4 Months Pregnant - What to Expect
Discover the exciting things you may expect in your fourth month of pregnancy and second trimester.
At 4 months pregnant, you’re now in your second trimester, and many women consider this trimester the most comfortable of the three. Morning sickness may be subsiding, but you may start to experience heartburn and some nasal congestion. You may also begin to notice one of the more pleasant mom-to-be experiences—a radiant pregnancy glow. Let’s explore some of the exciting ways your body and baby are changing as you reach this next milestone in your pregnancy journey.
At 4 months pregnant, what might you be experiencing?
Heartburn
Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone, can be common at this point in your pregnancy. To help ease heartburn, try eating smaller meals throughout the day, cutting back on spicy and greasy foods, and avoiding lying down right after eating. Don’t take an antacid without speaking to your doctor first, as some may be unsafe for pregnancy, and other medications may be available.
You'll also want to reach out to your doctor if your heartburn is waking you up at night, you have trouble swallowing, or you’re concerned about any other health issue.
Nasal congestion
You could feel extra stuffy during the fourth month of pregnancy. This common experience may be characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip. Plus, the blood vessels in your nose may be more fragile, which could make you more prone to minor nosebleeds.
Using a humidifier may provide some help. If your congestion is causing you to lose sleep or you’re concerned about your breathing, talk to your doctor. They may recommend saline nasal drops or another remedy.
Dental issues
Pregnancy-related hormones may cause some women to develop gum inflammation, tenderness, redness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
To help minimize potential gum issues, practice good oral health throughout your pregnancy, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Consider using a soft toothbrush and rinsing with warm salt water if your gums are irritated. Contact your dentist if you have severe discomfort or have any other concerns or questions about your dental health.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks, which look like bands of indented lines across the skin, often on the stomach, breasts, buttocks, and thighs, are typical during pregnancy. These sometimes-itchy marks occur when abrupt weight gain or growth stretches the skin quickly. The marks may be red, purple, or brown and are not harmful to you or your baby.
While you may be unable to avoid stretch marks, moisturizing your skin, drinking plenty of water, and exercising can help support your skin’s health and elasticity. Stretch marks often fade after pregnancy.
Pregnancy glow
At 4 months pregnant, you may begin to enjoy one of the more pleasant pregnancy experiences known as the "pregnancy glow." That bright, rosy, and luminous skin is believed to be hormones increasing blood flow to your skin and upping its oil production. Bask in the gorgeous mom-to-be glow! If that extra oil is triggering breakouts, talk with your doctor about pregnancy-safe options.
Other common experiences at 4 months pregnant
A few of the issues you were experiencing during your first trimester may continue during your fourth month, such as breast sensitivity and vaginal discharge. But good news! You may be over the morning sickness hump and starting to feel better. And as the queasiness subsides, your energy may also increase.
Your 4-month pregnant belly bump
You may have a noticeable bump at the end of your fourth month of pregnancy. If not, that’s OK, as every woman is different. You'll typically have that precious belly show within the next few weeks. As your baby grows, so will your uterus, expanding to about the size of a papaya during the second trimester.
Fetal development during the fourth month of pregnancy
Your baby's facial features have formed and so have their eyelashes and eyelids. Your little one can squint, make faces, and suck their tiny thumb, which now has nails like their other digits.
The nervous system is running, and the genitalia is fully formed. Speaking of which—if you've been waiting patiently to find out if you’re having a boy or girl, your doctor may be able to make the exciting gender reveal during your next ultrasound. At 4 months pregnant, the fetus is about the size of an avocado.
Pregnancy checklist for month 4
- Spread the happy news! If you’ve been keeping your pregnancy under wraps, now may be the time to let family and friends know about your little bun in the oven.
- Decide if you and your partner want to know your baby’s gender—and if you want to throw a fun gender-reveal party.
- Continue maintaining healthy habits, taking prenatal vitamins, and drinking plenty of fluids.
- If you don’t already do so, try to start sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your stomach and back will likely become more difficult as your belly gets bigger. You may want to explore pregnancy pillows for some additional comfort and support.
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings
The months are going by fast and you’re already in the second trimester. Enfamil Family Beginnings can help you get ready for the amazing changes pregnancy and parenthood will bring. It’s the perfect resource for new and expecting moms. Save on Enfamil products, track your bump and baby’s growth, and get helpful articles each week relevant to your journey. Join now.
Frequently asked questions about the fourth month of pregnancy
How many weeks is 4 months pregnant?
Will you feel the baby move at 4 months pregnant?
Is there a 4-month ultrasound?
