First Trimester - Week 4
Your Baby is now the size of a Poppyseed
The ball of cells, now known as a blastocyst, is settling into its new home (your uterus). The ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta. The embryo now has three distinct layers that will grow into specialized parts of your baby’s body. The endoderm, will develop into your baby’s digestive system, liver and lungs. The mesoderm, will be your baby’s heart, sex organs, bones, kidneys and muscles. The ectoderm, will eventually form your baby’s nervous system, hair, skin and eyes. The amniotic sac and fluid are forming into a protective cushioning for your baby.
Your Body
At week 4, your body is transforming rapidly however chances are you are oblivious to it all. Some women do experience early pregnancy symptoms similar to PMS symptoms (mood swings, bloating, cramping) however many feel no change at all.
Common Symptoms:
- Implantation Bleeding - Don’t be alarmed if you are spotting this week, a small percentage of women experience spotting right around the time you are scheduled to have your period. This is a common sign that the embryo has implanted itself into the uterine wall.
- PMS like symptoms – Early pregnancy symptoms are like PMS symptoms only a little more exaggerated! Do you have tender/sore boobs? Feeling bloated? Having mood swings? Increased progesterone and estrogen are coursing through your system and causing these symptoms.
