Month-by-Month Pregnancy & Postpartum Guide

4 Months Pregnant

Weeks 14–17 - Second Trimester

Welcome to the second trimester!

You are now entering the magical second trimester of pregnancy! Many moms report feeling their best during this stage of pregnancy. The magic happens when that morning sickness that you may have been experiencing begins to fade and energy levels start improving. Many women may begin to show around this time. It’s also completely normal if you have already begun to show, especially if this isn't your first pregnancy.

By week 15, your baby’s organs are formed and will continue to mature. Your baby's reproductive organs are developed, which means that your provider may be able to determine your baby's sex on an ultrasound. By the end of month 4 you may even feel your baby's first movements!

What’s Your Body Doing at 4 Months Pregnant?

Exciting growth and lots of stretching are occurring during month 4 of your pregnancy journey. Some physical changes you may notice include:

A small baby bump as your growing uterus begins to move up and out—this may be a good time to switch to maternity clothes!
Round ligaments stretch in the lower abdomen or groin, sometimes causing discomfort
Skin and muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby—you may even notice a few stretch marks appear
You may experience an increased sex drive (note that sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe unless your doctor or midwife has shared otherwise)
White, milky vaginal discharge called leucorrhea may be noticeable
Darkened skin patches, most often on the face, called chloasma or melasma—commonly known as "pregnancy mask"

All of these physical changes can be both exciting and somewhat startling. Remember that these changes are helping make space for your growing baby!

Mid-Pregnancy Magic

Curious why the second trimester is often a favorite? Many moms feel relief from first-trimester symptoms like nausea and fatigue as hCG levels drop and estrogen and progesterone begin to stabilize.

How You Might be Feeling at 4 Months Pregnant

The 4th month of pregnancy may bring about much-needed relief from some of those pregnancy symptoms. While many early pregnancy symptoms may begin to subside, some may persist and you may start to experience a few new ones. Some 4 month pregnancy symptoms may include:

More energy and improved mood
Possible round ligament pain or mild back discomfort
Increased thirst
Nasal congestion
Bloating, constipation, indigestion, or heartburn
Breast changes and soreness
Swollen or painful gums
May experience varicose veins—bulging blood vessels in your legs or groin due to increased blood flow (elevation and compression socks can help with this)

Things to Do in Month 4 of Pregnancy

1. Attend your routine prenatal visit

Your provider will check maternal vital signs, measure uterus growth, and baby's heartbeat.
You may be asked to schedule your anatomy ultrasound for next month.

2. Schedule a dental appointment

Dental care is important during pregnancy as swollen, painful gums can be common.

3. Set yourself up for comfort

Look into purchasing maternity clothing.
Order a pregnancy sleep pillow to help with restful sleep.

4. Consider when to tell your employer about your pregnancy

Research and understand your maternity rights and leave benefits.

5. Continue focusing on balanced nutrition and gentle exercise

Your appetite may increase—about 340 extra calories per day are required during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Continue to eat a variety of different foods which will help you to get required nutrients such as iron, calcium, and protein.
Increase fiber intake to help support digestion and decrease constipation. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great way to add fiber.
Stay hydrated! Adequate hydration keeps you energized and helps to support healthy amniotic fluid levels.
Continue a few minutes of daily exercise like walking or prenatal yoga.

We created a handy, downloadable checklist that includes the key things to do or think about this month. Simply download, save it on your phone, and bring it up whenever you need a reminder!

DOWNLOAD MONTH 4 PREGNANCY CHECKLIST

Wrap-Up

For some, weeks 14–17 of pregnancy bring sweet relief from some disruptive pregnancy symptoms, while others may still be experiencing these symptoms. Either way, it is important to stop and appreciate all that your body is doing to support the growth of your baby! Self-care during this time is so important. It can come in the form of good nutrition, mild exercise, getting outside in nature, attending your prenatal appointments, investing in good prenatal classes, or checking in on your mental health. Take some time to jot down your thoughts and experiences, and savor the beautiful moments during your 4th month of pregnancy!

FAQs

How many weeks is four months pregnant?
4 months pregnant is 14–17 weeks of pregnancy, part of the 2nd trimester.
What are the common symptoms experienced at 4 months pregnant?
Some common symptoms experienced at 4 months pregnant include increased energy and improved mood, but may also include round ligament pain, increased thirst, nasal congestion, bloating, constipation, heartburn, breast soreness, swollen gums, and varicose veins.
What should I expect during my 16-week prenatal checkup?
During your 16-week prenatal checkup, your provider will likely check your weight and blood pressure, measure your uterus to check fetal growth, listen to your baby's heartbeat with a handheld doppler, and possibly discuss any prenatal screening results. At this visit a Quad Marker Screen may also be discussed.
Are there any changes in my belly or body shape at 4 months pregnant?
Yes! There are many physical changes during month 4 of pregnancy. These changes can include a visible baby bump as your uterus grows, increased weight gain, breast enlargement, and sometimes varicose veins in the legs.
What tips can help me stay healthy during the fourth month of pregnancy?
Some tips to help you stay healthy during the 4th month of pregnancy include scheduling and attending prenatal appointments with your healthcare provider, scheduling a dental appointment, eating a healthy balanced diet, performing a few minutes of exercise daily, and focusing on stress reduction and mental health.
Is it normal to feel movement from my baby at 4 months pregnant?
Yes, it is normal to start to feel your baby's movements at 4 months pregnant. It is also normal if you have not felt those movements yet! Many women start to feel baby's movements anywhere between 16 and 24 weeks pregnant. These movements can feel subtle at first and are sometimes described as fluttering or feelings of gas.
Which warning signs should I watch out for at 4 months pregnant?
Some warning signs to watch out for during month 4 of pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or pelvic pain, extreme nausea or vomiting, persistent headaches, vision changes, dizziness/fainting, or shortness of breath. Please reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What foods should I avoid or include in my diet at 4 months pregnant?
Foods to avoid at 4 months pregnant are raw or undercooked meats, raw seafood, unpasteurized foods, fish high in mercury, deli meat, and alcohol. It is also recommended to limit caffeine intake to under 200 mg per day, which is about 1–2 cups of coffee.

Foods to include in your diet are fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Adding more fiber to your diet can help support digestion and decrease symptoms such as constipation and bloating.
How does the risk of miscarriage change at 4 months into pregnancy?
The risk of miscarriage decreases as you enter into the 4th month of pregnancy. Most miscarriages, about 80%, happen in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Risk of miscarriage in the second trimester is between 1% and 5%.
Can I travel safely at 4 months pregnant?
Yes, it is generally safe to travel at 4 months pregnant unless your provider has told you otherwise. The second trimester is often considered the best time to travel while pregnant because the risk of miscarriage decreases and some of the more uncomfortable symptoms, like morning sickness, may be subsiding.

Helpful Resources

Pregnancy Cookbook Blog

Explore recipe ideas that support everything from staying hydrated and combatting morning sickness to preparing an easy, weeknight meal.

LEARN MORE

Bump to Baby Nutrition Class

Covering all your nutrition questions from pregnancy through postpartum and breastfeeding, this class will also explore your changing nutrition needs and help you plan balanced meals.

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It Takes a Village Class

It’s so important to have a support system through your pregnancy and postpartum journey, this class will give you ideas on how to build your village and set healthy boundaries.