Pregnancy Week 4: Fetal Development, Choosing Your OB-GYN or Midwife & Dad-to-Be by 30Seconds Pregnancy

About Baby

Welcome to the embryonic period. Your embryo is about the size of a poppy seed and is going through remarkable changes. Your poppy seed is actually two layers right now called the epiblast and the hypoblast. Until about 10 weeks, your baby’s organs will be developing. The layers will become hair, skin, eyes, nervous system, heart, reproductive organs, bones, muscles … you get the idea. All our vital parts. The amniotic sac – your baby’s home for nine months – has made its appearance along with the yolk sac that makes red blood cells and gives the placenta a hand until it’s ready to take over.

Photo: An embryo at week 4 of development

About Mom

If you got a negative on your pregnancy test, now’s a good time to take another one. If you have already got a positive result, you should for sure have a doctor’s appointment date on your calendar. Don’t have an OB-GYN or midwife? Asking the right questions to prospective doctors can help you choose the right one for you. Here are some to ask:

• Do you accept my insurance?
• How long have you been in practice?
• Will I be able to see you at every appointment or will I rotate between providers?
  
• What are the chances of you actually delivering my baby?
• How much time do you allot for each visit?
• What hospitals are you affiliated with? Where would I deliver?
• What are the after-hours policies? Are you available by phone or is there a nurse who can provide advice and answers?
• What prenatal tests do you recommend?

Here are even more questions you should ask your OB-GYN and yourself. 

About Dad

Between pregnancy tests, picking an OB/GYN and envisioning the face of your baby-to-be, let’s not forget Dad. This is a special time in his life, too, and he may have a wide variety of feelings ranging from scared to excited to anxious. The best thing Dad can do is get involved in the pregnancy right from the beginning and start to prepare for how to stay involved down the road. Dad can…

• Attend prenatal appointments.
• Talk about the pregnancy with Mom-to-be.
• Go shopping for baby gear together.
• Attend childbirth classes together.

But that’s not all! Here are other ways dad can be involved (really involved!) during the pregnancy.

Not sure what to expect during the first trimester of pregnancy, Dad-to-be? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says, “During the first trimester (the first 13 weeks), most women need more rest than usual. They may have symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Although commonly known as ‘morning sickness,’ these symptoms can occur at any time during the day or night. Early pregnancy can be an emotional time for a woman. Mood swings are common. It is not unusual for you to have ups and downs as well. Pregnancy and parenthood are huge life changes, and it can take time for you to adjust. Listen to your partner and offer support.” The first trimester in a nutshell! You’ll be fine, Dad!

Bump Talk

“Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.” – Catherine Jones

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