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Fourth Month of Pregnancy: The fourth month of pregnancy is close to the middle of the entire pregnancy process. During this month, the little baby bump in your stomach begins to grow as the rate of growth of the fetus increases during this period. When viewing the fetus through ultrasound imaging, one can begin to notice the fetus becoming more and more like the baby that will be delivered in five months time. The body begins to get more defined with the fingers and toes also becoming visible. During this period, the mother will have less trouble with morning sickness and may start to feel less stressed about her condition.
Fourth Month Pregnancy Symptoms: It is possible for a mother to begin to suffer from constipation during this period. The rapid growth of the fetus and therefore of the uterus may put pressure on parts of the digestive system. During the preceding period, morning sickness may also have caused a change in diet which can also be a reason for constipation.
Diet for Fourth Month of Pregnancy: Therefore, during the fourth month of pregnancy, it is important to begin to focus on fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. These are essential for the health of both the mother and the growing baby.
Fruits and vegetables also contain natural dietary fiber. Fiber is useful in reducing the symptoms of constipation and also improving the efficiency of the digestive process. You should not increase your dietary fiber rapidly as this may have a reverse effect on your body.
Gradually add more and more fiber as you go from week to week so that by the time you are into your fifth month, you are consuming plenty of fiber. You should also consume plenty of fluids as your body will begin to be under stress from the pregnancy during this period. This stress is caused by the ever increasing needs of your growing baby which need to be accommodated by a moderate increase in food as well as fluid intake. Juices provide energy through sugars and also some vitamins as well. Try and consume fresh fruit juices while avoiding canned and aerated drinks. Water consumption should be increased as well. It does not matter if you urinate regularly as a result of this; this is both healthy and normal. Urine passes toxins out of the body. Women suffering from constipation may also resort to five or six small meals a day rather than three large meals as this might help improve the digestion process.
Pregnancy is the nine month long period that occurs between fertilization and the delivery of your new born baby. Typically, there is always some variation from one birth to the next when it comes to the exact duration of pregnancy. One reason for this is the relative inaccuracy of the date of conception as symptoms tend to develop only days or weeks after pregnancy has occurred. During the period of development, the fetus changes from a cluster of a few cells to a full grown baby ready to be delivered. There are various stages in the pregnancy which are demarcated based on how the mother feels and what changes take place in her body.
4 Month Pregnancy Diet
The duration of pregnancy is divided into three terms known as trimesters. The fourth month of pregnancy marks the beginning of the second trimester. The trimesters are divided in such a way because of the changes experienced by the mother between one trimester and the next. The baby will begin showing signs like periods of sleeping, periods of waking and so on. There will also be a definite activity of kicking as well.
The 4 month pregnancy diet is important because there is increased pressure on the female digestive system during this time. The increased pressure comes from the growing baby. Thus, digestion may not be as efficient. Constipation is a condition that seems to affect many women at this stage during pregnancy. This means that the diet must be made up of foods that are easy to digest, nutritious and full of fiber. At this stage, the woman will have gotten over her morning sickness symptoms. Therefore, she can consume a whole range of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables tend to provide the body with good, healthy nutrition without adding too much waste. They also provide important vitamins and minerals which benefit the mother and her growing baby as well.
The change in the diet during the fourth month of pregnancy should be gradual. As the changes are taking place, the woman should ensure that her system is responding well to the changes. One important aspect of the 4 month pregnancy diet is the fact that the woman may need to consume smaller meals more regularly. This has been found to help women who suffer from constipation symptoms. When smaller meals are consumed, the digestive system does not have to struggle as much, therefore allowing for better functioning of the system. Another important source of nutrition in the 4 month pregnancy diet is through juices and shakes. These can all be made from natural products and allow the body to remain hydrated as well as well fed. Many women reduce their fluid intake because of the frequent urge to urinate, something that is not recommended.
During the second trimester, women tend to be least bothered by their pregnancy symptoms. The early pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness pass and there is still time before the third trimester symptoms of back pain and general discomfort appear. Hence, women tend to be quite active during this stage as the nesting instinct makes them prepare themselves for the child. The increase in activity means that the woman should eat well; in a healthy and nutritious way. 4 Month Pregnancy Symptoms
During each part of the pregnancy, there will be different symptoms experienced by the mother. The 4 month pregnancy symptoms include a feeling of good health and energy. As this is the middle of the pregnancy, one of the most noticeable 4 month pregnancy symptoms is that of the noticeable increase in the size of the mother’s belly as the baby continues to grow. The baby also moves upwards and outwards at this stage, thus reducing some of the pressure felt on the woman’s digestive system.
Many women notice that their breasts become larger during the fourth month of pregnancy. This happens as a result of the fact that the woman’s body is preparing itself for breastfeeding post delivery. Although delivery is still a few months away, the noticeable changes begin at this stage. The presence of this and other symptoms of 4 month pregnancy mean that the mother can begin to look for more comfortable clothing that will easily accommodate her growing body. Women may choose loose or stretchable clothing that will adjust to the changes that their bodies are undergoing.
As the woman reaches her fourth month of pregnancy, she tends to get used to the changes taking place in the body. Another important thing is that the fear of miscarriage or complications tends to reduce by this stage which makes the whole experience of pregnancy improve. The feeling of the baby moving will begin to take place, thus adding to the excitement felt by the mother as she prepares for the months ahead.
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