How To Calculate The Number Of Weeks Of Pregnancy

Getting pregnant is an exciting feeling especially for couples who have been trying to conceive for a long period of time.

This excitement causes a desire to know how far along you are in the pregnancy. For others, there are different reasons for calculating their number of pregnancy weeks. Regardless of the reasons, there is really no way to tell when you ovulated and when you conceived.

To determine the date of your pregnancy, a doctor might use a last menstrual period (LMP) test. Physicians are not the only ones who can use the LMP test to determine your pregnancy weeks. You can use one yourself as well.

Pregnancy Statistics From Statista: In the United States, the latest figures report some 6.2 million pregnancies for 2010. Of this number, 4 million had a live birth outcome. On the other hand, approximately 1.1 million induced abortions and 1 million miscarriages at all gestational periods were reported.

The Last Menstrual Period (LMP) Test

As you can tell from the name, this test involves your last period. When calculating the number of your pregnancy weeks using this measure, you need to try and remember when your last period started. Day one of your last menstrual period is day one of your pregnancy.

For other women, counting their pregnancy from the day that they were likely to be ovulating during the month of pregnancy works as well. Through this process, you will be able to get an estimate date for the conception. This is usually about two weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.

While using the LMP method, you will be two weeks further along in your pregnancy unlike if you use your estimated date of conception. Don’t be surprised when a health professional tells you that you have been pregnant for about two weeks longer than you really have been since they base their calculations on the LMP test.

The problem of the LMP test happens when you can’t remember the date of your last period or if you tend to have irregular periods. Using the LMP test to determine how many weeks pregnant you are will be difficult if you have an irregular menstrual cycle. If your cycle varies in length then counting from the first day of your last menstrual period will not give you a reliable date.

In these cases, the first ultrasound scan, also known as your dating scan will give you a more reliable date. The ultrasound scan is performed by a sonographer. This person will measure your baby from his head to bottom and give a more accurate idea on how many weeks you are.

So don’t worry if you have irregular periods or you cannot remember the first day of your LMP. You may not be able to measure how many weeks pregnant you are but a sonographer will be able to help you out.

Can A Blood Test Show How Far Along A Pregnancy Is?

Yes it can. A quantitative blood test done as early as 11-14 days after ovulation measures the exact amount of HCG in the blood. As a result, it can give an estimate of how far along your pregnancy is.

For some women, the ultrasound scan works more accurately while still for others, the blood test is the best. It will all depend on the recommendation of your doctor.

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We at Whitefish Family Doctor are a one stop solution in Whitefish, MT for most all women’s health problems. We have a team of friendly professional staff members who help patients through proper pregnancy and family planning, decision making and helpful treatments.

To make an appointment at Whitefish Family Doctor, please call us at (406) 334-2204.