My fourth month of pregnancy

Where is my baby?

Your baby is getting increasingly active: you may even be starting to feel it move! These sensations will, at first, be very light, like butterfly wings or bubbles in your stomach. It may happen that you feel nothing for the moment. Be patient ... it won't be much longer. Your baby can now open its mouth, turn its eyes, frown and even move its thumb to its mouth and suck it!

Your baby senses are continuing to develop. His retina is now starting to function. His sense of touch is developing. You have to wait for the 24th week for his nervous system to mature. His sense of smell is also developing bit by bit, but your baby will not be able to perceive odours until the seventh month. He will also start learning to taste thanks to the taste of the amniotic fluid, which varies, depending on the food you eat. Finally, from the 15th week of pregnancy onwards, your baby will start to hear! he will perceive the sounds of your heart, your stomach and especially your voice through the amniotic fluid. You can start to speak softly to your baby to soothe him, even if he is not yet capable of interpreting!

My good dietary habits

The nausea and food aversions of the first trimester will have come to an end: you are rediscovering your appetite and can benefit from it. Have fun, but don't "overdo" it! As far as weight gain is concerned, there is no strict rule: everything depends on your body weight, your state of health and your metabolism... On average, the ideal weight gain will be 300 to 350 g per week during the second trimester; your doctor will be able to tell you what is best for you.

Pay particular attention to your intake of iodine, which is essential for the good functioning of the thyroid gland. This mineral is provided by food, especially table salt. Salt should not be excessively consumed. There is no point in salting everything on your plate, it is a matter of finding the right balance ! Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice if you want to know more.

A question of months: I feel like something sweet - what should I do?

Dreaming about a good strawberry tart or a some chocolate mousse during pregnancy is a common occurrence. Once again, it is mainly your hormones that are responsible. Should I give in to these cravings? Yes, from time to time, but only within reason, of course, and while continuing to eat a varied and balanced diet! You should know that, to satisfy your sugar cravings, the ideal is to opt for fresh or dried fruit, milk-based desserts (not cream) and natural yoghurt. Opt for "simple" products in small quantities: have a block of dark chocolate rather than a rich, fatty and sugary cake.

Your baby is still inside a bubble in your abdomen, with its vital organs continuing their development on a second by second basis. 

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