4 month of pregnancy

4 month of pregnancy can be defined as the beginning of the most pleasant and safe trimester – the second. The good news is that the unpleasant symptoms associated with toxicosis have already subsided or are on their way to do so. In place of nausea and intolerance to certain smells, more and more often a pregnant woman wants to snack.

The development of the fetus is active, and by the end of the fourth month it is quite possible to feel its movements. This important moment depends on the anatomical features of the woman, her physique and whether this is her first pregnancy.

During this month, it is most important to eat healthy and monitor blood pressure and body weight resting.

Fetal development in the 4th month of pregnancy

During the next thirty days, all the internal organs of the child will be formed. The kidneys are already independently releasing urine into the amniotic fluid, the child’s immune system is also actively developing. The adrenal glands produce hormones, and all functions in the fetal body are governed by the nervous and endocrine systems.

The brain continues to grow and improve. It is during this month that the cerebral cortex is formed.

All the functions of transporting oxygen and nutrients to the fetus are carried out by the placenta. It protects it against harmful bacteria and viruses.

In the fourth month of pregnancy, the level of development of the fetus is already such that it can fold its arms and legs and make fists. Hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and also fingernails begin to grow.

The future child can already squint his eyes, and by the end of the month he will open them completely. In height it will reach 14 cm, and in weight – 150 g.

The sensations of a pregnant woman in the fourth month

Her general condition is improving. The nausea disappears, the feeling of intolerance to certain smells subsides, her activity increases and her appetite increases.

The pregnant woman’s abdomen grows significantly in the fourth month. This leads to a change in her figure. The uterus grows rapidly, and along with it the abdomen rounds. The waist disappears, the mammary glands increase in size, and the painful sensations associated with this process are no longer there.

The fourth month of pregnancy can distress the expectant mother, since at this stage pigment spots on the skin, darkening or freckles may appear. The skin of the areolas and nipples may darken.

Because of the increased amount of fluids in the body, it is possible that the expectant mother will start to sweat more intensely. Along with this, you may notice more abundant vaginal discharge. In case of a change in their character – unusual consistency, color, odor, the appearance of itching, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

Among the unpleasant symptoms of the fourth month are persistent headaches and dizziness, and also bleeding from the gums during brushing teeth. Some women experience nasal congestion as well as nosebleeds.

Another problem that is serious and should not be ignored is constipation. It is due to hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman, and also the pressure that the uterus exerts on the intestines.

The best way to deal with constipation is by eating a balanced diet and stimulating optimal functioning of the stomach and intestines. Frequent constipation can provoke the development of a painful and delicate disease such as hemorrhoids.

During the fourth month of pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow. It already comes out of the confines of the small pelvis. Along with this, the ligaments are stretched, which leads to certain painful sensations in a woman in the abdomen.

If the pain can not be ignored, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

The beginning of the second trimester can delight pregnant women, since it is then that the first “bumps” of the child on the abdomen are felt. If you do not catch them in the fourth month, then in the fifth it will definitely happen.

Recommendations for nutrition in the 4th month of pregnancy

At this stage of the child’s wear, the pregnant woman’s appetite may become stronger. This is due to the absence of the nausea and vomiting characteristic of the first trimester. It is because of this that it is normal to want to snack more often.

Keep a check on weight gain and avoid gaining extra weight. They are associated with unwanted complications – stretch marks on the skin, diabetes mellitus in pregnant women, etc. In the 4th month of pregnancy, it is advisable to gain 1-4 kg.

Eat according to the regime, relying mainly on foods that are useful and supply the body with valuable nutrients. When drawing up the daily menu, take into account that it is normal to gain 2-2.5 kg for the month.

Experts recommend that you organise your diet so that you do not experience hunger and eat foods that are healthy. Eat less often, but with smaller portions. Most of the food should be taken in the first half of the day.

Follow this pattern – first and second breakfast should be hearty, lunch should be filling, and dinner should be light but healthy.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed in unlimited quantities. The exceptions are citrus fruits, fresh cabbage and potatoes. Cabbage provokes excess gas, and potatoes are rich in starch and carbohydrates.

Avoid the consumption of so-called fast food, semi-finished products, smoked meats, salty dishes and confectionery. Fast carbohydrates are useless for fetal development and are dangerous as they stimulate rapid weight gain.

In the menu of a pregnant woman in the fourth month should be present proteins – consume more meat and fish, milk and dairy products, cottage cheese. The latter are rich in calcium and favorably affect the functions of the intestines.

To stimulate intestinal function, consume more fruits – they contain fiber and important trace elements and vitamins.

Give preference to wholemeal bread, nuts and vegetable oils. To avoid anaemia, put iron-rich foods on the table – beef, liver, pomegranate, etc. If the doctor judges, he will appoint a vitamin complex, which contains iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins.

Sex in the second trimester

Is it allowed to have sex at this stage of pregnancy? Yes, as long as there are no contraindications to this. If in doubt, consult the supervising doctor.

Sex in the second trimester can bring the pregnant woman much more pleasant sensations. The absence of the unpleasant symptoms of the first trimester contributes to this.

Some women share that the fourth month is the beginning of new discoveries in intimate life. They experience much greater enjoyment of the sexual act.

What are the contraindications? Among them are a high risk of sweating, increased uterine tone, bleeding from the vagina, damage to the amniotic bladder, low placement or placenta previa, infection of the genital tract in the man or woman.