Pregnancy 4 weeks - fetal development
The forming amnion then gradually transforms into the amniotic sac (with amniotic fluid). At week 4, the umbilical cord also forms, ensuring free movement of the embryo in the amniotic sac.
The fact that the egg is divided into germ layers will ensure the future formation of all systems and organs of your baby. Each of the layers of the embryonic disc is responsible for the creation of a specific group of organs, tissues and systems of the child. So, from the ectoderm, the outer germ layer, the baby’s skin, hair and nails, tooth enamel, epithelium of the ears, nose, and eyes are subsequently formed. These same cells form the basis of the neural tube of the spinal cord.
The inner layer, the endoderm, which forms the liver, organs of the respiratory and digestive systems, bladder, and lungs, works to create the baby’s internal organs. The cells of the mesoderm, the middle germ layer, are responsible for the construction of other organs. Thanks to them, the heart and large vessels, blood and lymph, the muscular system and cartilage, kidneys, gonads, and spine will begin to form.
During the 4th week of pregnancy, the future baby’s heart transforms into a two-chamber one. The baby’s head is already beginning to form, and many organs along with it.
The embryo already lives and feeds entirely at the expense of the mother’s body. The placenta gives him not only the water, air, minerals, salts and vitamins necessary for life, but also supplies him with protective maternal antibodies and removes his waste products.
Now the woman’s heart, circulatory system, and kidneys are working under increased load, working for two.
For now, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy, but from the 12th week this function will be performed by a fully formed placenta. Your baby is developing at a rapid pace. The length of the embryo is about 5 mm, and the weight at the 4th week of pregnancy is in the range of 0.4-0.5 g.
Symptoms indicating pregnancy
So, your pregnancy is 4 weeks. During this period, active changes also occur with the expectant mother. They may be unnoticeable externally, but inside a woman’s body serious transformations are in full swing. Main signs of pregnancy at 4 weeks:
- visually the woman’s mammary glands swell and enlarge, some soreness in the nipples may occur,
- the waist becomes a little wider,
- increased weakness, irritability,
- change in appetite, in which some are ready to eat a lot and constantly, while others complain of lost appetite,
- taste preferences change, during this period a woman may be “craving for salty”
- possible disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract,
- odor intolerance, nausea, and so on.
It also happens that the fourth week of pregnancy is underway, and the woman does not notice any obvious symptoms of her current situation. In any case, you should take care of sufficient rest, walk longer and more often in the fresh air, move, adjust your diet and work schedule, and pay attention to your emotional state. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you are taking care of your future baby! Now you should take complex vitamins for pregnant women with folic acid included in their composition. It will be great if from now on the lion's share of household chores falls on the shoulders of the future dad.
Period
Menstruation during pregnancy in healthy women is impossible for physiological reasons, since during menstruation the unfertilized egg is exfoliated. Bleeding during pregnancy is a pathology.
Why do you get your period after three weeks?
Menstruation during pregnancy can occur for various reasons, but this phenomenon is not considered normal and requires medical intervention.
Some of the reasons pose a danger not only to the fetus, but also to the mother; they cannot be ignored.
Causes of bleeding after three weeks of gestation:
- Miscarriage.
- Change in hormonal levels.
- Death of the embryo.
- Inflammatory processes.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
Often these complications manifest themselves in the form of bleeding during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Heavy bleeding indicates problems with pregnancy; there is a high risk of spontaneous abortion in the first month.
What is the difference between discharge during pregnancy and menstruation?
Normally, after conception, menstruation stops and does not occur during pregnancy. Bloody discharge may be implantation. They differ from menstruation - they are not abundant and do not last for a long time.
Discharge at 4 weeks of pregnancy
Discharge during this period of pregnancy, if its consistency, smell and color does not radically change, can be considered a common occurrence. Don't panic if your discharge becomes a little heavier, this is normal and can easily be explained by increased blood flow and hormonal changes in your body. The color of the discharge is clear or whitish, and there may be a slightly perceptible sour odor.
If you are 4 weeks pregnant - brown discharge, discharge of an unhealthy gray-green or yellowish color occurs, and there is also an unpleasant pungent odor and a consistency similar to curdled flakes, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Such changes in discharge, as a rule, can be a sign of the development of a genital infectious disease.
Brown discharge during pregnancy: is it a pathology?
Brown discharge during pregnancy can be normal or pathological, but in any case it requires immediate medical attention.
At different stages, this phenomenon has its own explanation, and at the same time it gives the expectant mother a feeling of acute discomfort and disturbing thoughts about the worst.
In order not to get lost in guesswork, it’s time to find out what is causing brown discharge in early or late pregnancy.
Features of the first trimester
In the early stages of pregnancy, brown discharge may well not pose any danger.
So, brown discharge during pregnancy of 4–5 weeks does not cause suspicion in the expectant mother, since she is not even aware of her “interesting situation.”
What happens in the body? At this stage, the fertilized egg is attached to the uterine cavity, and the appearance of a small volume of pink or light pink liquid is possible.
Brown discharge during pregnancy of 5-6 weeks is suspicious, so you should immediately consult a doctor - there may be a threat of miscarriage or intrauterine pathologies.
As a rule, a woman does not associate brown discharge during pregnancy of 2–6 weeks with successful fertilization, but attributes it to the arrival of the next menstruation.
Of course, it’s still too early, but the menstrual cycle is not always stable, so there is no reason to panic.
But, when the situation returns to normal, the expectant mother understands that this is not a sign of menstruation, but what? The doctor will tell you at an unscheduled consultation! It is also worth turning to him for help if brown discharge appears during pregnancy at 8 or 9 weeks and the woman already knows about conception.
If brown discharge during pregnancy at 6, 7, 8, 9 weeks disturbs the peace of the expectant mother, and is accompanied by pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, then this is an alarming sign of a threatened miscarriage.
If you have complaints, you must urgently contact your local gynecologist, and then go to the hospital without resistance. Brown discharge during pregnancy 11–13 weeks also does not exclude spontaneous expulsion of the fetus from the uterus and requires medical attention.
To know what kind of discharge is generally considered normal during pregnancy, we recommend that you read this article.
Features of the second trimester
Unusual discharge during the second trimester may be due to placental pathology.
If brown discharge during pregnancy at 12–13 weeks is alarming with its intensity, it is possible that there is an ectopic pregnancy.
Ideally, this symptom becomes apparent at an earlier date, and the fact can be established only based on the results of the first ultrasound. Delay in this matter poses a threat to the life of the expectant mother, and doctors do not rule out death.
The problem of brown discharge during pregnancy at 14 weeks can also worsen and threaten the further life of the fetus.
Brown discharge during pregnancy at 15, 16, 17, 18 weeks may be a consequence of improper placement of the placenta. The fact is that the constantly growing uterus puts increased pressure on the low-lying placenta, deforms and breaks some of its vessels.
A progressive anomaly provokes minor bleeding, which may intensify.
Brown discharge associated with this pathology can appear at 20, 22 weeks of pregnancy, and later, and necessarily becomes the reason for admitting the patient to the hospital.
Brown discharge during pregnancy 4 - 5 months (23, 24, 25, 26, 27 weeks of pregnancy) can also be caused by the presence of an infection that negatively affects the intrauterine development of the fetus.
Conservative treatment during hospitalization is mandatory, but first of all, the leading gynecologist must clinically determine the etiology of the pathological process and identify the pest.
In addition, brown discharge during pregnancy of 6–7 months can be a consequence of cervical erosion, so this issue must be resolved during the period of planning offspring.
Important! If in the early stages, discharge mixed with blood may not pose a danger to the fetus, then in the second trimester they most often indicate pathology and require immediate consultation with a doctor.
Feelings of the expectant mother
All that can be said about the feelings of a future mother at 4 weeks of pregnancy is that they are not the most pleasant. So, in addition to the above signs and symptoms, emotional and physiological changes in sensations cause some discomfort.
A woman is not only uncomfortable with swollen breasts and the wonderful changes that occur with her appetite, but she is also accompanied by constant fatigue. Sometimes, already by the 4th week of pregnancy, you notice increased fatigue: you wake up in the morning so exhausted, as if you had not slept all night, and throughout the day you are haunted by terrible drowsiness.
Against this background of constant fatigue, apathy appears, all interest is lost even in your favorite activity. All this is accompanied by increased irritability. A woman’s behavior can become completely unpredictable: a minute ago she was calm and apathetic, and suddenly an “explosion” occurs - here you have whims, tears, and causeless irritability and nervousness. It seems that there is no reason for such behavior of the expectant mother, but in fact, all these phenomena are easily explained by the fact that a woman’s body is currently undergoing a major hormonal transformation.
Therefore, calm down, relax and watch the fascinating video “Pregnancy 4 weeks”, and those close to you should be patient and understand your mood swings.
Determining the term
There are two main ways to calculate the period - obstetric and embryonic. In the first case, the beginning of pregnancy is the first day of the last menstruation. This method is considered universal; all gynecologists use it. Based on it, the date of birth is calculated.
The second option is as follows: beginning – the first day of the last menstruation + 14 days. When calculating the true period of pregnancy from conception, it is believed that ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle.
Signs and symptoms
At 4 weeks of pregnancy, there should normally be no bleeding. Therefore, one of the signs is a delay in menstruation, despite the presence of symptoms characteristic of this process. A variant of the norm is the appearance of implantation bleeding.
The breasts swell and the nipples may become more vulnerable and painful. These changes are associated with the restructuring of hormones. Mood and eating habits may change, fatigue and drowsiness may appear.
Feelings after three weeks
Each woman’s sensations are different - some do not notice any changes, others see significant changes in the body and general condition. Nagging pain in the abdominal area is possible, especially in those girls who have had painful periods before. You should pay attention to this symptom - perhaps the tone of the uterus is increased, there is a risk of freezing the process of pregnancy and miscarriage.
Can there be spotting during pregnancy after three weeks?
Leucorrhoea that is colorless and odorless and thick is considered normal. Bloody and brown discharge indicates the development of pathological processes. Such discharge may be mistaken for menstruation, but it is often a symptom of spontaneous abortion. Various factors lead to freezing at such an early stage - infections, alcohol, physical activity.
Types of vaginal discharge
During the first months of bearing a child, the female body experiences stress and changes in the concentration of hormones occur. These processes can lead to vaginal discharge. As a result, leucorrhoea appears that has a different color, viscosity and volume.
Bloody
Bloody discharge in women in the fourth week of pregnancy is often mistaken for the beginning of menstruation. They are accompanied by symptoms similar to this process. A small amount of pinkish leucorrhoea may be implantation bleeding - one of the signs of conception.
Heavy bleeding indicates a pathological process. They may be a symptom of a miscarriage. If they occur, you should seek medical help.
Brown
As a result of changes in hormonal levels, brown discharge and smears may appear at 4 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, they are considered normal if they are odorless and are separated in a small volume and do not cause pain or discomfort. If they appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Light
White or colorless discharge in women in the fourth week of pregnancy after conception, without odor or pain, is considered normal. During pregnancy, it is recommended to carefully monitor the hygiene of the external genitalia. You should listen to the advice of doctors.
Yellow
Yellowish or greenish spotting with an odor at 4 weeks of pregnancy is a sign of the development of an infection. They are often accompanied by deterioration in health, fever, and pain.
To determine the cause of symptoms and make a diagnosis, the doctor takes a swab from the vagina for laboratory testing. This reveals the presence of pathogenic microflora that caused inflammation. Based on the results, treatment is developed and antibacterial drugs are prescribed.
White curds
White discharge similar to cottage cheese in the fourth week of pregnancy is the main sign of candidiasis. Pathology develops due to Candida fungi. They actively reproduce if a woman’s immune system is suppressed. Leucorrhoea is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor and itching in the genital area.
At the first signs of thrush, you should contact a gynecologist to begin treatment as early as possible. In this case, there is a higher chance of a favorable result. Most treatment methods effectively cope with pathologies without causing harm to the fetus.
Ultrasound at 4 weeks of pregnancy
You know that the optimal period for conducting a pregnancy test to obtain more accurate results is the 5th week, but an actual pregnancy can be established by the end of the 4th week. If at the beginning of the fourth week the level of the hCG hormone was still insignificant, then at the end of the week a blood test for the presence of this hormone will already be able to determine the presence of pregnancy.
But an ultrasound examination at 4 weeks of pregnancy can unconditionally confirm this very pregnancy. At this stage, the embryo has already firmly established itself in the uterus, and the ultrasound machine is quite capable of showing it. You can probably ask your doctor to take a photo of an ultrasound at 4 weeks of pregnancy.
The main thing is that the doctor will determine what kind of pregnancy is taking place (uterine or ectopic), how the corpus luteum grows and develops.
In practice, ultrasound is performed extremely rarely at the 4th week of pregnancy, and even more so, practically no photos are taken at 4 weeks of pregnancy. And the point here is not that this procedure is contraindicated, it’s just that at this stage many women are just beginning to suspect their new situation and, first of all, run to purchase an express test.
Brown discharge during early pregnancy: with and without odor
The most important and exciting period of pregnancy is the first trimester.
At this time, all organs and systems of the fetus are actively formed, the woman’s body is completely rebuilt, and the risk of pregnancy failure is highest. When brown discharge appears, a woman begins to panic; she does not know what to think or what to do right.
Today in the article we will talk about the reasons for the appearance of brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy and find out whether this always poses a threat to the fetus.
Now let's look at this in more detail.
When is brown discharge normal during pregnancy?
In the first weeks of pregnancy, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus, and the placenta and amniotic sac form. The female body undergoes serious changes related to the functioning of hormones.
A pregnant woman's body acts like a well-oiled mechanism, tuned to the birth of a healthy baby.
However, even the most accurate watch sometimes fails, the woman notices the appearance of brown discharge and does not know whether this is normal or not.
In fact, the appearance of any discharge during pregnancy is an alarming signal that requires prompt consultation with a doctor.
Despite the fact that brown discharge may be a normal physiological phenomenon, you yourself will not understand the reasons and will not identify the danger; only a doctor will be able to reassure you or prescribe the necessary examination.
However, in order for you to understand the situation and navigate the problem, below we will talk about the reasons that cause the appearance of brown discharge in the early stages.
Brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy can be of a varied nature; you should not always be afraid of it. During the period of attachment of the fertilized cell to the wall of the uterus, 7-12 days after sexual intercourse, a woman may experience a translucent brownish discharge; it is physiological in nature and is called implantation bleeding in medicine.
A slight dark spot may be observed on the days when a woman had her period before pregnancy. This is a hormonal process that is not dangerous to the fetus. Another cause of brown discharge is placental abruption. Detachment, in which slight spotting is observed, is not dangerous if it did not last long and stopped on its own.
Brown discharge as a primary symptom of pregnancy
The very first symptom that indicates a possible conception is light brown translucent discharge that appears 7-12 days after intercourse. They do not always occur and not for everyone, but even women who have a brownish “daub” often do not notice it or believe that it is their period that started prematurely.
The amount of discharge is different for everyone, sometimes a few brown drops may appear on the underwear, and sometimes the discharge resembles menstruation. Few people pay attention to light, painless discharge, so girls usually find out about their pregnancy after a delay.
The reason for this phenomenon is the hormones that are produced by the ovaries and the corpus luteum; the discharge disappears immediately after the woman’s body gets used to its new position.
Implantation of a fertilized egg
After sexual intercourse, the sperm enters the egg, it is closed by a dense membrane and begins its journey through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
The journey takes approximately 7-12 days, depending on the woman’s hormonal background.
At this time, there are still no symptoms of pregnancy, but when the zygote attaches to the wall of the uterus, a radical hormonal change in the body begins.
At this moment it is already possible to say with confidence that pregnancy has occurred. During implantation of the egg into the uterus, progesterone is released, which softens the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and light brown or pink translucent discharge may appear (implantation bleeding).
The uterine mucosa becomes tender and sensitive, so during the attachment of the zygote, microtears occur, which provokes brown discharge.
Please note that implantation occurs within one day, while brown discharge should be painless and stop within two days.
If you notice similar discharge, then in the coming days (before your potential period) it is advisable to limit physical activity, try not to be nervous and avoid stress, so that the egg has a better chance of successfully implanting in the uterus.
Mucus plug in the cervix
In the late stages of pregnancy, brown discharge is a harbinger of labor. The mucus plug protects the pregnant woman’s body from infections and harmful substances. However, at the end of pregnancy, preparations for the birth of the child are in full swing, a lot of estrogen is produced, which softens the mucus and the plug comes out.
Where does the mucus plug come from? With the onset of pregnancy, the body adjusts to protect the embryo; for this purpose, special mucus is formed in the cervix, sealing the cervical canal. Now pathogenic organisms and infections cannot penetrate into the uterus.
Another task of the mucus plug is to stabilize the necessary microflora of the vagina and create an ideal environment for fetal development. Periodically, old cells are separated from the plug, which are excreted in the early stages in the form of brown discharge.
The shade depends on the amount of the hormone progesterone and ranges from light brown to rich brown.
"Memory" of the female reproductive system
Sometimes a pregnant woman experiences brown discharge during the period corresponding to the onset of her period. This is due to low levels of progesterone, which is also called the pregnancy hormone. It turns out that the body does not notice pregnancy and continues to live according to its usual schedule.
On the one hand, this phenomenon does not pose a serious threat to the fetus, but low levels of progesterone can be dangerous for pregnancy. Despite the fact that for some women such discharge continues almost until childbirth, it is advisable to observe bed rest during these days or exercise a minimum of physical activity.
Depending on the level of progesterone, treatment of the pregnant woman may continue in the hospital.
Brown discharge during pregnancy - pathology of a woman’s condition
Often brown discharge is pathological in nature, you should be especially alarmed if the pad has to be changed every hour, and the bleeding is accompanied by pain.
In this case, immediately call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. Even minor discharge without odor or pain is a serious reason to consult a gynecologist - it’s better to be safe than to lose your child.
Timely medicine increases the chances of maintaining pregnancy and re-conception.
Very rarely, a chromosomal malfunction occurs, as a result of which connective tissue covered with vesicles is formed instead of the placenta. This phenomenon is called “skid”; it can be hollow or partial.
With a partial pregnancy, there is a chance to save the pregnancy, because part of the placenta forms normally, but with a complete pregnancy, the fetus dies at an early stage of development, so it is important to carry out curettage in time to preserve the possibility of re-conception.
Symptoms of the pathology are brown discharge, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
Violation of the attachment of the fertilized egg
The egg moves through the fallopian tubes with the help of special villi, and when it enters the uterine cavity, it is attached to the wall. However, mistakes happen, sometimes the hormonal system malfunctions and the fertilized egg takes a position near the os of the uterus.
While the embryo is small, the problem is invisible, but as the fetus grows, the woman begins to experience nagging pain and brown discharge.
Incorrect placement of the placenta in medical practice is called previa and is characterized by a high risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Ectopic pregnancy
Usually the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus, but sometimes the zygote implants outside the uterus.
It is almost impossible to determine this at the initial stage, because all the signs of pregnancy are similar, and the test shows two stripes. An ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening for a woman and makes further conception impossible.
A timely diagnosed ectopic pregnancy allows you to save the tube and become pregnant again.
Most often, with pathology, the egg is implanted in the fallopian tube, and sometimes in the ovaries, cervix or abdominal cavity. Therefore, if sharp abdominal pain occurs in combination with brown discharge, you should immediately go to the hospital.
On an ultrasound, the doctor will see where the egg is located - if there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor carefully examines not only the uterus, but also all areas where the egg can attach.
After this, an operation is performed to remove the embryo; if it is already large, it can rupture the tube, so it is necessary to remove the embryo along with the tube.
Gynecological diseases
Brown discharge may indicate cervical erosion. Small ulcers form on the mucous membrane of the cervix, which do not cause pain or discomfort, so the woman may not even be aware of the presence of erosion.
Often gynecological diseases develop against the background of hormonal imbalance, as a result of which a woman cannot become pregnant or the pregnancy is accompanied by complications. Dark brown discharge may be associated with uterine fibroids or fibroids, endometriosis, or cervical canal polyps.
Please note that gynecological diseases can cause miscarriage or missed abortion, so if any brown discharge appears, a thorough examination is necessary.
Sexual infections
Infectious diseases can also cause brown discharge. Specific symptoms appear that indicate the pathological nature of the bleeding. This may include an unpleasant odor, itching, burning or abdominal pain.
During pregnancy, immunity decreases, and dormant microorganisms awaken or poorly treated old infections worsen.
At the stage of pregnancy planning, it is advisable to undergo a routine examination and treat all diseases, because they are dangerous not only for the pregnant woman, but also for the fetus.
Detachment of a fertilized egg
The course of pregnancy is regulated by hormones, so hormonal imbalance can lead to fetal loss.
For example, a lack of progesterone leads to the fact that the egg cannot stay on the wall of the uterus and the zygote detaches, which is accompanied by dark brown or scarlet discharge (the vessels of the uterine mucosa are injured). If the discharge is accompanied by pain, this indicates a threat of miscarriage.
Fading pregnancy
The risk of frozen pregnancy occurs from conception to 28 weeks, but in the early stages it can go undetected for a long time.
A frozen fetus causes general intoxication of the body, which has dangerous consequences. Symptoms of a frozen pregnancy may include brown discharge, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
A doctor can diagnose the pathology using an ultrasound, which shows a discrepancy in the size of the embryo and the absence of a heartbeat.
Cervical erosion and vaginal microtrauma
The vaginal mucosa during pregnancy becomes very vulnerable and is easily injured, so small brownish discharge may indicate damage to the vaginal mucosa. This can happen during sexual intercourse or after an appointment with a gynecologist. Often, discharge appears in the presence of a polyp or erosion of the cervix.
Spontaneous miscarriage
One of the main signs of spontaneous abortion is brown discharge.
Miscarriage can occur up to the 20th week of pregnancy due to gynecological diseases or problems with the genitourinary system, heavy physical activity, hormonal imbalance, genetic disorders and Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus.
If a woman immediately seeks help, the fetus can be saved, but if open bleeding begins, there is no chance of maintaining the pregnancy.
What to do if brown discharge appears
Any vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a reason to contact your doctor. If the discharge is accompanied by pain, nausea, or loss of consciousness, you should call an ambulance and go to the hospital.
Small brown discharge in the early stages is due to many reasons; only a gynecologist can interpret them correctly. A woman should undergo the necessary examinations on time and not delay visiting a doctor if unusual situations arise.
Modern medicine in most cases allows you to maintain a pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
Source: https://zdorrov.com/beremennost/korichnevye-vydeleniya-na-rannih-srokah.html
