Pregnancy Weeks After Miscarriage: A Guide for Expecting Mothers

Gestational age

During my first pregnancy, I was five weeks along but experienced a miscarriage on April 22 (it was a natural miscarriage without medication or surgery).
The doctor mentioned that my next menstrual period would arrive at the end of the month.
However, my period was late at the end of May, and on June 1, I took a pregnancy test and found out I was pregnant again.
In this situation, how should I calculate the gestational age? Is April 22 considered my last menstrual period? Recently, during my follow-up appointment on August 2, I was told I was 13 weeks along.
Normally, I should have been 14 weeks at my next appointment on August 11, but the doctor said there would be discrepancies due to a new machine he was using, so the gestational age was recorded as 13 weeks.
The calculations seem increasingly confusing and inaccurate.
I would appreciate any clarification from a physician.
Thank you.
🙏

Xiao Xiao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, sometimes the weeks may vary slightly, but a difference of one week is acceptable.
Please have the original obstetric examination done.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/08/15

More Info

Understanding the timeline of pregnancy after a miscarriage can indeed be confusing, especially when it comes to calculating gestational weeks. In your case, since you experienced a natural miscarriage on April 22, it is essential to clarify how to determine your current pregnancy's gestational age.

Typically, the gestational age of a pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). However, in the case of a miscarriage, this can become a bit more complicated. If your doctor indicated that your next period would arrive at the end of May, and you did not get your period but instead found out you were pregnant again on June 1, this suggests that your body may not have returned to its typical menstrual cycle immediately after the miscarriage.

In this scenario, the date of your last menstrual period would not be April 22, as that was the date of your miscarriage. Instead, your new pregnancy would be calculated from the date of conception, which is typically around two weeks after your LMP. If you had a regular cycle, and assuming you ovulated around the time you conceived, your estimated due date and gestational age would be based on the date of conception rather than the date of your miscarriage.

When you returned for your check-up on August 2 and were told you were 13 weeks pregnant, this aligns with the typical calculation of gestational age based on conception. The discrepancy you mentioned regarding the new ultrasound machine affecting the gestational age assessment is not uncommon. Different machines and techniques can yield slightly varying results, but they typically remain within a week or so of each other.

To summarize, in your case:
1. The date of your miscarriage (April 22) does not count as your last menstrual period for the purpose of calculating your current pregnancy.

2. Your new pregnancy is calculated from the date of conception, which would likely be around mid-May if you missed your period at the end of May and tested positive on June 1.

3. The gestational age of 13 weeks at your August 2 appointment is consistent with this timeline.

It's important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about gestational age and the health of your pregnancy. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your specific situation and any ultrasounds or tests performed.

In terms of medical knowledge, it is also worth noting that after a miscarriage, it is generally recommended to wait for at least one normal menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. This allows the body to recover and can help in accurately dating the next pregnancy. However, many women do conceive successfully soon after a miscarriage, and with proper prenatal care, they can have healthy pregnancies.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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