During the fourth month there are still some of the previously described symptoms, plus, of course, an overall swelling, caused by the retention of liquids, commonly known as edemas. Feelings of fatigue and weakness are frequent, and occasionally there may even be some fainting.
Venous dilatation in the legs, known as varicose veins, can become more prominent, but they usually return to normal after delivery.
Bleeding of the nose and gums is frequent, favored by the capillary dilation, due to the high levels of estrogens present. Elimination of a white-yellowish secretion of a lumpy consistence through the vagina is frequent. This substance, produced by the cervical glands, is partially retained in the duct of the cervix, becoming a true "mucous plug", that isolates the uterine cavity from the bacteria normally found in the mother's vagina, thus preventing infections in the fetus.
The bottom of the uterus settles half-way between the pubis and the navel. A mother who has previously had children can already feel some fetal movements at this stage. This is a big event in the evolution of the pregnancy since for the first time, the woman feels direct signals coming from her baby, without the aid of technological equipment. Her husband can also share this experience by carefully palpating the abdomen.
