16-week pregnant | 4 months pregnant: baby development & diet tips
If you could see inside yourself and watch your growing baby, you might soon see him sucking his thumb! He has finally managed to get it into his mouth. Read more about what happens when you are 4 months pregnant
BABY DEVELOPMENT
If you haven’t already, at 4 months pregnant, it is possible that you feel your baby move for the first time this week (or in the coming weeks). These movements are still very light, so don’t expect massive sensations. Be on the lookout for what feels like butterfly wings inside or small bubbles in your belly. It is exciting and wonderful when it happens.
YOUR BODY
At 4 months pregnant, if you have been experiencing craving you might be wondering if it’s because you are lacking nutrients. No, it is simply a hormone-related side effect of pregnancy. You've probably noticed that certain foods seem "different" or less appetizing. Others, however, feel like they are indispensable! Welcome to your body while pregnant. No rhyme or reason to it. Just do your best to think “moderation” in all you eat. Try and balance treating yourself with taking care of yourself and your growing child.
NUTRITION
At 4 months pregnant, Vitamin A is important when you are pregnant but in just the right amounts, neither too much nor too little. Cryptic enough for you? Excessive intake could be harmful to your developing baby. Know that some skin treatments that contain Vitamin A are forbidden for pregnant women. Foods to eat that are rich in Vitamin A include milk and dairy products, butter, eggs (the yolks in particular), bright vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes or carrots, and orange and yellow fruits (apricots, melon, mango).
TIPS
By around month six, it may be recommended that you and your partner go to an ante-natal class to start to prepare for your baby’s birth, especially if this is your first baby (or if your first baby was born ages ago!). You will learn about the birth, and about pain relief, breathing, and relaxation techniques. At 4 months pregnant, a visit to a delivery room, exercises for fitness in pregnancy, answers to your questions about breastfeeding and many other really useful things can also be on the programme. Ante-natal classes are the ideal opportunity to get to know other mothers or couples as well. Who better to share your experience with?
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