Pregnancy Weeks: Accuracy and Health Concerns

Q: Pregnancy Weeks: Accuracy and Health Concerns

Hello, Miss Anonymous： For individuals with a regular menstrual cycle, it is relatively easy to determine the gestational age. <br>However, based on your description, it is difficult to assess your gestational age solely from the menstrual cycle. <br>The initial assessment can on

Gestational age

Hello Doctor, my menstrual cycle is irregular.
The timing varies each month, but I am certain that my period started on February 2nd and ended on February 13th.
I did not get my period in March.
I took a pregnancy test on March 25th, which was negative, but I tested positive on April 6th.
On April 11th, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department because I was worried, and I was informed that I was 9 weeks and 5 days pregnant.
The doctor mentioned that the fetus is too small and may need to be terminated.
Is this gestational age accurate?
2.
At the beginning of March, I was busy moving and did not realize I was pregnant.
I ate very little during that time, sometimes just instant noodles.
Could this affect the fetus? I am relatively short, only 147 cm tall.
With my first pregnancy, I found out I was pregnant at 6 months, and the doctor also said the fetus was too small, but I later gave birth to a baby weighing 3146 grams.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/14

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, Miss Anonymous: For individuals with a regular menstrual cycle, it is relatively easy to determine the gestational age.
However, based on your description, it is difficult to assess your gestational age solely from the menstrual cycle.
The initial assessment can only be made based on the size observed in the ultrasound.
It is important to clarify that the gestational age provided by the doctor may sometimes differ by two weeks from the actual conception date.
The accuracy of the doctor's assessment will depend on the ultrasound report.
The physiological logic of pregnancy primarily considers the needs of the fetus.
Even if the pregnant woman experiences weight loss during pregnancy, the likelihood of it affecting the fetus is low, unless the mother is severely malnourished, which could ultimately impact the fetus.
Therefore, your statement about eating very little during pregnancy, sometimes consuming instant noodles, should not have a significant effect on the fetus.

Reply Date: 2020/04/14

More Info

Understanding pregnancy weeks can indeed be confusing, especially when menstrual cycles are irregular. In your case, you mentioned that your last menstrual period (LMP) was on February 2, and you did not have a period in March. You confirmed your pregnancy on March 25, but it wasn't until April 11 that you were informed you were approximately 9 weeks and 5 days along.
To clarify, pregnancy weeks are typically calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period. This means that if your LMP was February 2, you would be considered about 9 weeks pregnant by April 11, which aligns with what your doctor told you. However, if your menstrual cycles are irregular, the dating may not be entirely accurate. In such cases, an ultrasound is often used to determine the gestational age of the fetus more accurately. Ultrasounds can provide a clearer picture of fetal development and help confirm the estimated due date.

Regarding your concerns about your diet during the early stages of your pregnancy, it is essential to understand that the first trimester is a critical period for fetal development. While occasional consumption of instant noodles or less nutritious food may not have a significant impact, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial. Nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein are vital for the healthy development of the fetus. If you were under stress and not eating well due to moving, it is advisable to focus on improving your diet now that you are aware of your pregnancy.
Given your height and body type, it is also important to monitor your weight gain during pregnancy. The recommended weight gain varies depending on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). For women with a lower BMI, gaining weight within the recommended range is crucial for both maternal and fetal health.
You mentioned that during your first pregnancy, you were also told that the fetus was small, but you later delivered a healthy baby weighing 3146 grams. This indicates that while fetal growth can vary, it is possible to have a healthy outcome even if initial assessments suggest otherwise. Regular prenatal check-ups are essential to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, especially if there are concerns about size or growth.

In conclusion, while the gestational age provided by your doctor seems accurate based on your LMP, it is always best to follow up with regular ultrasounds and prenatal visits to ensure everything is progressing well. If you have any specific dietary concerns or symptoms, such as nausea or lack of appetite, discussing these with your healthcare provider can help you receive tailored advice. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is key to a healthy pregnancy.

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