Where is the baby located at 4 weeks?

Congratulations on your positive pregnancy test! At just 4 weeks pregnant, you’re right at the beginning of this incredible journey! You’ve probably got many questions, like where is the baby located at 4 weeks pregnant? We’re here to give you all the answers following your positive result. 

This article includes: 

• What to expect at 4 weeks pregnant 
• How big is the baby at 4 weeks pregnant? 
• Where is the baby located at 4 weeks? 
• Baby development at 4 weeks pregnant 
• Ultrasound scan at 4 weeks pregnant 
• Symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant 
• Preparing for a healthy pregnancy

What to expect at 4 weeks pregnant 

At 4 weeks pregnant, you may notice some very early signs of pregnancy. Maybe that’s what prompted you to complete a home pregnancy test. But don’t worry if you haven’t noticed any of the signs just yet. Some women go through their whole pregnancy with minimal symptoms. 

Often the first sign of pregnancy is that you missed your last period, though it can be mood swings and breast tenderness.

Pregnancy symptoms are different for everyone, and they start at different times too. That means it’s very difficult to predict how you will be feeling. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, you may find that your symptoms are similar to a previous pregnancy you’ve experienced. 

You should let your healthcare provider know you’re expecting if you haven’t already. It may be a while before you have an ultrasound scan, but you’ll be on the register for one. 

Given that you’re so early in your pregnancy journey, you should start tracking your pregnancy symptoms. This will give you a better idea if things change and also means you’re prepared for any questions throughout the pregnancy. 

You’ll find out the pregnancy week that you’re in during a pregnancy scan. Your estimated due date will be calculated using the first day of your last period date. So, if you can, it’s a good idea to have a record of these too. 

Many pregnant women use a due date calculator before their appointment to determine how far along they are. However, remember that a due date calculator is only an estimate of your final due date. This can be more accurate through scans and growth checks. 

How big is the baby at 4 weeks pregnant? 

At 4 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a poppy seed. It may seem unbelievable at this stage that in just 8 months, you’ll have grown a baby! 

With your baby being so tiny, you’re probably surprised that they can already be causing you pregnancy symptoms. That’s because your body is getting ready to support your baby’s development for the next 8 months. 

Where is the baby located at 4 weeks? 

At 4 weeks pregnant, the fertilised egg will have travelled through the fallopian tube. The egg will have started the implantation process. This means they are likely implanted into the uterine lining, where your baby begins to grow. 

At this very early stage, the newly implanted embryo is connected to a yolk sac which feeds your baby essential nutrients. The yolk sac is part of the gestational sac that is filled with amniotic fluid, which protects your baby during pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, the placenta is formed, and the baby will use this for nutrients instead of the yolk sac. 

During the implantation process, you may have some light spotting at 4 weeks pregnant. This is called implantation bleeding and may also be accompanied by cramping. This is usually nothing to worry about and doesn’t tend to last very long. 

Implantation bleeding is a good sign that your baby has arrived where it needs to be. Some women experience breast tenderness during the implantation process too. 

Pregnancy hormones are responsible for many of the changes you’re about to experience. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the main pregnancy hormone, along with progesterone, oestrogen and more. Your hCG levels at 4 weeks pregnant will rise rapidly to prepare the body for pregnancy. 

Baby development at 4 weeks pregnant

Your baby has a lot to develop over the next 8 months. Your baby is now referred to as an embryo. 

An embryo has three inner cells, which form into different layers. Each layer is responsible for developing different parts of your baby. 

Inner layer: This layer forms the stomach, gut and lungs. 

Middle layer: This layer forms the heart, bones, circulatory system and muscles. 

Outer layer: This layer forms the nervous system, brain, skin, nails and tooth enamel. 

Ultrasound scan at 4 weeks pregnant 

Not many women will be invited for an ultrasound scan at 4 weeks pregnant. However, you may be asked to attend if you are at risk of complications. 

An ultrasound at this stage will be a transvaginal ultrasound. This is because the baby is too small to be seen on a standard ultrasound scan (just the size of a poppy seed!). A transvaginal ultrasound involves a lubricated wand being inserted into the vagina. 

You should attend every prenatal appointment and scan throughout pregnancy to ensure your baby’s development is on track.

Symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant

As we said earlier, a missed period is the most common first sign of pregnancy. Some women may miss their period but still have negative pregnancy test result. If this happens, you should wait a few more days and check again. 

What other 4 weeks pregnant symptoms can you look out for? Many of them are similar to pre-menstrual symptoms, making it harder to differentiate between them. 

Sore breasts 

Breast tenderness is a common pre-menstrual symptom and can also occur during the early weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the breasts preparing to produce milk for your baby. Some women find their breasts stop hurting at 4 weeks pregnant. This may be nothing to worry about, but it should be recorded for monitoring. 

Back pain 

Having some back pain at 4 weeks pregnant is fairly common. This is because the hormones start to affect the joints and ligaments around your back. You may also have pelvic pain at 4 weeks pregnant. 

Tiredness 

Feeling more sleepy than normal, or do you feel completely exhausted? Early pregnancy might be the cause. Your body is going through many changes, so it needs all the energy it can get. Make sure that you try to rest up as much as you can throughout the pregnancy. 

Mood swings 

Wondering why you might be feeling more irritated than usual? Mood swings are commonly associated with menstrual periods, but they can also be a sign of pregnancy. If you’re feeling stressed, try and take some time out for yourself to relax. 

Mild cramping

Cramping at 4 weeks pregnant is mainly associated with implantation. Don’t forget that you may also have some light bleeding with this. You should seek professional medical advice if you are at 4 weeks pregnant and bleeding like a period. This could signify something more serious, such as an ectopic pregnancy. 

Sickness 

Whether you’re feeling sick or being sick, we know it’s not nice. Many women do experience morning sickness at some point during their pregnancy. If it hasn’t already, you might wonder, ‘when does morning sickness start?’ 

Morning sickness can start at any time, though it is typically more common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Keep an eye on your sickness in case it becomes worse. 

Don’t worry if you have no symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant – it doesn’t mean there’s a problem. Some symptoms present in the first trimester may also disappear by the second trimester.  

Preparing for a healthy pregnancy 

At 4 weeks pregnant, you should be trying to maintain a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet will support your baby’s development. You should also be avoiding food and drinks that are dangerous in pregnancy. 

It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins at this stage of pregnancy. For example, folic acid is a vitamin that should be taken until you reach the 12-week mark. After 12 weeks, folic acid does not have an effect. 

Folic acid can help to lower the risk or prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects. Vitamin D is also an excellent vitamin to take, which supports the immune system. 

Check with your midwife before you take any vitamins. They can advise you on which ones are best for your personal circumstances and how many weeks pregnant you are. 

Some gentle exercise may also provide you with some benefits in early pregnancy. For example, you could try walking or even yoga. Both of which have many physical and mental benefits. 

We wish you the best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy! Enjoy getting ready for your baby’s arrival!