4 Weeks Pregnant: Positive Test, Symptoms & Next Steps

At 4 weeks pregnant, implantation is finishing and your body has started making hCG, the pregnancy hormone. From the day your period is due, a home pregnancy test may show positive. Your baby-to-be is a tiny cluster of cells, smaller than a poppy seed.

Taking a pregnancy test at 4 weeks

Home pregnancy tests look for hCG in your wee. Your body starts making it once implantation begins, and levels roughly double every two to three days in early pregnancy. Some sensitive tests can pick it up before a missed period, but you'll get the most reliable result from the day your period is due.

Tips for an accurate result

• Use your first wee of the morning. It's more concentrated, so hCG is easier to detect.
• Follow the instructions exactly. Read the result within the time on the pack, as lines that appear later may not be accurate.
• A faint line usually still counts. Test again in two or three days, when the line should be darker.
• Negative, but no period? Test again in a few days, or see your GP.

Most everyday medicines don't affect pregnancy tests. Fertility medicines that contain hCG can, so check with your doctor if you're having fertility treatment. Your GP can also confirm a pregnancy with a blood test.

What's happening this week

The ball of cells is now settled in the lining of your uterus and is splitting into two groups. The inner cells will become your baby, and the outer cells will become the placenta.

Two structures are also forming. The amniotic sac will fill with fluid to cushion your baby as they grow. The yolk sac nourishes the embryo and makes its first blood cells until the placenta is ready to take over.

Three layers, one baby

Over the next week or two, the embryo organises itself into three layers of cells. Each layer goes on to build different parts of your baby's body.

From around week 5 to week 10, your baby's major organs begin to form. This is when they're most sensitive to alcohol, smoking and some medicines, so it's a good time to double-check anything you're taking with your GP or pharmacist.

Symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant

It's completely normal to have no symptoms yet. If you do notice changes, they may feel a lot like your usual period is on its way:

• A missed period. Often the first sign for people with regular cycles.
• Tiredness. Rising progesterone can leave you feeling wiped out, even this early.
• Tender breasts. They may feel sore, full or tingly.
• Mild cramping and bloating. Similar to period cramps, and usually nothing to worry about.
• Light spotting. Some people have implantation bleeding, which is pink or brown and much lighter than a period.
• Mood changes. Hormone shifts, plus the wait to find out, can make emotions run high.

Looking after your mental health

Feeling excited, anxious or both at once is normal in early pregnancy. Talk to your partner or someone you trust about how you're going. If you feel low or anxious most days, or you've had depression or anxiety before, let your GP know early. You can also call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306 for free support.

Got a positive test? What happens next

Here's a rough order of what to organise over the next few weeks.

1. See your GPThis week or next

   They'll confirm your pregnancy, check your supplements and medicines, and talk through your health history.

2. Choose your model of careWeeks 5 to 8

   Options include public hospital care, midwife-led care, GP shared care or a private obstetrician. Private obstetricians and some midwife programs book up early, so it's worth looking into this now.

3. Have your first antenatal visitBefore 10 weeks

   Australian guidelines recommend your first antenatal appointment within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

4. Consider screening testsFrom 10 weeks

   The NIPT blood test can be done from 10 weeks, and combined first trimester screening happens at 11 to 13 weeks. Your GP or midwife can explain your options.

Looking after yourself this week

Supplements

Keep taking 400 micrograms of folic acid and 150 micrograms of iodine a day. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for your baby's bones and teeth. Ask your GP whether you need a vitamin D test or supplement, especially if you get little sun or have darker skin. When you're outdoors, follow SunSmart advice.

Easing bloating

Eat smaller meals more often, eat slowly and cut back on fizzy drinks.

If nausea starts

Morning sickness often starts around week 6, but some people notice it earlier. Nibbling a dry cracker before you get out of bed, eating small meals often and trying ginger can help. See your GP if you can't keep food or fluids down.

Rest and food safety

Early pregnancy tiredness is real, so go to bed early when you can. Keep avoiding alcohol and smoking, and brush up on which foods to enjoy and avoid in pregnancy.

Helpful for this stage

Week 4 FAQs