Discover the changes during the fourth month of pregnancy, including your baby’s development, common symptoms, physical changes, nutrition, recommended scans and essential pregnancy care tips.
The fourth month of pregnancy is an exciting stage for many expectant parents. As you enter the second trimester, your baby continues to grow, your abdomen may become more noticeable, and some early pregnancy symptoms may begin to ease. At the same time, you might notice new physical changes, changes in appetite, or occasional discomfort as your body adapts to pregnancy.
Understanding these changes can help you prepare for the coming weeks and know when to seek medical advice. Although many changes are a normal part of pregnancy, every woman’s experience is different. Your healthcare professional can guide you according to your health, symptoms and stage of pregnancy.
The fourth month generally covers weeks 14 to 17 of pregnancy, although month-to-week divisions can vary slightly. It falls within the second trimester, a period when the baby’s body continues developing and the uterus grows.
For many women, nausea and fatigue may become less troublesome than they were during the first trimester. However, these symptoms can continue, and some women may experience new discomforts, such as constipation, bloating or mild stretching sensations in the abdomen.
You may also find that your appetite changes or your clothes begin to feel tighter around the waist. These experiences can be part of the transition into the second trimester, but they do not occur in the same way for everyone.
Your baby continues to grow and develop throughout the fourth month. The body becomes more proportionate, facial features become more defined, and the arms and legs continue to develop. Bones gradually harden, and the baby makes movements that may sometimes be seen during an ultrasound examination.
The nervous system and internal organs also continue to mature. Although your baby may be moving already, you might not feel those movements yet. Some women notice gentle flutters during this period, while others feel movement later, particularly during their first pregnancy.
Your healthcare professional will monitor your pregnancy according to your individual care plan. To learn more about development at different stages, read our guide to fetal development during pregnancy.
The fourth month can bring several noticeable changes as your body adapts to pregnancy. Some common experiences include the following.
Your uterus continues to expand as your baby grows. Your abdomen may become more noticeable, although the timing and extent of visible changes vary depending on factors such as body shape, previous pregnancies and individual development.
Your breasts may feel fuller, heavier or more sensitive. These changes are related to hormonal shifts and the body’s preparation for breastfeeding. Wearing a comfortable, supportive bra may help reduce discomfort.
Some women notice that nausea and food aversions improve during the second trimester. Appetite may return as eating becomes more comfortable. However, nausea can persist, and continued vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down should be discussed with your healthcare professional.
As the uterus grows, you may experience mild pulling or stretching sensations in the lower abdomen. These can sometimes occur with changes in position or movement. Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain should not be assumed to be a normal pregnancy symptom.
Hormonal changes may cause darker areas of skin, including around the nipples or along a line down the abdomen. Some women also notice changes in facial pigmentation. Sun protection may help limit the worsening of some pigmentation changes.
Hormonal changes can slow digestion, which may contribute to constipation, gas or bloating. Drinking enough water, eating fibre-rich foods and undertaking suitable physical activity may help. Ask your healthcare professional before using laxatives or other medicines.
For further information, explore our article on physical and emotional changes during pregnancy.
Some women begin noticing early baby movements during the fourth month. These movements may feel like gentle flutters, bubbles or a light tickling sensation. Early movements can be easy to mistake for gas or digestive activity.
Many women, especially those experiencing their first pregnancy, do not recognise movements until later. Not feeling movement during the fourth month does not, by itself, mean something is wrong.
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, discuss them with your healthcare professional. Later in pregnancy, your care team can explain when movements are expected to become more regular and when changes in movement need assessment.
Regular antenatal appointments help monitor your health and your baby’s development. Depending on your medical history and stage of pregnancy, appointments may include blood pressure checks, urine testing, a review of symptoms and other assessments when appropriate.
Your healthcare professional may also recommend ultrasound examinations according to your pregnancy care plan. A detailed fetal anatomy scan is commonly performed around 18–22 weeks to assess the baby’s anatomy and development. The exact timing may vary according to local guidance and individual circumstances.
Attend the appointments recommended for you, and ask your healthcare professional about the purpose of any test or scan. You can learn more about the importance of antenatal care.
A balanced diet provides nutrients that support your health and your baby’s growth. Try to include a variety of foods rather than relying on one particular food or supplement.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Follow pregnancy food-safety advice, including avoiding alcohol, raw or undercooked animal products, and unpasteurised dairy products.
Your healthcare professional can advise you about prenatal vitamins, folic acid, iron, calcium and other supplements according to your needs. Do not start, stop or change prescribed supplements or medicines without medical advice.
Simple habits may help you feel more comfortable during the fourth month.
There is no single routine that suits every pregnancy. Your healthcare professional can recommend adjustments based on your health and any pregnancy-related risks.
Pregnancy can bring excitement, uncertainty and changes in mood. You may feel more confident as some early symptoms ease, or you may still feel worried about your baby’s development. Both physical and emotional experiences can vary.
Talking openly with your partner, family or a trusted healthcare professional may help. You can also begin bonding with your baby by talking, reading or taking quiet moments to reflect on your pregnancy.
If persistent sadness, anxiety or emotional distress affects your daily activities, speak with your healthcare professional. Support is available, and you do not need to manage difficult feelings alone.
Many changes during the fourth month are expected, but certain symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
Contact your healthcare professional if you experience vaginal bleeding, persistent or severe abdominal pain, fluid leaking from the vagina, fever, or pain when urinating. Seek urgent medical care for heavy bleeding, intense pain, a severe headache or changes in vision.
If vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down, seek medical advice because dehydration may develop. You should also discuss any symptom that feels unusual or causes concern rather than assuming it is part of a normal pregnancy.
The fourth month of pregnancy brings ongoing changes as your baby develops and your body adapts. Learning what to expect, eating a balanced diet, maintaining suitable daily habits and attending antenatal appointments can help you prepare for the next stage.
Every pregnancy is different, so personalised medical guidance is important. If you have questions about symptoms, scans or pregnancy care, speak with your healthcare professional. You can also learn more about Dr.Aravind’s IVF Fertility & Pregnancy Centre and its services.
By the 4th month, the baby grows fast with hard bones, face shapes, and movement. The mom's belly gets bigger as her womb gets wider. Morning sickness often goes down, and she may feel more full of energy. Some women might sense the first light moves of the baby.
Yes. The fourth month generally falls within the second trimester and is commonly associated with weeks 14 to 17. The exact week ranges used to describe pregnancy months may vary slightly.
Some women notice a growing abdomen, breast changes, changes in appetite, constipation, bloating or mild abdominal stretching. Nausea and fatigue may improve, but they can continue in some pregnancies.
Yes. Many women do not notice baby movements this early, particularly during a first pregnancy. The timing varies, and not feeling movement during the fourth month alone does not establish whether a pregnancy is progressing normally.
The scans recommended depend on your gestational age and care plan. A detailed fetal anatomy scan is commonly scheduled around 18–22 weeks. Your healthcare professional will advise you about the appropriate timing.
Avoid alcohol, raw or undercooked animal products, and unpasteurised dairy products. Follow food-safety guidance and ask your healthcare professional about foods or supplements that may need to be limited or avoided for your individual circumstances.
Many pregnant women can continue or begin suitable physical activity, such as walking, if their healthcare professional has not advised otherwise. The type and intensity of exercise should be appropriate for your health and pregnancy.
Seek prompt medical advice for vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, fluid leakage, fever or pain when urinating. Heavy bleeding, severe pain, a severe headache or vision changes require urgent assessment.
