Pregnancy Tracker
Select your week to see your baby's development, how your body is changing, and what Dr. Neha recommends right now.
Week 4
Poppy seed (1–2 mm)
First Trimester
Your baby this week
- The fertilised egg has successfully implanted into the thickened uterine lining (endometrium).
- Two distinct layers are forming: the epiblast (future baby) and the hypoblast (future placenta and membranes).
- The amniotic sac — the fluid-filled sac that will cushion and protect your baby — begins forming.
- The yolk sac is the baby's first source of nutrients before the placenta takes over.
- The primitive placenta is already secreting hCG — the hormone that turns your pregnancy test positive.
How you might feel
- Mild cramping similar to period pain — this is implantation, completely normal.
- Light pink or brown spotting (implantation bleeding) in 25–30% of women.
- Breast tenderness and heaviness, sometimes with visible veins.
- Fatigue that feels out of proportion to your activity level — your body is working hard.
- A heightened sense of smell is one of the earliest pregnancy signs.
- You may feel absolutely no symptoms at all — this is equally normal.
Dr. Neha's clinical guidance for week 4
Start folic acid 400–800 mcg daily immediately if you haven't. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) — the neural tube closes between weeks 3–4. If you have a family history of neural tube defects, PCOS, or are on anti-epileptics, you need 5 mg prescribed folic acid. Do not wait for a doctor's appointment to start.
What to do — and what to watch for
Confirm your pregnancy with a urine test at home (most reliable from today). Book your first OB/GYN appointment — ideally before 8 weeks. If you've had a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, request an early scan. Any severe one-sided pain + positive test = go to emergency (rule out ectopic).
Nutrition this week (Indian diet)
Start eating folate-rich foods today: methi (fenugreek), palak (spinach), chaulai (amaranth), moong dal, rajma, and citrus fruits. Avoid raw papaya, raw pineapple, and uncooked meat. Take your prenatal vitamin with food to reduce nausea. Stay well-hydrated — aim for 2.5–3 litres of water daily.
Mental wellbeing — Mrs. Richa Kohli
A mix of joy, anxiety, disbelief, and overwhelm is completely normal in week 4. Many women feel isolated because they haven't told anyone yet. Journaling your feelings, even briefly, can help process the emotional shift. You do not need to feel happy all the time — pregnancy hormones affect mood significantly from the very first week.
Tests & scans this week
- Home urine pregnancy test (hCG) — if not done yet
- No blood tests required this week unless you had IVF or fertility treatment
Want this depth of guidance for all 40 weeks?
The 2nd and 3rd trimester guides include week-by-week baby development, nutrition plans, mental wellbeing, and Dr. Neha's clinical tips — all 40 weeks, one purchase.
Content written and reviewed by Dr. Neha Sain, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) & Mrs. Richa Kohli, MA Psychology. For personalised guidance, consult directly.
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