You are 4 Weeks Pregnant!
(Counting from the first day of your last menstrual period)

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

Congratulations! You'll be hearing that word a lot. You may have peeked at that positive test a hundred times to make sure it hasn't mysteriously reverted to negative, but it's true. So from this point on, be a healthy machine: Eat well and exercise in moderation. Instead of lunch errands, think lunch naps. Everything you do is for two, so take a deep breath, daydream often and let your body perform its miraculous work.

Physically, you may be experiencing any of the following symptoms: missed period, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, bloating, a feeling of fullness, light cramping, poor appetite, frequent urination, and breast tenderness. If you've had some minor spotting in the past week, it may be "implantation" bleeding, which is not a cause for concern. Some women have no symptoms at all and feel absolutely wonderful. This, too, is perfectly normal.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

The fertilized egg has made its seven- to ten-day trip to the uterus, where it implants cozily into the endometrial surface. It is now called a blastocyst and it has divided into two parts. While you are reading this, the first part is forming the placenta and the second part will become the embryo. The two layers that make up the amniotic bag of waters are newly formed, and the very beginning of the connecting stalk -- which will become the umbilical cord -- has appeared. Until your placenta is fully functioning, the yolk sac, now present, will feed your baby. Basically, the "home" for your little one is under rapid construction!

EATING FOR TWO

Hopefully you have already been taking a daily prenatal vitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid. If not, start taking one now. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that reduces neural tube defects in babies and is especially critical prior to conception and during these early weeks of pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that folic acid may lower the incidence of miscarriages and reduce the likelihood of a preterm delivery. Folic acid can be found naturally in liver, fortified cereals or whole-grain breads, dried peas and beans, leafy vegetables, fruit and yeast.

Learn the Importance of Folic Acid

FACT OF THE WEEK

As soon as you discover you are pregnant, schedule your first appointment with your OB/GYN or midwife. Early prenatal care is essential. These initial weeks are some of the most important in your baby's physical development.

Find Out What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit

TOPICS OF INTEREST THIS WEEK

• Create Your Own Personalized Pregnancy Calendar
• Meet Other Moms-to-Be: Join an Expecting Club
• Find Out How Home Pregnancy Tests Work
• Learn if Vitamin-A-Rich Foods are Safe during Pregnancy
• Everything You Need to Know about Pregnancy from A to Z

Watch Video: Pain Relievers and Pregnancy

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