing changes to your own body too. It's worth remembering that every pregnancy is different and while you may experience some symptoms, others may experience different pregnancy symptoms.
Hopefully by now nausea and pregnancy heartburn should begin to calm down as your little foetus grows but you may notice some new ones. At the 4-month stage, your bump may begin to pop and you will start to look pregnant. We spoke with Midwife Marley and asked her for her top tips on looking after yourself during this stage.
How many weeks pregnant is 4 months?
At 4 months pregnant, you're 13 weeks to 16 weeks pregnant and in the second trimester of your pregnancy journey.
4 months pregnant symptoms
At 4 months pregnant a few of your earlier symptoms will start to ease but as you'd expect, a few new symptoms will start to appear.
Haemorrhoids: While most common in the third trimester, you may experience piles in pregnancy from 4 months pregnant onwards. Haemorrhoids are an unfortunate side effect of pregnancy that many mums-to-be experience. Make sure you're eating enough fibre like wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water to ease any constipation. If you're struggling, ask your midwife or doctor to recommend a cream to use to ease the pain. Don't use a cream before consulting your doctor or midwife first.
Sensitive gums or teeth: Some women can get swollen and sore gums, which may bleed during pregnancy. Bleeding gums are caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding, so it's important to keep on top of looking after your teeth. Remember that you can get free dental checks during your pregnancy, so it's definitely worth getting booked in.
Varicose veins: Usually starting in the second trimester, varicose veins can get worse as you near delivery. They are caused by the increasing pressure of the uterus on the pelvic veins which disrupts blood flow to the leg veins in pregnant women. If you're suffering, be sure to put your feet up when you can and avoid prolonged standing or sitting. Also try a gentle exercise like walking to improve blood flow. The NHS suggests using compression stockings, they won't prevent varicose veins but can ease the symptoms.
Pregnancy food cravings: This might continue past the first trimester into the second and it's okay to give into those pregnancy cravings every now and then, as long as for the most part you're eating a varied diet. This is important for your own health during pregnancy, but also because your baby will receive all the nutrients they need from your placenta, via the umbilical cord. So you really are ‘eating for two’ but just not calorie-wise.
If however, you begin to crave things like coal or rocks (yes it does happen), it could be a sign of iron deficiency, so speak to your doctor or midwife.
Boost in energy: While morning sickness and heartburn may start to decrease, some people experience a boost of energy as they enter the second trimester. Take advantage of this and try to be more active, it will help you feel even more energised.
Increased sex drive Thanks to your pregnancy hormones, many women experience an increased libido late in the first trimester and in the second. Along with this increased libido comes increased vaginal lubrication and a hypersensitive clitoris due to extra genital blood flow. So, take advantage of it! And no it won't hurt the baby.
Abdominal pains: Temporary bouts of stomach pain aren't usually anything to worry about at this time of your pregnancy as your bump begins to grow and your body changes to support baby's growth. Often felt one side of your lower abdomen, this pain can also be a constipation in pregnancy or trapped wind. It is however important to call your midwife or doctor if you have stomach pain that lasts longer than half an hour, especially if it's accompanied by vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Stretch marks: As your body changes and your skin stretches, you may start to notice thin stretch marks on your stomach or on your breasts. Depending on your skin tone, these marks may be brown, pink or purple in colour. These can sometimes feel itchy too. The advice is to stay hydrated and use a gentle moisturiser or body oil to keep your skin hydrated.
Nasal congestion: The hormonal changes you experience during pregnancy can sometimes result in the blood vessels in your nose to swell which can give you the sensation of a blocked or runny nose. If this begins to bother you, you may want to talk to your doctor or midwife about things you can take to help this.
Your baby's development at 4 months pregnant
Your little foetus can now move their facial muscles plus have reached a few other developmental milestones including:
Size: Your baby now weighs 3 to 4 ounces, 4 to 5 inches long and the size of an avocado.
Body: Your baby's limbs are moving and they are start to flex them so you may be able to feel some subtle flutters. It's worth noting that this is more likely if it's your second or third pregnancy, as you'll recognise the sensation. Most people will feel their baby's movement at around 20 weeks pregnant.
Hearing: By the fourth month, your little one will be able to hear muted sounds, your heartbeat and the sound of your voice. It's a good time to start reading and singing to them and have little conversations so they become familiar with your voice.
Sensitivity to light: At this stage, babies eyes aren't open but they are sensitive to light and it's likely they'll be able to see bright lights outside your bump, especially on sunny days.
Identifying the sex: Their genitals are now fully developed and their external genitals will soon be visible so you'll be able to find out the sex at your second ultrasound or anomaly scan which usually takes place around 20 weeks pregnant.
Finger prints: Your baby now has their own fingerprints but if you looked at their skin at four months it would look wrinkled.
Baby's face: Their little facial muscles can now begin to move but they won't be making any facial expressions just yet.
Your body at 4 months pregnant
Bump: At 16 weeks pregnant, your uterus is growing fast and although all bumps are different and normal, some women may not show yet but others may want to start shopping for comfortable maternity wear.
Breasts: While breast growth is common, some women may not notice any major changes and that's perfectly normal. Other women may need to adjust their bra size during pregnancy.
Weight gain: It's perfectly normal to gain weight during pregnancy after all, you are growing a baby so any extra pounds are a sign of good health for you and more importantly, your baby. Try and limit processed and junk food and fill up on protein-rich and nutrient-dense diet that includes leafy greens and vegetables.
Looking after yourself at 4 months pregnant
We spoke to Midwife Marley who shared her top tips on self care when you're 4 months pregnant
Antenatal classes
It’s good to be informed about what to expect and to help prepare for a positive birth experience. Most couples will book antenatal classes in their last trimester but it’s good to start looking around now as some get booked quick!
Inform your employer
If you are working and have told your employer you are pregnant, ensure they carry out a risk assessment on you as soon as possible. This will ensure any adaptations or changes you may need at work can be made. Your employer may ask you for a MATB1 maternity form but your doctor or midwife can’t sign it until you are at least 20 weeks pregnant so be sure to relay that information back.
Check in with your midwife
You should have an appointment with your midwife at around 16 weeks. This is usually just to check on how you are and to go over your blood results. Write down any questions you want to ask as you probably won’t see her for a while. If you are a first-time mother, your next appointment won't be until 25 weeks and 28 weeks if you have had a baby before!
Pregnancy is thirsty work
You may find that you become more thirsty as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows. The NHS recommends that you drink more while you are pregnant so that your urine is a pale yellow colour.
Self care
Try and set aside some ‘me’ time each day if you can. Time to read a book, have a bubble bath or even go for a short walk are all good ways that help your body to relax and release ‘feel good’ hormones that will have a positive effect on you and your baby.
What to do at 4 months pregnant
Think about baby names
Surely one of the best things about bringing a little person into the world is that you get to give it a totally awesome baby name or a tidy, traditional one, whichever you prefer. But who knew it was so complicated?
Decide where to give birth
There are plenty of options to decide from when considering where to give birth these days so it's a good idea to have a look into what could work for you. Whether you fancy a home birth or you're not sure which hospital to go for, have a chat with your doctor or midwife to get their expert opinions.
Start browsing maternity clothes
It won't be long until your clothes feel on the snug side and you might want to start looking at maternity clothes that are comfy and stylish, which can fit you and your growing bump.
Consider a babymoon
With your new boost of energy, you should consider having your babymoon as you're still safe to fly. There are so many places you could spend your final getaway as a two with your partner.
Maternity exemption certificate
Now is a good time to ask your doctor or midwife about applying for a maternity exemption certificate - this will allow you to claim free dental care and prescriptions while you are pregnant.
Conclusion
Your body is changing as your bump is growing rapidly. You may need to start shopping or at least browsing for maternity clothes now that you're showing or not able to fit in your favourite jeans. If you're feeling like you've got some new found energy, soak it up and enjoy this moment.
FAQs 4 months pregnant
Can you feel a baby at 4 months pregnant?
Yes it is possible but more likely if it's your second pregnancy. The timing can vary and also depends on the location of the placenta and how active your baby is.
Is your stomach hard at 4 months pregnant?
It can feel hard during this time and beyond. This is due to the growth of the uterus and the baby, which pushes against your abdominal wall. There's nothing to worry about.
Can you be 4 months pregnant without any signs?
Yes, it is possible to as some early symptoms could be very mild and some women may not have any symptoms at all. Each body and every pregnancy is unique and different - symptoms can be more or less noticeable depending on a woman's body, health, and hormonal levels.
About the expert
Midwife Marley Hall is a registered and practicing Midwife with five children and has practiced midwifery in various settings throughout London and Surrey over the past 10 years covering both the NHS and private sectors. She is an expert in all things antenatal, pregnancy and postnatal care for women and is also a hypnobirthing instructor.
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips.