Fourth Month of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Growth, Diet Chart and Care Tips

Month Four: Welcome to the Golden Trimester

Welcome to the fourth month of pregnancy, covering weeks 14 to 17, and the start of the second trimester. Many moms call this the "golden" or "honeymoon" trimester, and for good reason. Nausea usually fades, energy comes back, and your baby bump starts to show.

Your baby is busy too. This month they can make faces, suck their thumb, and even hear your voice. Some moms, especially in a second pregnancy, may also feel the very first flutters of movement toward the end of this month.

In this guide you will learn:

• How your baby grows from a lemon to the size of an avocado

• What your 4 months pregnant belly looks like

• New symptoms of the second trimester and how to manage them

• The iron and calcium tablets you'll start this month, plus an Indian diet chart

• Important tests, the Td injection, sleeping positions and warning signs

How Many Weeks Is 4 Months Pregnant?

Four months pregnant covers weeks 14 to 17. It is the first month of the second trimester, which runs from week 14 to week 27.

Your Baby's Growth in Month Four: From a Lemon to an Avocado

By the end of this month, your baby is about 12 to 13 cm (5 inches) long and weighs about 110 to 120 grams (4 ounces). Their body is catching up with their head, and their movements are becoming more purposeful.

Milestones to celebrate this month

• Your baby can hear you: By week 16, the ears are developed enough to pick up sounds. Talk, sing or read to your baby.

• Facial expressions: Your baby can squint, frown and make faces, though these are still random reflexes.

• Thumb sucking: Your baby practises sucking and swallowing, skills needed for feeding after birth.

• Light sensitivity: Even with closed eyes, your baby can sense bright light and turn away from it.

• Stronger bones: The skeleton continues to change from soft cartilage to bone.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Fetal Development and NHS, 16 weeks pregnant.

4 Months Pregnant Belly: Your Bump Begins to Show

This is the month most first-time moms start to see a real baby bump. Your uterus rises out of the pelvis and, by the end of the month, you may feel its top a few finger-widths below your belly button.

Bump size varies a lot. A small or big bump at 4 months is usually normal. Your doctor checks your baby's growth through scans and belly measurements, not bump size.

Tip: Start moisturising your belly, breasts and thighs daily with a gentle oil or cream. It eases itching and keeps skin supple as it stretches.

4 Months Pregnant Symptoms: What to Expect in the Second Trimester

Many early symptoms fade this month, but new ones appear as your body and baby grow.

Also read: Pain in the anus during pregnancy · Do pregnant women fart a lot?

Can I Feel My Baby Move at 4 Months?

Possibly, but don't worry if you can't yet. Most moms first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. First-time moms often notice them only after 20 weeks, while moms in a second pregnancy may feel them earlier.

The first movements, called "quickening", feel like gentle fluttering, bubbles, or a swirling feeling low in your belly. They're easy to mistake for gas. Over the coming weeks, they'll grow into clear kicks and rolls.

Source: NHS, Your baby's movements.

Changes in Your Body and Mind This Month

Physical changes

• Weight gain begins: Most women start gaining weight steadily in the second trimester. Your doctor will track it at every visit.

• Breasts keep growing and some women notice small drops of yellowish fluid (colostrum) from the nipples. This is normal and shows your body is preparing to feed your baby.

• Hair and nails may grow faster and look thicker.

• Blood volume keeps rising, which can make you feel warm and cause visible veins.

Emotional changes

With nausea gone and your bump showing, many women feel happier, more energetic and more connected to their baby this month. It's a great time to start planning, bonding and enjoying your pregnancy.

• Talk or sing to your baby, who can now hear you.

• Plan your baby's needs and your budget with your partner.

• If you still feel anxious or low for more than two weeks, speak to your doctor.

Tests, Injections and Doctor Visits in Month Four

You will usually see your doctor once this month for a routine check-up.

Plan ahead: Ask your doctor to book your anomaly scan (level 2 or TIFFA scan), which is usually done between weeks 18 and 20. It checks your baby's organs and growth in detail.

Also read: Is it safe to take Ecosprin 150 in pregnancy? · When should you take Ecosprin 75 during pregnancy?

Fourth Month Pregnancy Diet: Eating for Your Baby's Growth Spurt

With your appetite back, it's time to focus on balanced meals. From the second trimester, your body needs a little more energy, about one extra healthy snack or small meal a day. That doesn't mean eating for two.

Supplements you'll start this month

Under India's Anemia Mukt Bharat programme, pregnant women take one iron and folic acid (IFA) tablet daily from the second trimester (60 mg iron + 500 mcg folic acid) for at least 180 days. Doctors also usually prescribe calcium tablets from this month. Source: PMC, Anemia Mukt Bharat study.

Tips for taking iron and calcium:

• Don't take iron and calcium tablets together. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours, because calcium reduces iron absorption.

• Take iron with vitamin C (lemon water, an orange or amla) to absorb it better.

• Avoid tea and coffee for 1 hour before and after your iron tablet.

• Iron can cause black stools and constipation. Eat more fibre and drink more water.

Key nutrients for month four

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Sample 4th month pregnancy diet chart (Indian)

Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day, especially now that you're taking iron tablets.

Foods to avoid in the fourth month

Source: NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy.

4 month pregnancy me kya kha sakte hai? Quick answers

Also read: 4th month pregnancy diet chart · Second trimester diet chart · Banana during pregnancy · Star fruit during pregnancy · Radish in pregnancy · Arbi in pregnancy · Aliv seeds in pregnancy · Mylo protein biscuits for pregnancy

Fourth Month Pregnancy Care: Do's and Don'ts

4 month pregnancy me kaise sona chahiye? (Best sleeping position)

Start getting used to sleeping on your side, ideally the left. It improves blood flow to your baby and eases pressure on your back. Put a pillow between your knees and one under your belly for comfort. Sleeping on your back is okay for now, but avoid it as your bump grows, especially after 28 weeks.

Can I climb stairs at 4 months pregnant? (Sidhi chadna chahiye ya nahi)

Yes, for most healthy pregnancies. Climb slowly, hold the railing, wear non-slip footwear, and don't carry heavy loads. Your doctor may advise avoiding stairs if you have a low-lying placenta, a short cervix, or a history of bleeding.

Is sex safe in the fourth month?

Yes, for a healthy pregnancy. Many women find their desire increases in the second trimester. Try comfortable positions that don't put pressure on your belly. Avoid sex if your doctor has advised against it because of bleeding, placenta previa or a risk of preterm labour.

Is it safe to travel now?

The second trimester is the best time to travel. Carry your medical records, stay hydrated, wear compression socks on long journeys, and walk every 1 to 2 hours.

Also read: When to stop bending during pregnancy

Warning Signs in the Fourth Month: When to Call Your Doctor

The second trimester is usually the most comfortable stage of pregnancy. Still, contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.

Source: NHS, Miscarriage.

Your Fourth Month Pregnancy Checklist

• Start iron and calcium tablets as prescribed

• Attend your monthly check-up (blood pressure, weight, urine, haemoglobin)

• Get your Td injection as per your doctor's schedule

• Book your anomaly (level 2) scan for weeks 18 to 20

• Buy maternity clothes and a supportive maternity bra

• Start a daily skincare routine for your belly

• Start sleeping on your side with a pregnancy pillow

• Begin pelvic floor exercises and gentle prenatal yoga

• Visit your dentist for a check-up

• Start talking and reading to your baby

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fourth Month of Pregnancy

1. How many weeks is 4 months pregnant?

Four months pregnant covers weeks 14 to 17. It is the first month of the second trimester.

2. How big is the baby at 4 months?

By the end of month four, your baby is about 12 to 13 cm (5 inches) long and weighs around 110 to 120 grams (4 ounces), about the size of a pear.

3. Does the belly show at 4 months pregnant?

Yes, most women start to see a small bump this month. In a first pregnancy, it may be quite small. Every body is different.

4. Can I feel my baby move at 4 months?

Some moms, especially in a second pregnancy, feel flutters around 16 weeks. Most first-time moms feel movements after 20 weeks.

5. What is the 4 month pregnancy injection?

It is usually the Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine, which protects you and your newborn from tetanus. Your doctor will give you the schedule.

6. Is belly tightness (pet tight hona) normal at 4 months?

Occasional, painless tightening is common as your uterus stretches. If the tightening is painful, regular, or comes with bleeding or fluid leakage, contact your doctor right away.

7. Is it normal for the breasts to leak at 4 months?

Yes. Some women notice small drops of yellowish fluid called colostrum. It's normal and nothing to worry about. Many women don't leak at all, which is also normal.

8. What is my baby's position at 4 months?

Your baby floats freely in the amniotic fluid and changes position often. Your baby's position only matters later, usually after 36 weeks.

9. When should I start iron and calcium tablets?

In India, doctors usually start iron and calcium tablets in the second trimester, from around the fourth month. Always follow your doctor's prescription.

10. Which is the best sleeping position at 4 months pregnant?

Sleeping on your side, ideally the left, is best. Use pillows between your knees and under your belly for comfort.

The Bottom Line

Month four is the start of the most enjoyable part of pregnancy for many women. Nausea fades, energy returns, your bump shows, and your baby can now hear your voice. Start your iron and calcium tablets, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and don't forget to book your anomaly scan. Next month, you'll likely feel your baby's first kicks. Stay tuned for our guide to the fifth month of pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your gynaecologist about your own pregnancy.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic: Fetal Development, Stages of Growth

2. NHS: 16 weeks pregnant

3. NHS: Your baby's movements

4. PMC: Anemia Mukt Bharat IFA supplementation study

5. NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy

6. NHS: Miscarriage