Denial is a powerful thing. Even when we know something’s not quite right, we seem to find ways to push it out of our minds. This is often the case with an unplanned pregnancy. The possibility of being pregnant is so overwhelmingly stressful that we just ignore it – at least, for a while.
And then we make up excuses in our minds… “Maybe I did have my period, but it was just so light I didn’t notice,” or, “I probably missed those last couple of periods because of this new workout I’m doing.”
Eventually, however, reality always catches up. You are definitely pregnant, but how far along are you?
Calculating Your Pregnancy Timeline
With an unplanned pregnancy, you probably weren’t tracking ovulation. And, even if you can identify the date of the encounter that likely resulted in the pregnancy, it’s possible that the actual conception (the uniting of the sperm and egg) didn’t take place inside your body until a few days later.
So, estimating the length of the pregnancy is generally done beginning with the start date of your last period. If you were in denial for a while, it could be difficult to backtrack and recall that date, but do your best. It’s important information for you and your doctor.
Once you know the start date of your last period, there are several free online pregnancy calculators to do the math for you.
Confirming with a Professional
No matter what your own count or the output from an online calculator suggests, you should seek a more definitive answer from a medical professional.
A medical pregnancy test can help identify how many weeks along you are by measuring the levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood. hCG a hormone produced by the placenta when implantation first takes place.
An even more accurate method for dating a pregnancy during the first trimester is through an ultrasound. The ultrasound technician will take multiple measurements of your developing baby and compare them to known averages to determine how far along you are.
Knowing exactly how many weeks pregnant you are influences the options available to you, and the type of care you and your baby need.
At Sira in Gainesville, we offer free medical pregnancy tests and free limited ultrasounds to give you a clear understanding of where you are in your pregnancy. We also offer free pregnancy options consultations to give you the answers you need to make the right choice for your future.
Contact us today at 352-377-4947 to schedule an appointment.