How does a 4-week-old embryo develop. What are the early signs of pregnancy at 4 weeks. When should you take a pregnancy test for accurate results. What precautions should pregnant women take during the first trimester.

Early Pregnancy Detection and Due Date Calculation

At 4 weeks pregnant, you may be eager to confirm your pregnancy and determine your due date. Here’s what you need to know:

Pregnancy Testing

For the most accurate results, it’s best to wait until a few days after your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. Use your first morning urine, as hCG levels are more concentrated at this time. Always follow the test instructions carefully.

If you receive a negative result but your period hasn’t arrived, don’t lose hope. Wait a few days and test again, as hormone levels may not yet be detectable in some cases.

Calculating Your Due Date

Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, you’ll naturally want to know when to expect your little one. A Due Date Calculator can help estimate your due date based on the date of your last menstrual period or the date of conception.

Keep in mind that a due date is just an estimate. In fact, only about 5% of women deliver on their exact due date. You’re just as likely to go into labor any day during the two weeks before or after your calculated due date.

Fetal Development at 4 Weeks

At 4 weeks, your baby-to-be is undergoing rapid and crucial development. Here’s what’s happening:

From Blastocyst to Embryo

Your future baby is transitioning from a ball of cells called a blastocyst to an embryo the size of a poppy seed. This transformation occurs around 10 to 12 days after fertilization when the amniotic sac forms.

Rapid Cell Growth and Differentiation

Cells are multiplying quickly and taking on specialized functions. The embryo consists of two layers: the hypoblast and the epiblast. From these layers, all of the baby’s organs will begin to develop over the next six weeks.

Formation of Crucial Structures

• Primitive Placenta: The embryo’s outer cells are tunneling into the uterine lining, creating spaces for maternal blood to flow and provide nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby.
• Amniotic Sac: This protective sac filled with amniotic fluid is now forming around the embryo.
• Yolk Sac: This temporary structure provides initial nourishment and contributes to the formation of the umbilical cord, gastrointestinal system, and reproductive organs.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms at 4 Weeks

While not all women experience symptoms this early, some may notice changes in their body. Here are some common early pregnancy symptoms:

Breast Changes

Breast tenderness can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, typically starting around 4 to 6 weeks. You might notice:

• Swollen or tender breasts
• Darkening nipples
• Prominent blue or purple veins on the breasts

Fatigue

Exhaustion is a common early pregnancy symptom, affecting almost all expecting mothers in the first trimester. This is likely due to the dramatic rise in progesterone levels.

Nausea or Vomiting

Despite being called “morning sickness,” nausea can occur at any time of day. It usually begins around 6 weeks but can start as early as 4 weeks. Up to 80% of pregnant women experience nausea, with about half experiencing both nausea and vomiting.

Digestive Changes

Increased progesterone levels can slow down digestion, leading to:

• Gas and bloating
• Increased burping
• Constipation

Cramping

Mild cramping can be normal in early pregnancy, often associated with implantation. However, severe cramping or cramping accompanied by bleeding should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

Mood Swings

Hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue can contribute to mood swings during pregnancy. While emotional upheaval is normal, persistent or severe mood changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Precautions and Health Considerations at 4 Weeks Pregnant

The first few weeks of pregnancy are crucial for fetal development. Here are some important precautions to take:

Avoid Harmful Substances

Steer clear of:

• Alcohol
• Smoking and secondhand smoke
• Illicit drugs
• Unsafe chemicals and toxins

Be Cautious of High Temperatures

High temperatures, especially early in pregnancy, have been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects. Avoid:

• Saunas
• Steam baths
• Hot tubs
• Prolonged exposure to very hot environments

Start Prenatal Care

Schedule your first prenatal appointment if you haven’t already. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes to support a healthy pregnancy.

Nutritional Needs at 4 Weeks Pregnant

Proper nutrition is crucial from the very beginning of pregnancy. Here’s what you should focus on:

Folic Acid

Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects. Start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily if you haven’t already.

Balanced Diet

Focus on eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats
• Dairy or calcium-fortified alternatives

Hydration

Proper hydration is crucial during pregnancy. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Emotional Well-being During Early Pregnancy

The early weeks of pregnancy can be emotionally challenging. Here are some tips for maintaining emotional well-being:

Open Communication

Share your feelings with your partner, family, or close friends. Open communication can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Self-Care

Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as:

• Gentle exercise (with your healthcare provider’s approval)
• Meditation or prenatal yoga
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy

Seek Support

Consider joining a prenatal support group or connecting with other expectant mothers. Sharing experiences and concerns can be reassuring and helpful.

Planning Ahead: What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

As you progress through your pregnancy, here’s what you can anticipate in the near future:

Increasing Symptoms

Many women experience an increase in pregnancy symptoms around 6-8 weeks. Be prepared for:

• More pronounced nausea and vomiting
• Increased fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Food aversions or cravings

First Prenatal Visit

Your first prenatal visit typically occurs between 8-10 weeks. During this visit, you can expect:

• A thorough medical history review
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Possibly an early ultrasound

Lifestyle Adjustments

As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments:

• Modifying your exercise routine
• Adjusting your diet to accommodate changing nutritional needs
• Planning for maternity leave and childcare
• Considering prenatal education classes

At 4 weeks pregnant, you’re at the beginning of an incredible journey. While it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, remember that every pregnancy is unique. Focus on taking care of yourself, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions. The coming weeks and months will bring many changes, but also the joy of watching your baby grow and develop.

As you navigate through these early weeks, remember that support is available. Whether it’s from your partner, family, friends, or healthcare professionals, don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. This is a time of significant physical and emotional changes, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being.

In the weeks to come, you’ll start to notice more changes in your body and possibly experience more pronounced pregnancy symptoms. Keep in mind that while some discomfort is normal, severe symptoms or concerns should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.

As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about your growing baby through prenatal appointments and possibly ultrasounds. These milestones can be exciting and reassuring, offering glimpses into the life developing within you.

Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique. Try not to compare your experience too closely with others or with previous pregnancies if this isn’t your first. Focus on your health, your baby’s development, and the joy of this special time in your life.

In the coming months, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for your baby’s arrival. For now, concentrate on taking care of yourself, staying informed, and enjoying the early stages of your pregnancy journey. The adventure of parenthood is just beginning, and these early weeks are laying the foundation for the months to come.

4 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Cramping & More

• Community
• Getting Pregnant
• Pregnancy
• Baby Names
• Baby
• Toddler
• Child
• Health
• Family
• Courses
• Registry Builder
• Baby Products

Advertisement

35

Highlights this week

Pregnancy testing

If you haven’t already, test now to confirm you’re pregnant. For the most accurate results, wait until a few day after you miss your period before you take a pregnancy test, use your first morning pee so hCG levels are more concentrated, and follow the directions on your test carefully. If you get a negative pregnancy test but your period hasn’t come, wait a few days and test again.

Your due date

Our Due Date Calculator can determine your due date based on the date of your last menstrual period or the date of conception. Keep in mind that a due date is just a guess – only 1 out of 20 women actually delivers on her due date. You’re just as likely to go into labor any day during the two weeks before or after.

From blastocyst to embryo

Your baby-to-be will soon transform from a ball of cells called a blastocyst to an embryo the size of a poppy seed. (Once your amniotic sac forms, 10 to 12 days after fertilization, your baby becomes an official embryo.) Over the next six weeks, your baby’s nervous system, connective tissue, and organs will start to develop.

Baby development at 4 weeks

Growing fast

Cells are multiplying rapidly and taking on different functions. Your little embryo consists of two layers called the hypoblast and the epiblast, from which all of the organs will begin to develop over the next six weeks. This is the time when your baby will be most vulnerable to anything that might interfere with development, so be sure to steer clear of alcohol, smoking, drugs, and unsafe chemicals.

Also, watch out for overheating. High temperatures, especially early in pregnancy, have been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects. That’s why saunas, steam baths, and hot tubs aren’t recommended during pregnancy.

Primitive placenta

Your embryo’s outer cells are tunneling into the lining of your uterus. Spaces form within this layer for your blood to flow into so that you’ll be able to provide nutrients and oxygen to your growing baby.

Amniotic sac and yolk sac

There’s now an amniotic sac surrounding your embryo – it contains amniotic fluid and will cushion your baby as they grow. Your tiny embryo also has a yolk sac, which temporarily provides nourishment and makes cells that turn into the umbilical cord, gastrointestinal system, and reproductive organs.

Having twins?

It’s too soon to know. But it’s still fun to see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week. You can also learn about your likelihood of having twins or more.

Your baby at 4 weeks

Tap the plus for more details

Advertisement | page continues below

Your baby is about the size of a poppy seed

Pregnancy symptoms during week 4

No pregnancy symptoms?

Don’t worry. Many women don’t feel anything yet this week. By next week, about half of women will experience symptoms, but most early pregnancy symptoms don’t start until about 6 weeks.

Tender, swollen breasts

Breast tenderness can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. It usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester. You may notice your breasts growing or your nipples darkening. Some women also see prominent blue or purple veins develop on their breasts in early pregnancy.

Fatigue

For many women, exhaustion is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Pregnancy fatigue affects almost all expecting moms in the first trimester, likely due to a dramatic rise in progesterone.

Nausea or vomiting

Despite the misleading name, morning sickness can strike at any time of day. It usually starts around 6 weeks of pregnancy but can begin as early as 4 weeks. Up to 80 percent of expecting moms experience nausea during pregnancy, and about half have both nausea and vomiting.

Gas and bloating

Increased progesterone levels may be slowing down your digestion and causing gas and bloating. Even weeks before you begin to show, you may burp or pass gas much more often, or have to unbutton your pants to relieve bloating.

Cramping

Cramps during pregnancy are often nothing to worry about. In early pregnancy, some women feel implantation cramps (and can have some spotting) when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. However, first trimester cramps along with other symptoms (such as bleeding) can signal a problem such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Find out when to call your doctor or midwife about cramping during pregnancy.

Mood swings

Hormones, stress, and exhaustion all contribute to mood swings during pregnancy, which can be strongest in the first trimester. Emotional upheaval is normal right now. But if your mood swings are becoming more frequent or more intense, or if they last longer than two weeks, talk to your provider. You may be among the one in 10 women who battle mild to moderate depression during pregnancy.

Your body at 4 weeks

Tap the plus for more details

Pregnancy checklist at 4 weeks pregnant

Make a prenatal appointment

Once you get a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor or midwife and make your first prenatal appointment. Many healthcare providers will schedule your first visit for when you’re about 8 weeks pregnant. Some will see you sooner, particularly if you have a medical condition, have had problems with a pregnancy in the past, or are having symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.

Make sure your medicine is pregnancy-safe

Always check with your provider before you take any kind of medicine during pregnancy – prescription medicine or even an over-the-counter (OTC) product. If you take medication currently, ask your provider whether it’s a safe medicine for pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife can help you find a good alternative if it isn’t.

Soothe your digestive system

If you’re plagued by gas, bloating, or an uncomfortable sensation in your gut, try eating smaller meals throughout the day. Eat slowly and chew your food well, don’t drink too much water during meals, and avoid carbonated beverages, gum, and the artificial sweetener sorbitol. Exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga, can also provide relief.

Find out what’s in store throughout pregnancy

You’re pregnant! Now what? Get a sneak peek at the months ahead with our quick pregnancy overview.

4 weeks pregnant bellies

Though you just found out you’re pregnant, you may already feel the button on your pants digging into your belly. That’s due to bloating, which can make your clothes uncomfortable even this early in your pregnancy journey.

It will be a few months before you need maternity clothes, but until then you’ll probably appreciate things that are loose-fitting at the waist, like leggings, joggers, sweats, and maxi dresses. You’ll be glad you have them as your body starts to change more.

There may be a period where your regular clothes don’t fit, but you’re not ready to wear maternity clothes yet either – that’s normal. This in-between phase is a good time to shop your closet with an eye for soft knits, athleisure, loose-fitting blouses, oversize cardigans, and roomy dresses. These items can also be helpful if you aren’t ready to announce your pregnancy yet, and want to keep well-meaning-but-curious friends and colleagues at bay.

This week’s video

Kate Marple

Kate Marple is a writer and editor who specializes in health, pregnancy, and parenting content. She’s passionate about translating complicated medical information into helpful pregnancy and parenting advice that’s easy to understand. She lives in San Francisco with her family.

Advertisement | page continues below

3 weeks 5 weeks

Advertisement

Week-by-Week Pregnancy Scan Photos Weeks 4-40

PREGNANCY

Last modified on Tuesday 3 May 2022

Scan photos are so precious during pregnancy – it’s wonderful to see your baby growing and ultrasound pictures can be lovely keepsakes. See how your baby is developing in each week of pregnancy with these ultrasound images, from weeks four to 40.

For parents anxious and excited to see their growing baby, getting a glimpse of your little one on an ultrasound scan is an incredibly special thing. The NHS usually offers two ultrasound scans – one at 12 weeks, and one at 20 – to check your baby’s health and, if you want, to predict your baby’s sex.

But what does your baby look like the rest of the time? At eight weeks, your growing fetus is still the size of a bean, while at 30 weeks the NHS says that it’s grown to the size of a cabbage. Find out what other characteristics your baby is developing each week with these week-by-week pregnancy scans …

These scans are based on the gestational age, so although it’s Week 4 of your pregnancy, you’ve technically only been pregnant for two weeks.

This is because there’s no way of knowing exactly when you conceived, so experts will date your pregnancy from the first day of your last period. Most women conceive around two weeks after this.

So although week 4 is four weeks since the first day of your last period, it’s likely only 2 weeks since you conceived.

In the fourth week of pregnancy, the fertilized egg settles in the uterus. Here, just the gestational sac (black) can be seen as the embryo is still too small.

Play video

4 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

The embryo is now about two millimetres long and usually still not visible on the ultrasound. Nevertheless, the embryo’s heart begins to beat this week.

5 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

The embryo now measures about 15 millimetres. It can be seen here from the front – the head is to the left in the picture.

8 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

The embryo is about two inches long in the 9th week of pregnancy. The small tail regresses now, and the ears are slowly being revealed. The fetus here is pictured with the head lowered towards the chest.

9 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

At 10 weeks, the fetus measures approximately 2. 5 centimetres. The head is still huge in size compared to the rest of the body.

In this picture, the head is still inclined towards the chest, but soon it’ll gradually begin to raise.

10 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

On this ultrasound image, only the legs of the fetus are shown. They are bent at the knees at a right angle, the feet pointing upwards.

The feet are already clearly developed.

11 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

Here you can see the head and part of the upper body. You can see the skull bone and the jaw and teeth.

The small nose and mouth are clearly visible at the end of the first trimester, even though the fetus measures only five centimetres.

12 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

The image shows the leg of the fetus. The long bones in the upper and lower legs are clearly distinguishable already, as are the toe bones in the foot.

15 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

On the ultrasound image, the umbilical cord can be seen. It supplies the baby with nutrients and oxygen and carries away waste products.

16 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

On this 3D ultrasound scan, you can already clearly see a little face has formed. The baby now measures about 12cm from crown to rump.

17 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

You can see here both hands and one foot. From the bottom right the foot comes into the picture, toes pointing to the left above.

A hand is coming from the top right in the picture, the fingers of both hands fan out to the left.

18 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

The fetus is not seen in this picture, but rather the placenta (the entire grey area at the bottom), from which springs the umbilical cord.

19 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

You can quite clearly see the hand and finger bones. By this stage of pregnancy, the baby can now explore his surroundings, suck his thumbs or play with his umbilical cord.

24 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

By this stage the baby can now swallow amniotic fluid and often gets the hiccups. On this scan picture you can see how far he opens his mouth.

26 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

In the last week of the second trimester (the third trimester begins at 28 weeks) the blood flow in the brain can be clearly seen.

27 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

As well as the flow of blood, you can also see other fluids in a scan – in this case you can also see the urine stream of the baby.

Although babies urinate into the amniotic fluid, it is highly sterile.

28 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

In this image you can see the baby’s face and his eyes are slightly open – by 31 weeks babies open and close their eyes regularly.

31 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

In this picture you can see the child from above the head. The bright points in the image is hair floating in the amniotic fluid.

35 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

Again, you can see the profile – the baby’s face is fully formed now, and if it was born at this point, he would no longer be classed premature.

37 weeks pregnant – all you need to know

See more real-life scan pics in our forum – or even share your own! Or check out our articles below:

Incredible post-birth photos show what babies looked like inside the womb

CHAT: Swap scan pics with other parents-to-be here!

The best apps for parents-to-be

Pregnancy 4 weeks description and photo – Euromedclinic 24

This week the baby’s growth is from 0.36 mm to 1 mm. The period of development that began at week 4 is called “embryonic”, it will last until the beginning of the eleventh week of your pregnancy. The fourth week is extremely important for the unborn baby, now all his organs are beginning to form, and some of them will even begin to function! Embryonic petals begin to form, which will subsequently develop into various tissues and organs. The inner layer, or endoderm, serves as the basis for the formation of the lungs, digestive system, liver and pancreas. The middle layer, or mesoderm, will be transformed into the bone, muscle and circulatory systems, heart and kidneys. The outer layer, or ectoderm, will develop further into hair, skin, nervous system, eye lenses, tooth enamel. The head of the embryo also begins to form. Now it is a small droplet, tender and transparent.

In addition, on the 4th week there is an active development of extra-embryonic organs – amnion, chorion, yolk sac. It is these organs that will provide breathing, nutrition, protection and support for your baby. The amnion will become the basis for the development of the fetal bladder, and the chorion – the placenta. In general, the most important weeks in the development of an unborn child are from 1 to 12, at which time not only internal organs are formed, but also the placenta, which plays a huge role in providing the baby with nutrition, oxygen, and also in the production of hormones.

What is the “yellow body” and what is its role?

After ovulation, the ovum leaves the ovary, and in the place where the ruptured follicle remained, a corpus luteum, or corpus luteum, is formed. Outwardly, it looks like a small bubble or sac, which contains liquid and is located on the wall of the ovary. The corpus luteum rapidly develops blood vessels designed to produce hormones, in particular progesterone. The hormones will keep the pregnancy going early until the placenta separates.

Physicians have not yet come to a consensus on the role of the corpus luteum. There is a point of view that it plays an important role at the beginning of pregnancy, supplying the body with progesterone. Starting from 8-12 weeks, the placenta begins to supply progesterone, and the corpus luteum, as a rule, functions for about 6 months. However, there are cases when the corpus luteum persisted until childbirth. In addition, there are a number of cases when the corpus luteum had to be removed during the implantation period due to a ruptured cyst, while the pregnancy proceeded and ended quite successfully.

Changes in a woman’s body

You should have started your period by the end of this week. The delay confuses you, you start to suspect something. And then he also feels a little nauseous, and for some reason the temperature rises for no apparent reason. Yes, and she became irritable … Have you still not bought a pregnancy test? Then now is the time!

What to do in the fourth week of pregnancy

If you want, take a blood test for the hormone hCG (chorionic gonadotropin), its level in the blood rises already 10 days after fertilization. This analysis will be the most informative and will definitely let you know whether you are pregnant or not.

Directions

+7(495)500-93-90

Shchelkovskaya

Pervomaiskaya

12 minutes from Metro Shelkovskaya and Pervomaiskaya

Make an appointment 9 0003

Ultrasound photo during pregnancy, fetal photo during ultrasound during pregnancy

4-5 weeks

Photo ultrasound of the fetus during pregnancy 4-5 weeks

The earliest period at which a fetal egg in the uterine cavity can be seen using transvaginal ultrasound is the 30th day of gestation, or 4-5 obstetric weeks of pregnancy. The level of hCG blood in this case should be at least 1000 mU / ml. At this time, neither the embryo nor the yolk sac is visible. When visualizing two fetal eggs, it can be argued that this is a dichorionic multiple pregnancy. When visualizing one fetal egg, it can be argued that this is a monochorionic pregnancy. But at this time, we still cannot say how many embryos are in each fetal egg. In addition, during a single ultrasound, we still cannot tell if this pregnancy is progressing, since the embryo does not yet have a heartbeat. The average inner diameter (SID) of the fetal egg at this time is 2-10 mm.

The conclusion will indicate: Uterine pregnancy of a short term.

More about ultrasound in early pregnancy

5-6 weeks

Photo ultrasound of the fetus during pregnancy 5-6 weeks

At this time, a white ring appears inside the fetal egg – this is the yolk sac.

Foci of erythropoiesis are formed in the wall of the yolk sac, which form a capillary network, supplying erythroblasts (nuclear erythrocytes) to the primary circulatory system of the fetus. The yolk sac is a source of primary germ cells that migrate from its wall to the anlage of the gonads of the embryo. Until the 6th week after fertilization, the yolk sac, playing the role of the “primary liver”, produces many important proteins for the embryo – alpha-fetoprotein, transferrins, alpha2-microglobulin. By the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, this provisional organ ceases to function and is reduced.

The normal size of the yolk sac is 2-6 mm. If two yolk sacs are visualized in the fetal egg, then this is a monochorionic multiple pregnancy. But if one yolk sac is visible inside the ovum, and the embryo is not yet clearly visualized, then this may still be monochorionic monoamniotic twins.

At the beginning of the 5th week, the embryo is practically indistinguishable on the wall of the yolk sac, but by the end of the week, the coccyx-parietal size (CTE) of the embryo reaches 3 mm.

SVD of the ovum 11-16 mm.

Read also: Is ultrasound harmful during pregnancy? Is ultrasound dangerous? How often can an ultrasound be done?

6 – 7 weeks

Photo ultrasound of the fetus during pregnancy 6-7 weeks

Inside the fetal egg, we see a “ringlet with a precious stone” 🙂 – this is the yolk sac and already a well-defined embryo, located nearby. The heart of the embryo begins to beat at the beginning of the 6th obstetric week of pregnancy. It is the presence of a heart pulsation that is a reliable ultrasound sign of a progressing pregnancy. With CTE ≥6 mm and the absence of heart pulsation, a conclusion is made about stopping the development of this embryo. Normal heart rate (HR) of the embryo at the very beginning of the 6th week 70-90 beats per minute, but by the end of the week it becomes more than 100 beats. in min. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is not the heart rate that matters, but the presence or absence of heart contractions as such. Sometimes, with a non-developing pregnancy, you can see the reflection of the pulsation of the mother’s vessels inside the embryo and take them for the baby’s heartbeat. But in this case, the pulsation frequency will be identical to the mother’s heart rate.

The presence of one yolk sac, one embryo and one pulsating heart in most cases indicates a singleton pregnancy. But in very rare cases, it may later turn out to be unseparated twins.

SVD of the ovum 13-23 mm. Embryo KTR 4-9 mm.

Read also: “I don’t want an ultrasound, I want a baby!”. Why is ultrasound during pregnancy necessary?

7 – 8 weeks

Photo ultrasound of the fetus during pregnancy 7-8 weeks

The distance between the embryo and the yolk sac gradually increases and the yolk duct (ductus vitellinus), which connects the yolk sac and the intestines of the embryo, becomes clearly visible. Just like the yolk sac, the duct becomes empty and resolves at a later date, but if this does not happen for some reason, then a person develops a blind protrusion of the ileum wall – Meckel’s diverticulum.

Until this time, the chorion has an annular shape, surrounds the fetal egg from all sides, and it is still impossible to say which wall of the uterus the embryo has attached to.

In the case of monochorionic twins, no amniotic membranes are yet visible, and in the presence of two yolk sacs, it is still impossible to tell whether this pregnancy is mono or diamniotic. If the gestational sac contains two yolk sacs and two fetuses with cardiac activity, the subsequent number of amniotic cavities may be greater than the number of placentas (monochorial diamniotic) or the same (monochorial monoamniotic). In this case, it is possible to accurately determine amnionality after 8 weeks, when the amniotic membranes begin to be clearly visualized.

Embryo heart rate 130-160 beats per minute.

SVD of the ovum 24-30 mm, CTE of the embryo 9-15 mm.

8 – 9 weeks

Photo ultrasound of the fetus during pregnancy 8-9 weeks

During the ultrasound of the embryo, it is already possible to clearly distinguish individual segments – the head, trunk, limbs. The first movement appears. The amniotic membranes become clearly visible and we can already talk about the number of amniotic sacs in multiple pregnancies. The chorion is differentiated into a smooth one, facing the uterine cavity, and a branched one, from which the placenta will subsequently form, so that we can already talk about the predominant location of the chorion along the anterior or posterior wall of the uterus.